Guide to Making an Application

If you need to obtain planning permission the following information will help to answer questions you may have during the application process.

Where do I start?

Once you have established whether you need planning permission, the next stage to complete the appropriate application form and provide the necessary supporting documentation. Applications must be made using the Standard National Application Forms, known as 1APP forms.

Applications can be made in the following ways

1 Electronic application via the Planning Portal

Applications can be made electronically to the Council using the Planning Portal www.planningportal.gov.uk. Using this method you will be taken through the application process step-by-step and the appropriate 1APP form will be selected automatically. Only one copy of each document and plan will be required. At the moment, you will need to send your planning application fee by post. Payments via the Planning Portal will be coming soon.

2 Complete forms using the Planning Portal

Using this method you can use the Planning Portal to help you choose the correct 1APP form and guide you through its completion. You can then print off the forms and send them to the Council, together with any supporting plans and documents. Four copies of each plan and document will be required.

3 Paper form

Applications can still be made in the traditional way by completing the appropriate paper 1APP form. A number of variations of 1APP are available depending on the type of permission being sought. Care should be taken to select the appropriate form as failure to do so will result in the application being returned to you. Four copies of each plan and document will be required. 1APP forms can be downloaded here. Forms are also available directly from the Council offices.

What else do I need?

In addition to the appropriate 1APP form, applications should include:

Plans and drawings describing the proposal
Supporting documentation and reports
The appropriate application fee (further information on fees is available here

Detailed guidance on the type and level of information required with applications is set out on the Council's "Guide to the Validation of Planning Applications" (PDF Document 70.4KB)

Can I submit the application myself?

Yes, so long as all the above information is clearly provided. However, unless you have the training or experience in architectural design and a clear understanding of building construction, it is advisable to employ the services of a qualified architect, surveyor or planning consultant to act on your behalf as your agent. We have a list available of frequently used agents. They will fill in the forms and prepare the drawings for you. They will charge you a fee to do this. If your application is straightforward you may be able to do the drawings yourself. However, they must be clear, accurate and drawn to scale.

What happens to my application?

When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement letter and receipt for any monies paid. Keep this letter safe, it has your planning application reference number on, as well as the date by which a decision should be made. Should you need to contact us, we will ask you for the reference number.

If we do not have all the information we need, we will write and tell you. If you use an agent to act on your behalf, all contact will be made to them instead of you. All documentation will be sent to them, including the decison notice.

You can also check the progress of your application by either clicking on the link or by contacting the Planning Technicians in Development Control via email or by telephoning on 01362 656873

Who will know about my application?

There are a number of methods that we use to inform people about applications that may affect them. For all applications we inform members of the public by way of a site notice being displayed as close to the site of the application as possible. In some circumstances, neighbours are notified by letter, but this is at the discretion of the Development Control Officer who is dealing with the application. In some cases we will also put an advert in the local paper (Eastern Daily Press – usually on a Monday). We also inform Parish and Town Councils about applications in their area. Interested parties will have 21 days to make any comments. It is always a good idea to contact your neighbours beforehand anyway. In some cases, we may notify the Highways Department at Norfolk County Council and also other professional bodies within Breckland Council and outside bodies.

For applications that are likely to have significant affects on neighbours or the environment the Council may require additional consultation. If this is the case the Council will work with you to ensure appropriate consultation takes place. The Breckland Statement of Community Involvement sets out what is required for different types of applications and the methods that will be used.

How long will it take?

We will deal with your application as quickly as possible. We try to deal with as many as possible within eight weeks. Larger and more complicated applications take longer. To find out how your application is progressing click on the link or contact Development Control direct via email. Please have your reference number ready.

How is a decision made about my application?

A Development Control Officer will assess your application, taking into account relevant planning policy, site features and area and any comments made by people we have advised of your application. They will then decide whether to recommend that the application is approved or refused.

If your application is straightforward and meets our policies, the decision will probably be made by the Development Services Manager. Most applications are dealt with in this way.If your application is straightforward and meets our policies, the decision will probably be made by the Development Services Manager. Most applications are dealt with in this way. However, If your proposal is of a large scale, or the application is outside our delegated powers, or it conflicts with planning policy, or a request has been made from the Ward Representative, the decision on your application is taken by the Development Control Committee.

For further information on officer delegation powers, click here.

How do I find out what the decision is?

A written notice giving the decision on your application will be sent to you.

If your application is approved, there may be certain conditions that you have to comply with. This may include, for example, submitting details of materials etc. This information is required before commencment of works. If you do not comply with conditions the COuncil can take enforcement action.

You must carry out the work exactly as shown on the approved plans. If you want to make changes to the approved plans, you must contact us in writing to advise us of what changes you wish to make. We will then advise you whether you can go ahead with these changes as a minor amendment, or if materially different to the ones approved, we will advise you if a new application is required.

What if my application is refused?

If your application is refused, you will be told the reasons why (grounds of refusal). You may want to make an appointment with us to discuss whether a different proposal might be acceptable. However, you have the right to appeal against the decision to the Office of the Duputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Any appeal must be within six months of the date of your refusal notice. Advice on how to appeal is on the reverse side of your refusal notice. For further information, or to submit an appeal, please click on the following link which will take you to the Planning Inspectorate website.