To apply for planning permission, you have a choice. You can do this online through the Planning Portal. Alternatively, please go to Planning – Make an Application to print the forms you need. These should be filled in and sent to us. Please take into account the following to speed up the validation process:
Send us two copies of your forms, plans and supporting documentation.
A. No, equal priority is given whether your application is sent to us online or through the post. All applications begin being processed in order of the date they are received. The advantage of applying online is that you do not have to supply two copies. You do have to supply two copies when you apply by post.
A. Please see Planning Advice and Guidance. Here you will find a number of advice and good practice guidance documents to view or print. They advise you on the processes involved in either submitting or commenting on a planning application. You can also contact us by phone or email. Our offices are open between 8.45am and 5.10pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.45am and 5pm on Friday. You can visit us to discuss your plans. No appointment is necessary
A. Please make use of the Planning Portal Interactive House. You may also need to apply for Building Regulation approval. See the Building Control section of our website or call our Customer Service Centre.
A. Please see View Planning Applications (Public Access) to check on the progress of an application or to make a comment. We have also provided help with using this system and advice on how to make a comment.
A. Yes, you can comment on local planning applications through the Public Access system. Please see our notes on how to do this, send an email or write to us at at our Chichester address.
A. A lot of Listed Buildings can have carefully planned alterations or extensions. However some buildings are sensitive to even slight alterations, especially if they have important interiors. You must send in a Listed Building consent application, if you wish to demolish any part of the building, put up partioning, replace complete features such as windows, doors or staircases, remove key fixtures and fittings such as fireplaces and historic panelling, or change historic decoration, including wallpaper. Repairs might not require approval as long as you use the same materials that were used originally. For some works more than one permission may be required. For example, an extension may need planning permission and Listed Building consent. Gaining one permission does not automatically mean that the other will be given. Please wait for decisions on all permissions before starting work.
A. We would advise you to stop work and contact us to find out what planning permission is needed. If you continue with the building work and apply for permission after you've finished, you may need to make changes to the development or remove it altogether. This could be costly and disruptive. If you do not apply for permission and it is required, we may have to take enforcement action. It is always best to get planning advice before starting work.
A. We offer a free, informal planning advice service. For general advice and guidance, you can visit Planning Reception at our Chichester office to speak with a duty officer. For more detailed but still informal advice, you can write to the Planning Department at our Chichester office address or email dcplanning@chichester.gov.uk. Please provide the site address and explain your proposal. You should include plans and photographs. We will reply to you within four weeks.
A. If you would like to report a breach, please write to us at our Chichester address, including your name, address and contact telephone number. You can also print, fill in and send us the Enforcement Complaint Sheet. Your complaint may become public but your name and address will not be reported to the person or organisation involved.