How do I make an Application?

A planning application comprises four items:

• the application form (five copies required)
• a location plan and detailed drawings (five copies required)
• a land ownership certificate
• the appropriate fee

Full details on how to complete the forms are included in the guidance notes accompanying them.

To make an application you can:

• contact us, details below, and we will send you an application form through the post; or
• click here to view our application forms, fees and information page and download the appropriate form and guidance notes; or
• apply for planning permission online using our search, view, track and make applications facility; or finally
• use the online facility provided by the Planning Portal (external link).

Although it is not necessary to have the plans drawn up by an architect or other professional agent, it is necessary to submit accurate, scaled metric drawings, which show clearly what is being proposed.

The location plan of the site should be to a scale of 1:1250, the larger, more detailed plans and elevational drawings at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100, must be accurate and give all the relevant dimensions and boundary positions. The application site should be edged clearly with a red line. It should include all land necessary to carry out the proposed development, for example, land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings. A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant, close to or adjoining the application site.

If there are any problems, please contact the Development Control Service.

If all the necessary information is included and correct, the application is registered and an acknowledgement sent to the applicant or agent.

If we have not received all we need, or if we are unsure about anything, we will write to you.

Are there different types of planning application?

Yes, there are seven types of planning application:

Full Application

A full application must be submitted whenever a change in the use of land or buildings is involved or where new building works are to be carried out. For a full application to be accepted detailed drawings showing the site and the proposed works must be submitted. A change of use or building must be commenced within three years of planning permission being granted by the Council, otherwise the permission lapses.

There is a specific application for domestic development, this is called a "Householder Planning Application".

A householder planning application will often need to be submitted for domestic works such as extensions, conservatories, vehicular accesses and boundary fencing.

General points, which you will need to consider are:

• any previous work undertaken at the property;
• size i.e. the exact dimensions of the proposed extension;
• position of any other existing outbuildings or garage;
• the type of property, regulations can differ for terraced, semi-detached or detached properties;
• if the work encroaches on to your neighbour's land;
• that "permitted development" rights (as defined below) have not been withdrawn on the individual property.

It would also be necessary to consider the specific points of 'Planning Policies' and 'Listed Buildings'. In certain parts of the District, more detailed planning policies might apply.  For example, the property may be located in a Conservation Area or the Council might have placed an Article 4 direction which imposes stricter planning controls on development for particular classes of development within a designated area.  If the property is a Listed Building, you will need to make an additional application for Listed Building Consent for any alterations, which affect the architectural or historic character of the property.

Outline Application

An outline application is usually submitted for more complex or contentious proposals. It establishes if the principle of development is acceptable. Outline permissions last for five years, but within three years of the initial approval, full details, known as reserved matters must be submitted to the Council.

Reserved Matters

Where outline planning permission has been granted, you will need to apply for approval of the detailed plans (relating to siting, design, external appearance, means of access and landscaping) prior to commencement of development, which must be within a further two years.

Conservation Area Consent

Some areas of Chester have been designated as conservation areas where it is the aim to preserve and enhance the built environment. The total or partial demolition of most buildings and structures in these areas requires conservation area consent.

Listed Building Consent

A number of older buildings in Chester have been listed due to their architectural or historic interest. The planning system is concerned with protecting the features and character of these buildings. Listed building consent is therefore required for works for the total or partial demolition of a listed building, or for internal or external alterations or extensions, this can include the painting of the exterior of the building.

Advertisement Consent

The Council has powers to control the display of certain advertisements in the interests of amenity and road safety. Most illuminated signs require advertisement consent.

Application for Lawful Development Certificate

Some uses and buildings evolve over time without having the benefit of planning permission. Lawful Development Certificate applications provide the possibility of obtaining a statutory document retrospectively confirming that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful and so is immune from planning enforcement action. A certificate may also be granted for a proposed development or use that is considered permissible without the need to make a planning application.

How much does it cost for a planning application?

Fees are payable for most applications, charged according to a national scale and revised annually.

The fee is designed to assist the Council to meet the cost of administering the Development Control Service.

The amount of fee varies with the type of application and is not repayable (even if the application is withdrawn or refused).

Applications for listed building consent and conservation area consent do not require a fee.

Common Mistakes

We often find errors on submitted applications which, until addressed, may delay the processing of your application. In order to help you ensure that you give all the information required and enable us to process your application quickly set out below is a check list that can be used to ensure that your submission is complete.

• Have you completed all relevant sections of the application form?
• Have you submitted the correct number of application forms and plans?
• Have you completed the Section 66 ownership certificate?
• Have you signed the application forms?
• Do your plans clearly show the application site edged red and your ownership edged blue?
• Have you included a location plan?
• Have you enclosed the correct fee?
• Are your plans drawn to scale and of a standard which can clearly demonstrate your proposals?
• Are your dimensions shown in metric ?(We cannot accept plans in imperial measurements)

You may also need additional information to accompany your application such as a survey to indicate the presence of a protected species such as Great Crested Newts or bats. For further advice you can follow the link to the Countryside webpage or contact the team on 01244 402397.

Building work though should NEVER commence with only outline planning permission.

Contact Details

Planning - Development Control Duty Officer

Email - planning@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.30am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 324324

Fax - 01244 320946

Address - Development Control, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS