The planning application process

How long does a decision take?

Most householder planning applications are decided within 8 weeks.

Larger or more complex applications (‘major ‘developments) are usually decided within 13 weeks.

Some cases may take longer, depending on the nature of the proposal.

 

What happens after I submit my application? (Validation process)

We will check that your application includes all required documents and fees, this is called a Validation Check.

If Your Application is ‘Valid’:

• You will receive a confirmation letter with your application number within 7 working days after we receive it.
• The consultation and assessment process will begin.

If Your Application is Invalid:

• The Council will contact you within 7 working days to request missing information.
• If you do not provide the required information within 28 days (or an agreed extended period), your application will be returned, and a 25% administration fee will be deducted from your refund, unless the application has been withdrawn before the end of this period.

If the wrong application form has been submitted, the application will be refunded minus a 25% administrative fee. 

If we received your application on a non-working day (Saturday, Sunday or public holiday), the application will be considered as received on the next working day unless it’s a prior approval application.

 

Public consultation on applications

Consultations on planning applications are carried out to make sure that people who may be affected are aware of an application and have an opportunity to comment.

How Does Public Consultation Work?

• The planning department consults neighbours, local groups, and statutory bodies who may be affected.
• We also consult neighbours who could be affected by a proposal, consultation methods include: -
• Publishing all applications on the Council’s website;
• Either - Sending letters to nearby properties (where relevant) or, placing a site notice near the development site - you have 24 days to respond;
• Publishing notices in the local newspaper Devon Live - Latest local news, sport & business from Devon (for listed buildings, conservation areas, or major applications)

For full details, see our Statement of Community Involvement.

Please note that planning applications and representations received about them are made available for public inspection and published on the internet (with due regard to the provisions of the Data Protection Act). Which means the Applicants' Name and Address -as this forms part of the Statutory Register, must, therefore, appear on the website. The local authority will, however, make every effort to remove personal details such as telephone numbers, email addresses and signatures prior to the information appearing on this website. It is advised that you limit the amount of personal data and information you submit with an application. 

If you make a comment on an application online, your name will be displayed on our website, but other personal information, such as your signature, address, telephone number, email address will not be shown unless you include this information in your comments. (It is recommended that you do not include any personal information in your comments). 

Please note: if you do not provide your name and address when you make comments, these will be treated as anonymous and your views will not be taken into account by the planning officer.

For further information see our Planning Privacy Notice.

 

How is my application assessed?

All applications are assessed against the adopted policies of the Exeter development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. The Planning Authority has a number of Supplementary Planning Documents that, where relevant, can also inform the decision making process: Supplementary Planning Documents and Planning Statements.

The assessment is made by a Planning Officer, who:

• Visits the site (if necessary).
• Reviews the application against local and national planning policies.
• Considers public and statutory consultation responses.

The case officer will then make a recommendation to either approve or refuse the application.

 

Can I make changes to my application?

There is no legal requirement for a Local Planning Authority (LPA) to accept amendments, or additional information once a valid application has been submitted. Our duty, as LPA, is to determine valid applications as quickly and effectively as possible, within nationally set time limits. In some circumstances the case officer may request amendments/changes to the proposed development (This does not apply to applications for Lawful Development Certificates or Prior Approvals).

These will only be used in limited circumstances at the officer’s request, and where time allows. We will not accept additional plans submitted by the applicant after an application has been submitted unless this is at the officer’s request. Any additional plans should be submitted on the Planning Portal (or sent to the case officer direct if they request this), and the case officer notified when this is done.

There will be a set time period in which to provide amended drawings to the officer. If substantial amendments are required to make the proposal acceptable then you may be offered the opportunity to withdraw the application and resubmit it in an amended form.

How is a decision made?

• Most applications are decided by Planning Officers under ‘delegated powers’.
• More complex or controversial applications may go to the Planning Committee.

The Committee Agendas are published in advance and the meetings are open to the public to attend - see more about the Planning Committee. The Planning Committee is held in person in the Civic Centre, usually on a Monday evening.

Find out more information about the Planning Committee Committee details - Planning Committee.

 

What happens if my application is refused ? (Appeal process)

You can appeal a refusal if:-

• Your application is refused;
• Your application is approved with conditions you disagree with;
• A decision was not made within the required timeframe;
• You have received an enforcement notice.

Appeal Deadlines:

• Householder applications, and Prior Approval applications associated with your home: 12 weeks from the decision date. Appeal a householder planning decision: How long you have to appeal.
• Other applications: 6 months from the decision date.
• No decision made? You can appeal after 6 months from the expected decision date.

Before appealing, speak to your planning case officer as you may be able to submit a revised application that meets requirements.

See more about how to appeal a decision.