Making a planning application

What happens after a planning application is submitted

After submitting your planning application, we'll review and get back to you if we need any further information.

What we'll do

We'll confirm receipt of your application and:

  • add it to the planning records weekly list
  • notify neighbours (PDF, 17.98KB) research and visit the site
  • notify the town or parish council, and depending on the nature of the application, organisations such as the Environment Agency or Kent Highways Authority

Publicity

The public has 21 days to comment on an application (a comment is known as a 'representation'). This is to either support, or object to your planning application.

How do we make a decision?

We'll consider all of the information and may ask for amendments before making a recommendation as to whether the works should go ahead or not. When considering an application we look at:

  • responses from consultees
  • representations received regarding your application
  • our Local Plan and other local development plans
  • relevant National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) policies
  • planning history of the site
  • constraints on the site eg flood risk zone
  • the impact on the landscape or townscape ie is there a requirement for a design review

How long will it take?

We aim to deal with 85% of all householder applications, and 70% of all applications, within 8 weeks.

If the application is unusually large or complex, the time limit can be extended to 13 weeks.

Invalid applications

An application will be invalid if any required information is omitted or incorrect, or the correct fee is not paid.

You will be informed in writing and given 14 days to provide the necessary information or fees.

If we do not receive a response within 14 days, the application, information and fees will be returned. If you still want to apply, you must start a new application.