Planning Application
How we provide this service
Submitting a planning application and providing supporting information. This service is supported by Planning and Development, Planning.
To find out if you need planning permission please see our advice leaflet Do I need planning permission? (PDF).
We also offer a free informal advice service which will help you to find out whether the work you are proposing to do would need planning permission.
To access this service you need to complete a householder development form (PDF) and return it with as much detail as possible to the Customer Services Team at the Council Offices.
Further advice is also available from the Department for Communities and Local Government (new window).
For more information please visit our Planning Web Pages.
Fax: 01775 710772
What to do to get this service
If you do need to apply for planning permission you need to fill out the appropriate application forms. These are available from our Customer Services team at the Council Offices. Alternatively you can phone us on 01775 761161 and the forms can be posted to you.
You will need to complete 4 copies of the application forms. On the rear of the application form either Certificate A or Certificate B MUST be signed. These certificates are to make sure that the owners of the land are aware of any potential works or proposals.
Alternatively, you can apply online via the Planning Portal.
Who can apply?
Anyone may submit a planning application.
How much will it cost?
Charges vary according to the type of application you submit and what work you wish to carry out. A breakdown of charges can be obtained from our Planning Application Fees (PDF) leaflet.
However, in general, the fee to create a new dwelling is £335.00 and to alter or extend your property is £150.00. There are some variations and it is advisable to consult the Planning Department if you are uncertain about the amount payable.
How long will I have to wait for a response?
Once received we will check that we have all the information we require to process your application. If we do have all the information you will be notified and the application will be 'validated'. Our aim is to validate applications within 24 hours of receipt so you should receive notification within a few working days of submitting your application. If your application is 'invalid' we will write to you asking for the necessary information to validate your application.
How long will the whole process take?
There are varying target times within which we aim to reach a decision. As a general rule for a householder application, such as an extension or alteration, we aim to reach a decision within 8 weeks. For a larger development, such as a housing estate or a new factory, the target is 13 weeks. However, due to the complexity of determining an application, these are only target timescales; some are determined well within the target and some take slightly longer. The general process of determining a simple planning application (e.g. conservatory/extension) is as follows:
Week One
Application received, validated. The application is passed to a planning officer who will decide who to consult and what category the application is given (Major, Minor, Other). The officer then will pass the application back to the Admin Team.
Week Two - Week Four
The Admin Team will notify certain parties such as Parish Councils, Highways, Environment Agency, Local Residents and Neighbours, etc. A copy of your application is also placed on public display online and here at the council offices. This gives all the interested parties and anyone who wishes to view the application chance to make comments, supporting or objecting. There is a cut off date by which all comments must be received (21 days from the site notice being displayed).
Week Five
All comments and observations are collected and filed. The application is passed back to the officer.
Week Six - Week Seven
The officers looks at the proposal, taking into account all the comments from the people who have been consulted or have written in. They look at our planning policies on which all decisions are based. At this stage a decision is made as to whether the application needs to be decided by the Development Control Committee or if the officer is able to make the decision.
Week Eight
If the application does not need the attention of the Development Control Committee, the officer dealing with your application will make a decision based upon the information received and our planning policies. This decision will be typed up and signed off by the Head of Planning and Development and then sent to you or to your agent (if you have used one) to submit the application for you.
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
Do I need planning permission? (PDF)
Design and Access Statements (PDF)
Householder developer enquiry form (PDF)
Planning Information - Aerials and Satellite Dishes on residential properties (PDF)
Properties with Article 4 - Restrictions Affecting Householder Development (PDF)
Planning Web Pages
What do I need to provide?
To process the application as efficiently as possible we need the following information submitted with your application:
- site locations plans to a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500
- scaled drawings of your proposal
- correct fee
The scaled drawings are usually done for you by an architect of your choice. The fee you need to pay for your application can be worked out from the Planning Application Fees (PDF) leaflet. However, if at any stage you are not sure please contact our Customer Services centre who will be able to help you.
