Detailed or full planning applications can cover two types of proposal:
This page deals with the first type.
If you want to apply for planning permission for a house extension, or other improvements to a residential property, it will help you to refer to the 
Householder Guidance Leaflets
Detailed applications for building or other works normally require a substantial amount of detail. Where detailed drawings have been prepared for approval under the Building Regulations these will often be usable for an application for full planning permission as well.
However, planning officers may ask for additional information to that normally shown on Building Regulations drawings. This is because planning control is concerned with the principle of the development, and with environmental and aesthetic matters that are outside the scope of the Building Regulations.
Many application will require Design and Access Statements, further details of which can be found in a separate guidance leaflet.
Prior discussion with Planning Service staff is recommended before committing time and expense in submitting applications for full planning permission. There is no charge for such consultations.
All drawings must be to an appropriate metric scale.
New Buildings
As well as an appropriate Design and Access Statement an application for full planning permission for a NEW BUILDING should include detailed drawings showing:
- survey of the site as existing, with buildings and other features on and adjoining the site;
- one or more sections through the site and building, indicating existing and proposed levels;
- plans of each floor of the existing and proposed building;
- views of each elevation of the existing and proposed building;
- layout of the site, including the means of access and landscaping.
Extensions and Alterations
An application for extensions and alterations to an EXISTING BUILDING will require a Design and Access Statement unless it relates to a residential property that is not within a Conservation Area. It should also include detailed drawings showing:
- elevations and plans of the building as existing and proposed;
- one or more sections through the building;
- layout of the site as existing and proposed.
Other Operations
This category can include works such as:
- excavation to remove minerals or for other purposes;
- the erection of structures such as industrial plant and machinery;
- fences and walls;
- waste tipping;
- deposit of material to alter land levels.
An application for OTHER OPERATIONAL WORKS may require a Design and Access Statement and should include detailed drawings showing:
- sections, elevations and plans, all as appropriate to the proposal;
- for mineral applications: a special application form and details of how the site will be worked and restored (a guidance note is available from the Planning and Transportation Service).
Please see Application and Fee Forms for details of the forms and plans required.
In certain cases, additional information may also be required before an application is accepted as 'valid'. This might include requirement for a Transportation Assessment, Flood Risk Assessment, or other information. Early discussions with Planning staff is recommended prior to the submission of an application.
Decisions on minor and straightforward applications are usually made by the Director of the Planning and regeneration Service. The more major and controversial applications are decided by the Planning Regulatory Board.
Full permissions normally last three years, and the development must begin within that period. Sometimes the Council will grant a "temporary permission" for a shorter period.
There is a right of appeal to the Department for Communities and Local Government against the refusal of any application, or against any condition imposed by a planning permission.
Fees
Planning fees are a type of HANDLING CHARGE: they are intended to reflect the administrative cost to the Council of processing applications. Fees are set by the government, and the Council cannot waive or vary them. There is no VAT on planning fees.
The fee must be paid in full when the application is submitted. Planning fees cannot be refunded if an application is later refused or withdrawn, although a "follow-up" application may be free.
There is provision for a nil fee where an application is for works to provide or improve accommodation, or access to accommodation, for a disabled person.
Some detailed applications pay a flat-rate fee. In other cases the fee is based on the floor space of the buildings being erected, the number of houses being built, or the site area.
The fees are listed on the Application and Fee Forms page.
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