Use our planning application search tool to find planning applications from as far back as 1974. You can search using the postcode, address or the week validated. You can also consult and download documents about a property’s planning history.
Advice on planning applications
Information on when you need planning permission, lawful development certificates, pre-application advice and our duty planner service.
Advice on planning applications
Frequently asked questions about common home and business improvement projects
Making a planning application
Information on online planning applications, the documents you will need, our validation checklist and fees.
You may wish to employ an architect to draw up plans and submit your applications. This is a good idea if you are not confident that you can draw up a set of suitable plans yourself.
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has a register listing the name of every architect in the UK, which you may find useful.
We are unable to recommend an architect.
Comment on a planning application
Comment online – find the application you want to comment on using the applications search (using the red button at the top of this page), then login or register to make a comment. Please bear in mind that we can only take account of valid planning reasons (such as impact on neighbours or visual amenity) when we make planning decisions.
Comment by email – plancomments@lbhf.gov.uk, quoting the application reference. Please send us your name and address if you would like to receive an acknowledgement.
More information on how to comment on a planning application
Find out about new applications in your area
Email notifications – register for email alerts and receive regular updates about applications in your area.
Planning applications weekly list – we provide a weekly list of planning applications through our planning application search facility, follow this links to the Planning search and choose the weekly or monthly lists tab. This allows you to discover if other related applications have been lodged or whether a similar application may have been successful nearby in the recent past.
Notification of neighbouring properties – we have to advertise all planning applications either with a site notice (fixed to a lamp post) or letters to neighbours. We also advertise in a local newspaper in some cases, such as major developments and developments in conservation areas. In all cases people are given 21 days to send in their views.
Statement of Community Involvement in Planning (SCI)
What happens after a planning decision is made
Householder applications usually take being six to eight weeks to determine once they are validated, provided that no complications arise. Major applications usually take longer and we’ll discuss a target determination date with you.
What happens after a planning decision is made
Appeals
What you can do if your application is refused.
Planning and Development Control Committee
Check dates and venues of committee meetings and what’s on the agenda.
Planning and Development Control Committee
Minutes of meetings between councillors and developers
We now publish notes of all our meetings with developers – no secret discussions!
Minutes of meetings between councillors and developers
Street naming and numbering
If you are creating new properties, subdividing existing properties or planning to amend any existing addresses, you must apply for street naming and numbering. Without lawful addresses, you may have difficulties with receiving post and deliveries, emergency services, credit or utility and broadband services.
Customer charter
Self-build and custom build register
Register your interest for a custom or self-build plot and find out more about organisations which can help you.