How do I start a planning application on the Planning Portal?

To start your application, click the ‘Start or view your planning applications’ button on the home page or choose ‘Applications’ from the navigation bar at the top of the page.

Step 1: Name and location

Please choose a reference for your application so you can identify it later. We suggest you choose the site address as your reference. This will help the local authority to quickly identify the application later.

You will need to enter the site location details (either with postcode or grid reference). This will also identify the local planning authority (LPA) which will determine your application.

Step 2: Application type

Once you have identified your site location you can choose the type of application.

If you know the type of application you need you will be able to make your selection from a drop-down menu.

If you are not sure which type you should select, click on the 'Need help choosing?' link. You will then be given a series of options with brief descriptions of the application types to help you choose the correct one.

With some application types, you will also be asked if it will be a 'Major Development'. What constitutes a 'Major Development' is detailed in the help text within the chooser.

If you still aren’t sure of the application type you need please contact your local authority which will be able to help.

Your local authority’s contact details should appear on the chooser screens. If they aren’t there you can search for them: 

Find your local planning authority ^{(https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)}

Step 3: Confirm details

The screen will show all the relevant details for the application. If these are correct, click 'next' to create and save your application.

If you are not already logged in (or have not yet registered), you will be asked to do so.

Once you have logged in (or registered), you will be taken to the overview screen for the application you have just created.

The overview screen provides access to all the parts of your application including:

• Forms
• Supporting documents
• Fee calculator
• Payment and submission

If you wish to return to your application at a later date, you will be able to access it from the 'My Applications' list.

We have written some general guidance notes for using our planning application service:

• Guidance Note for Planning Portal applications¹ (England)
• Guidance Note for Planning Applications Wales² (Wales)
• Guidance Note for Planning Applications Wales³ (in Welsh)

1. https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/1app/1app_guidance_note_england_en.pdf
2. https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/1app/1app_guidance_note_wales_en.pdf
3. https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/1app/1app_guidance_note_wales_cy.pdf