After you apply
Once we receive your application, we will carry out a number of steps.
Validate your application
We will check that you have submitted all of the required documents and plans, and you have paid the right application fee. We will write to you to confirm if your application is valid or invalid.
If your application is valid we will tell you:
- who is dealing with your application and their contact details; and
- the date when you can expect a decision from us.
If your application is invalid we will tell you the documents, plans or fee that you need to give us, to make the application valid.
Once we have validated your application, you will be able to follow its progress through our Public Access online planning register. You will also be able to see any comments from neighbours or consultees.
Consult with and notify people
We publish all applications on our Public Access online planning register. During the consultation period, people can submit objections and comments. You can read these online.
We will do the following to get feedback on your application:
- we will notify neighbouring properties in writing
- we will send consultations to the local Parish or Town Council
- we will put up at least one orange site notice advertising your application to neighbours
- we may advertise your application in the local newspaper
- we may send consultations to other organisations such as Essex County Council Highways Authority
You can find out more about this process by reading our Statement of Community Involvement.
Visit the site
We will carry out a site visit for your planning application.
If we can see the location of your proposal from the road, we will not need to come on to your property.
If the proposal is to the rear or is not accessible, we will ask for access to your property. If you are not home, we will contact you to agree a convenient time for us to visit.
Make a decision
We will assess your application and write a report. We will let you know our view of your proposal before we make a decision.
If we have concerns about your proposal, we may contact you or your agent to request some changes or suggest that you withdraw your application and make a new one.
Our Scheme of Delegation which is set out in Appendix 4 of the Council’s Constitution, explains who makes decisions. Planning Officers make most of the decisions with powers given to them from us. The Planning Committee makes some decisions. We will write to you if this is the case.
We will aim to issue a decision within:
- 8 weeks for standard applications
- 13 weeks for application for major developments
- 16 weeks if your application is subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment
It may take longer for us to issue a decision. If this happens with your application, we will contact you and ask for an extension of time.
We will update your case with our report and decision on our Public Access online planning register.
Appeal
You can submit an appeal if we:
- refuse your application
- did not issue the decision within the specified timeframe
- grant your application, but impose a condition you disagree with
