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Types of Planning Application

The type of application will depend on the nature of the proposal.

Full Applications

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 drawings showing the site and the proposed works must be submitted. To be effective the approved scheme must be commenced within five years of the permission being granted by the Council.

Outline Applications

An outline application is usually submitted for more complex or contentious proposals. It establishes the principle of a new building, before becoming involved in the expense of preparing detailed plans. 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 already been granted, it will then be necessary 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 older areas of the City have been designated as conservation areas where it is the aim to preserve and enhance the built environment. The total demolition of most buildings and structures in a conservation area requires conservation area consent.

Listed Building Consent

A large number of older buildings within the City 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 alterations or extensions in any manner which would affect its character.

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 of buildings/land evolve over time without having the benefit of planning permission. Lawful Development Certificates provide the possibility of obtaining a statutory document retrospectively confirming that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful. A certificate may also be granted for a proposed use that is considered permissible without the need to make a planning application for it.