Once you have decided that you need planning permission, this page leads you through the application process.
Types of application
- Outline Planning Permission
If you want to know whether you can have permission for buildings on a site without spending a lot of money on detailed drawings, you can apply for outline planning permission. The more information you give the better, however, the details can follow later. These are called reserved matters. If we think it will be difficult to make a decision, we may ask you to give us more information.
- Full Planning Permission
If you want to change the use of land or buildings, or if you want to give all the details of buildings now, you must apply for full permission
- Reserved Matters
If you have outline planning permission and want us to approve the details, you must fill in the form and send us the plans. Please make sure that the details do not conflict with the outline permission or any conditions attached to it.
Making the application
The Government has changed the system for validating (registering) planning and related applications. All applications will need to provide a core list of information known as the "National" Requirements and further information defined in a "Local" Requirements list.
The scheme will operate from 6 April 2008. You can view the National Requirements and the Local Requirements.
You can download application forms and guidance notes from this site or request copies from the planning department. Alternatively, you can apply online via the Planning Portal website. You will need to include maps, plans and drawings of the proposal with your application, drawn to sufficient detail and to a recognised scale. The plans needed are as follows:
The Site Plan: This should show your proposal site and all adjoining houses and roads, with a red line drawn around your proposal site and a blue line around any other land you own. The plan should be to a scale of 1:1250. You must show all the existing buildings on your proposal site.
The Block Plan: This should be of a scale of at least 1:200 or 1:500 and should show how you proposal relates to existing buildings on the site and other buildings or house on every boundary. The address of these properties should also be shown.
The Building Drawings: (Except in the case of outline applications where additional drawings are not needed)
- Should show the 'layout' of rooms in the whole building (one plan for each floor if more than one floor) and indicate doors, windows, thickness of walls and type of materials used.
- What the new building will look like from the outside (known as the 'elevations'), showing building materials to be used, front, side and rear elevations must be drawn.
These detailed plans must be drawn accurately, usually to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100.
Once you have filled in the forms, you can post them along with the plans and drawings, and the correct fee (see application fees guidance below), to the council offices, or deliver them to us yourself during office hours. You can also pay your application fee on-line . See application fees guidance below for the correct amount.
Planning Application Fees from 6 April 2008 (395 kb)
application forms and guidance notes
Design and Access Statements
Design & Access Statement (DAS) for outline applications (contains guidance notes) (205 kb)
Design & Access Statement (DAS) for full applications (contains guidance notes) (176 kb)
As of 10th August 2006, a Design & Access Statement (DAS) must accompany:
- All outline planning applications,
- All listed building consent applications and
- Many full planning applications.
DAS are not required for:
- A material change in the use of land or buildings, unless it also involves operational development;
- Engineering or mining operations;
- Development of an existing dwelling house, or within its curtilage for any purpose incidental to its enjoyment, unless any part of the dwelling house or its curtilage is within a designated conservation area, area of outstanding natural beauty or site of special scientific interest;
- Applications for the approval of reserved matters – UNLESS details are required by outline planning permission conditions;
- Advertisements;
- Tree Preservation Orders; or
- Storage of hazardous substances.
The Council will then acknowledge the application in writing, and will deal with the application within 8 weeks from this date, or 13 weeks for 'major' applications.
Possible Constraints on Land
You should also be aware of possible constraints to development which can impact on proposals. These can include (click on the constraint for more information):
Flood risk areas
Contaminated land
Tree Preservation Orders
Conservation Areas and Article 4 Directions
What happens next?
The council will publicise your application, and there will be a consultation period to allow neighbours, members of the public, and other consultees to comment on the application.
An officer will need to visit the site. If there is no one at the site when the visit is made it will be assumed that you agree to the site being accessed, unless you tell us otherwise. If you know it will be difficult for the case officer to gain access to the site please contact us to arrange a visit as soon as possible, this will ensure there are no unnecessary delays in dealing with your application.
The council will consider your application with respect to the development plan, and supplementary planning guidance.
Finally, your application will be decided, usually by a planning officer (with powers delegated from the Council’s Development Control Committee) but in some cases it will be referred to the Council’s Development Control Committee. We have just introduced a pilot scheme for applicants/agent and objectors to speak at the committee. Once the decision has been made you will receive a formal decision notice in writing. In some cases, permission will be granted subject to conditions, for example restricting the usage of the building, or requiring that particular materials be used. For more information, see the decision notices page.
If an application is refused, an appeal may be lodged with the Secretary of State. Information about how to appeal.
Contact Details
South Derbyshire District Council
Planning Services
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 228706
Email: planning@south-derbys.gov.uk
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