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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Planning
  3. Planning applications
  4. The decision-making process
  5. Planning permission process

The decision-making process

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  1. Planning permission process
  2. The development plan
  3. How applications are processed
  4. Is anyone else involved?
  5. When will I get a decision?
  6. If permission is granted
  7. Conditions and obligations
  8. What to do if your application is refused or delayed
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Planning permission process

Planning applications have to be decided in line with the relevant local planning authority’s (LPA) development plan – unless there is a very good reason not to do so.

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In this section you will learn how and when planning applications are decided and the options you have once a decision has been made.

The below process diagram shows the decision-making process of an application for planning permission, from creation to decision.

A diagram showing the stages of the decision-making process for applying for planning permission in England

    Disclaimer

    This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Guidance is based on national rules, but additional local rules may also affect what permissions are needed. You should check if this is the case before applying or starting work.
    Guidance here relates to the planning regime for England, the policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your local planning authority. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.
    Read our full disclaimer.

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        The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.

        The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.