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Planning application guide

Planning application guide

Information you need to complete a planning application and apply.

When you are ready to apply send your application online or by post. 

We process planning applications in Northumberland. If your site is in the national park submit it to the Northumberland National Park Authority.

Make sure your application is correct first. If anything is missing or wrong, we mark it as invalid. That will delay the process.

To make your planning application valid, you must include: 

  • a completed form 
  • the correct fee 
  • supporting documents made up of:
    • national requirements set by the UK Government
    • local requirements set by us for Northumberland

Choose the right application

Before you apply, make sure you know what kind of planning permission you need. There are different types depending on what you want to do. Sometimes, you may need more than one.

Use the Planning Portal to:

If you want help before sending your application, we offer pre-application advice. We charge for this service.

Check the fee

When you apply, you need to pay an application fee. There are two ways to work this out:

If you have any questions when working out the fee read our guidance.

Planning fees and charges supplementary guidance (PDF) 

Prepare plans and supporting documents

Make sure your application includes all the information we need to make a decision. Send everything at once so your application is complete when we get it. 

Avoid delays, use our checklist to make sure you’ve included everything. It lists both national and local requirements. 

View the validation checklist for planning applications.

Send your application and pay the fee

Apply online 

The quickest way is through the Planning Portal. Complete the form, upload your documents, and pay the fee online. A location plan is included. The Portal sends everything straight to us.

Apply online using the Planning Portal

If you want to apply online but need to send paper plans, you can do that on the Portal.

Download a form and apply by post

Download a paper form from the Planning Portal

Pay the fee online

Post or deliver one copy of your application to us at:

Planning Services
County Hall
Morpeth
NE61 2EF

Open: Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 5pm, Friday from 8:30am to 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays).

Keep a copy, as we cannot return paper applications.

After you apply

We’ll check your application and contact you within 7 working days.

If anything is missing, we’ll mark your application as invalid. We cannot register it until we have all the correct information. If there are 4 or more errors, we’ll return the application to you. You can apply again when you have the right information.

Once your application is complete (valid), we will:

  • send you the application reference number
  • give you a target date for our decision
  • add it to the Public Access online planning register

People will be able to view and comment on your proposal. If you have questions about this, read our privacy notice.

Planning application privacy notice (PDF)

Wait for a decision

A planning officer will review your application. They may ask for more information or visit the site. Most decisions are made within 8 weeks, but some may take 13 to 16 weeks depending on the type.

Learn about the planning process on GOV.UK

If we approve your application

You’ll get a decision notice and must follow any conditions listed. These usually:

  • say when you must start work
  • list the approved plans you need to follow
  • tell you if you must send extra details before or after work starts

If you need to change anything later, you may need to apply again.

If we refuse your application

If we refuse your application or add conditions you do not agree with, you can:

Other approvals you may need

Planning and building regulations are separate. They have different rules and processes. You might also need building regulations approval for your project.

Read about other consents on the Planning Portal

Contact the planning team

Sometimes plans change. You may need to withdraw your application or ask a question.

Use the contact details in the last letter we sent you to get in touch.

If you applied more than 10 working days ago and haven’t received a letter, check your email spam folder. If you used an agent, they will get the letter.

Telephone: 0345 600 6400 and leave us a message.