Quicklinks
The Planning Portal - applying for planning permission on-line
The best way to apply for planning permission is to do it online through the Planning Portal. Here you can make your planning application entirely online by completing an electronic form and attaching any plans and drawings (so long as they are in electronic format such as PDF, word or photo documents).
The Planning Portal has some useful guidance notes and video tutorials covering all aspects of making an application online.
The Planning Portal also has some useful tools including fee and volume calculators, you can also create a site location plan to support you application.
If you need any additional help with completing the application forms, please contact Planning Customer Services on 01473 825858.
Planning Application Forms, Guidance Notes and Checklists
If you would rather apply on paper you can download a copy of the application form, checklist and guidance notes to print yourself from the Planning Portal. If you have no access to the internet or a printer, then you can obtain a paper copy of the application forms checklists and guidance notes from Planning Customer Services on 01473 825858.
If you are not sure which application form you need visit the choose and print forms section on the Planning Portal, alternatively we will be happy to talk you through which form you need if you are unsure of the form required for your development.
It is up to you to make sure your application is made correctly, and that any plans or drawings are clear and accurate. If you are not sure how to do this seek professional advice.
Available to download or view from the Planning Portal are checklists for each type of application, detailing what documentation is required along with guidance notes on how to complete the application form.
All of the national requirements listed in each of the checklists below must be satisfied when an application is submitted. As it is not possible to identify the local requirements for every type of development proposal, it is recommended applicants consult the Local Validation Requirements document (PDF, 305kb). This provides anyone submitting a planning application with detailed guidance on the type of information required including a glossary detailing in what circumstances additional documentation is required (Annex B).
Failure to provide all of the information needed to satisfy the national and relevant local requirements will invalidate the application and it will be returned to you.
You will save a considerable amount of time by ensuring the application forms are fully complete and all the necessary supporting documents referred to in the checklists below relevant to your application are submitted together with the correct fee.
Application fees are set by Central Government and the amount of fee varies with the type of application; it is non refundable if an application is withdrawn or refused. For further information please go to the page Planning fees and Planning Fees - FAQs.
In order to support your planning application you will need to provide a plan showing the location and the boundaries of the application site; often a block plan is required too. For more detail on what documentation you require see the relevant checklist for your application.
Government regulations require the submission of a detailed site location plan to ease identification of application sites and surrounding streets. It ensures District Councils visit the correct location, notify the correct neighbours and avoid any unnecessary discrepancies.
You can buy ordnance survey based maps from Babergh District Council at scales of: 1:2500, 1:1250 and 1:500. Contact planning customer services on 01473 825858 for more information or email planningcontrol@babergh.gov.uk. There is a fee of £26.31 for 6 copies or less.
Alternatively you can buy maps online from the Planning Portal maps online page.
Who can make an application?
Anyone is allowed to make a planning application in respect of any land or buildings. They do not have to own the land or buildings freehold or have any other ownership interest in it. However the applicant is required to give notice of the planning application to any person who on the prescribed date (i.e. 21 days before the date of the application) is the owner or tenant of the land or building in question. See forms below:
Form for notification of Householder applications:
Householder development application Article 6 notice
Form for notification of other types of application:
Agricultural and other development application notice (PDF, 14kb)
In the event that the owner is not known to the applicant, an advert based upon the forms above should be placed in a local newspaper. The applicant should also ensure that the appropriate notification has been carried out & the appropriate ownership certificate has been completed on the planning application forms (Certificate A, B, C or D).
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