Common Questions
Q. How do I apply?
A. You need to obtain four copies of the planning application forms from the Council Offices. You can collect them at any time during office hours or we can post them to you. Alternatively, you can apply online via the Planning Portal.
Q. What else do I need to submit with my application?
A. You must provide us with four sets of site location plans and if your application is for an extension, new house or houses or external alterations you must provide us with four copies of architects drawings or alternatively, scaled block plans and elevations. You will also need to send the correct fee.
Q. What exactly are site location plans and where can I get them?
A. Site location plans are taken from an ordnance survey map and show the boundary to the site referred to on the application form.
Q. How much will my application cost?
A. The fees for processing an application vary depending on what you are applying for. The fees are set nationally and the Planning Application Fees (PDF) leaflet gives a complete breakdown of the charges. Common types of applications and fees are:
- Building a new dwelling £335.00
- Householder extension and garages £150.00
- Advertisement applications £95.00
For most other applications the fees are calculated based on the floor space or the area of the proposal. Please contact the Planning Department if you need help to calculate the fee required for your application.
Q. How do I pay my fee?
A. We can accept debit or credit cards, cheques or cash or you can pay online if you use the Planning Portal to submit your application online.
Q. Can I get help completing the forms?
A. Yes, simply contact the Customer Services Team at the Council Offices. We can help you to complete the forms and if necessary make an appointment with the Planning Advice Team to give you advice on other permissions you may need.
Q. How long does it take for the Council to deal with my application?
A. In practice it can take various lengths of time to deal with an application. We have a target of 8 weeks for householder and other minor applications and a target of 13 weeks for any major applications such as a housing development. Naturally, due to the complexity of dealing with an application occasionally it takes longer than the target time.
Q. What happens to my application once it is validated?
A. The Planning Officers will start work immediately, they will conduct site visits if necessary and begin the technical work. There are also certain bodies that need to be consulted about your application, including the Highways Authority, the Water Board, Parish Councils and many more. These consultations take place whilst the application is processed. Neighbours are also consulted by means of site notices displayed near the application site or by letter through the post. The consultation period usually lasts for 21 days.
Further Common Questions
Q. Can I see any objections to my application?
A. Yes, you will be notified of any objections and you may see them online or at the Council Offices.
Q. Can I attend the Planning Committee meeting?
A. Yes. The Development Control Committee meets every four weeks in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices. There is a public gallery and we have recently introduced a public speaking scheme in which members of the public are able to speak; for more information please visit our Public Speaking web pages.
Q. If permission is refused do I get my money back?
A. No. The fee you pay is for dealing with the application regardless of the outcome.
Q. Can I appeal against a planning decision?
A. If your application is refused you can appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and Regions. For detailed information on appeal procedures you can visit the Planning Inspectorate website. Your appeal must be made within 6 months of the decision date. An objector cannot appeal against an application which has been approved.
Q. Can I get advice on my proposal before I submit any application?
A. Yes. Our Customer Service Team can make an appointment to see one of our Planning Officers who will be pleased to discuss your ideas before you submit your application.
Q. Can I see the planning application my neighbour has submitted?
A. Yes, all planning applications are available as they are public documents. Current applications can be viewed online, or at the Council Offices between 8.30 a.m. and 5.15 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8.30 and 4.45 on Friday. They can also be viewed at the Library in Spalding. Applications that have been decided previously can be obtained on request although not always while you wait and there may be a charge for research in some cases.
To view applications online, you have two options:
Q. Why is the Council letting my neighbour do building work when he/she has not submitted a planning application?
A. There could be several reasons but it is quite likely that the work does not need planning permission. A householder is allowed to do a great deal of alteration or extension work without needing planning permission. If you think that work is being carried out that needs planning permission, however, please contact Customer Services.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
Development Control Committee
Planning - advertisement control
Planning - General Enquiry
Planning Appeals
Planning applications - specialist enquiries
Planning applications - view list/comment/consultations
Planning Policies
Withdrawal of a Planning Application
