Apply for planning permission or submit a commercial notification of prior approval
We strongly advise that you get our advice before applying. This will help ensure your application is complete and accurate first time.
Apply for planning permission
To help speed up the planning process all our applicants and agents are encouraged to submit applications online.
You can use the Planning Portal to submit an application online. Registration is easy and you can complete your application form, upload supporting documents and pay.
You will need planning permission for most developments. This includes building, engineering, mining or other works in, on, over or under land; or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land.
Prior to submitting a formal planning application please first ensure you have read and checked the Tyne and Wear Validation List (PDF) [930KB] (opens new window) as to the plans and information required.
Visit the Gov.uk website (opens new window) for further information.
Some minor works and changes of use don't need planning permission. This is called permitted development. If you are unsure whether your proposal requires planning permission, get advice before applying.
There are two main types of application, full planning permission and outline planning permission. These are considered as either minor or major planning applications. Get advice about the different types of planning applications (opens new window) before applying.
The service you will receive for your planning fee is:
| Minor | Major | |
|---|---|---|
| Post submission presentation of scheme | No | Yes |
| Site visit | If required | Yes |
| Views of internal consultees | Yes - guaranteed views on original submission and on one set of amendments. Further requests for amendments and views on those amendments will be at the discretion of officers. | Yes - guaranteed views on original submission and on one set of amendments. Further requests for amendments and views on those amendments will be at the discretion of officers. |
| Written comments from Planning Officer on Acceptability of Proposal and opportunity to amend | Yes - one opportunity to amend the scheme. Further opportunities to amend the scheme will be at the discretion of the officers. | Yes - one opportunity to amend the scheme. Further opportunities to amend the scheme will be at the discretion of the officers. |
| Meetings with officers and consultees | If required | Yes - guaranteed one meeting to discuss consultee comments and officer views. Additional meetings at officers discretion |
| Target timescales | Eight weeks | 13 weeks |
If the submission does not meet planning policy, in most cases, applicants will be given one opportunity to:
- amend the scheme
- provide further information.
If after these amendments/additional information, the scheme as submitted is still not considered to be acceptable and there is no merit in continuing discussions, the Local Planning Authority reserve the right to refuse the application or recommend its withdrawal.
Applicants will have the option to submit an amended planning application without paying a further fee. See the fee regulations Gov.UK fees for planning applications (opens new window).
Planning Performance Agreements can be entered into, prior to the submission of a planning application. They will only be entered into if agreed by all parties involved and there are clear benefits of having a Planning Performance Agreement in place.
You may also need other types of consent as well as planning permission.
Prior approval
Instead of needing full planning permission, you may only need to provide prior notification before starting a development, such as those involving
- change of use
- telecommunications
- demolition
- agriculture
- forestry
To be eligible the development must comply with the requirements of the relevant permitted development rights. (opens new window) Find out more information on the planning process.
You will need to seek approval from us that specified elements of the development are acceptable before work can go ahead. The matters for prior approval differ depending on the type of development.
Prior notification
You will need to notify us before starting some developments.
You will be asked what type of prior approval your are applying for at step two.
The Planning Portal provides guidance on prior notification for telecommunications, demolition and agriculture, (opens new window) and also for changes of use. (opens new window)
Submit an application
Have you considered submitting your application online? By using the Planning Portal (opens new window), your application will reach us in a more efficient and timely manner. Your application will be sent electronically from the Planning Portal to us, along with any associated documents and fees, reducing the time taken to process your application.
The quickest and easiest way to pay is online. However if you wish to make payment by BACS transfer you can email planning@gateshead.gov.uk for the bank details. |