Planning Applications

The planning system exists to ensure that development is in the public interest with positive outcomes for people, the environment and the economy. Most development in England requires that a planning application is made to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) for a decision. This process gives people a chance to comment on the proposal and ensure their views are considered.

What is the process for a planning application?

  1. A planning application is submitted to the LPA.
  2. The LPA publicises the application by advertising in the local newspaper and posting planning notices close to the site.
  3. The public and statutory consultees have 21 days to comment on the application. Statutory consultees with an interest in environmental matters include Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission. The Sussex Wildlife Trust is not a statutory consultee.
  4. The application and comments along with the planning officers report, are usually submitted to the Planning Committee which is comprised of elected members (Councillors) for determination, although sometimes decisions are delegated to planning officers instead. 
  5. The application will be determined in accordance with the local plan and any neighbourhood plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. This why it's important for you to be involved in the preparation of local plan policies.
  6. This process should take approximately 8 weeks from the date of submission, although in the current system, it is usually a lot longer.

How do you know if a planning application has been submitted?

There are a number of ways that you could become aware of a planning application in your local area. You may...

  • Receive a letter from your LPA notifying you of a nearby development proposal.
  • See an application notification posted on the site or in the local paper.
  • Be asked to join an action group.
  • Be told by a neighbour that he/she is making a planning application.
  • Have seen it listed on your LPA web pages.

Planning applications tend to be either Full or Outline. An outline application will have less detail about the proposal than a full one. If outline permission is granted, the developer will need to apply for full permission in due course. Large scale applications may take longer to determine, this is also the case with applications that go to appeal.

How can you respond to a planning application?

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