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Applying for planning permission

What we need from you

Applying for planning permission is a formal process and it is the responsibility of the applicant, or their agent to ensure that the process has been followed.

The application process can vary in terms of the time taken and the detail involved. For example the process for a major superstore will take far longer, and be far more detailed than for a single domestic garage.

Our Step-by-step guide shows the basic process for Householder applications and details the steps and actions required at the pre-application stage.

Because of the unique nature of each part of the county, each area office has its individual guidance on the ‘local requirements’ for planning applications. As an example, planning applications within the small area of the New Forest National Park in Wiltshire are decided by the New Forest National Park Authority and not Wiltshire Council.

If you’veused the pre-application advice service then you’ll know what requirements are needed. If not, it’s always a good idea to call planning administration who will be able to guide you on what other information is required for  your application.

For a typical extension to a house you will need the details below.

Examples of the plans required as part of a planning application are shown on the Householder planning application guidance. If you are using an agent they will prepare these for you as part of the overall approvals process.

1. Floor plans of the existing and proposed layouts. The plans should show key dimensions such as overall width, length, and key dimensions to any boundaries. These should be at a scale of at least 1:100 or 1:50. All measurements on drawings should be in the metric (not imperial) scale

2. Drawings of the existing and proposed House elevations. At a scale of 1:100 (1:50 if the building is listed). These should clearly show all external features of the property and what the property will look like from all sides, once the work is complete.

3. A Location plan. It is recommended that this is at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500 (or larger), showing at least two named roads and surrounding buildings. The properties shown should be numbered or named to ensure that the exact location of the application site is clear. The site of the application should be clearly outlined in red and any land under the same ownership outlined in blue

4. A Block plan showing the property and the boundaries with your neighbours. This should be at a scale of 1:200 or 1:500. The boundaries to your property should be edged in red to clearly identify the extent of the site to which the application relates.

5. The application form Make sure that you’ve filled all parts in. We have a help sheet to guide you through the requirements of each section on the form, you can download copies of the forms and guidance from our applications forms and fee's page

6. The application fee. fee sheet

7. Any other specific local requirements such as a design and access statement or a flood risk assessment if required. Your local planning office will be able to advise you on this.

Last updated: 11 November 2009