What happens after an application for planning permission is made
When we receive an application for planning permission, we check that the new planning application is complete and includes all relevant supporting information. This is called validation, and is overseen by the validation team.
Validation does not consider:
- whether the application will be granted or refused
- whether the appropriate application has been made, eg an application for prior approval when an application for planning permission should have been made
After we have validated the application
After validation we assign you a Case Officer who emails you to confirm your application has been validated.
After validation, we consult the community. This includes notifying neighbours and - in some cases - publishing notices on site and in the press. The application is also published online.
Guidance on how to make a comment on a planning application can be found here.
Comments made via the website will be published and available to view online. The application details and documents can be accessed online and can be searched using the application reference number, address or keywords.
Any comments or representations received will be considered as part of the assessment process of the application.
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The assessment process
During this time, we may seek the views of internal and external stakeholders, who will provide their technical feedback on the proposed development and supporting information.
Applications are determined either under delegated powers by Council officers or referred to a Planning Committee with an officer recommendation, depending on the complexity of the case and/or level of interest.
For some major developments, the Greater London Authority (GLA) will assess the application and provide formal comments. They will also check whether the proposed development complies with the London Plan policies.
In these cases, due to the scale and nature of the development, once the assessment period has been completed and a recommendation made, the application will be referred to the Council’s Strategic Planning Committee for consideration and a resolution.
Once a resolution has been made, the application will be referred back to the GLA for consideration of the Council’s resolution.
Calling in planning applications
The Secretary of State has the power to take over planning applications. This is called 'calling in'. This will only be done if the application conflicts with national policy or is nationally significant. If the application is refused, any appeal is handled by the Planning Inspectorate.
Gov UK: Called-in planning applications