Submit a planning application
The best way to apply for planning permission and other consents is online through the government’s Planning Portal. Registration is easy and you can complete your application form, attach your documents and pay the appropriate fee using this service.
Before you apply, make sure you have:
- checked if you need permission for the work you want to do
- understood how much an application costs
- checked what information you will need to provide.
There is more information and help about how to apply on the Planning Portal.
If you have any questions, contact us for advice before you start work.
Start the journey
More info about the journey
Local Validation List
The information you will need to provide is set out in the Council’s Local Validation List.
This includes the national information requirements, such as an application form, location plan and other plans describing the proposed development. In some cases there may be additional local information requirements, such as technical documents on specific planning related issues. The Local Validation List sets out this information for the different application types and provides further guidance on how to prepare the information.
Personal Information
Other than the application address - It is requested that personal information, such as personal addresses and signatures are not included on application documents other than the application form.
Please note: You do not need planning permission to carry out internal alterations to buildings, however if the building is listed you are likely to require listed building consent. If you wish to extend or make external alterations to listed buildings you will require planning permission (unless the proposed development is classed as permitted development under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended)) and listed building consent, and a dual application will be necessary. You can contact us if you are unsure which application you need to submit.
When we receive your application we will send you a letter with your application number. If you have sent us all of the information we need, your application will be made valid. We will look at your application to see how it affects the local area, the environment and other people, and decide if it can go ahead. We will usually tell you our decision within 8 weeks. For large or complex applications, we will tell you within 13 weeks or an agreed extension of time.
If you have not sent all the information we need your application will be invalid, and we will contact you to tell you what extra information we need. If this information is not received within 28 days (or an agreed extended period) your application will be returned and a 25% administration charge will be taken from your planning fee refund, unless the application has been withdrawn before the end of this period. This applies to all planning application types.
You can track the progress of your application online.
If you do not want to apply online, you can download and print a paper form from the Planning Portal to fill in and post to us, together with your plans and supporting documents. We only require one copy of each plan/document. Please email Planning.Admin@exeter.gov.uk to arrange payment of the planning fee.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not able to process your payment in-person at our Customer Service reception.