How to apply

Planning permission 

You can use the Planning Portal to submit most applications for planning consent online. As soon as payment for the application has been confirmed, it will be passed to the relevant local planning authority for the application process to begin. 

All planning applications are required to be submitted on a standard form. There is a service charge for submitting some applications using the Planning Portal, find out more from our FAQ¹.

For a list of applications that are not available online, visit our paper form section². 

Start or view your planning applications ^{(https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app)}

Alternatively, application forms can be printed, filled in by hand and sent to your local authority directly.

Building regulations approval

You may need building regulations approval for alterations and improvements to an existing building as well as new buildings. For example, electrical or plumbing work or replacing doors and windows.

Find out more by exploring our interactive guides³. 

You can submit a building control application⁴ using our Building Control Portal to a building control body (BCB) either online or by post. A building control body can be either the local authority to your site or a registered building control approver. A registered building control approver will notify the local authority of the work, this is known as giving 'initial notice'.

This section details the procedure of making a building control or planning application, the types of permission you can apply for, and the information required for the application to be processed.

Building regulations approval is different to planning permission although your project may need both. Contact a building control body for advice if you are unsure.

Start an online building control application ^{(https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app)}

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/payment/why-is-there-a-service-charge-for-submitting-planning-applications
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/paper-forms
3. https://interactive.planningportal.co.uk/
4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app