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Planning - FAQs

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:

  • You have included local requirements.
  • Plans are labelled, drawn to scale, and detail is provided (such as the correct amount of windows or doors).
  • You have submitted existing and proposed plans.
  • A4 and A3 plans are preferred.
  • Please contact us if you are unclear about terminology such as "floor plan" and "elevation".

Send us two copies of your forms, plans and supporting documentation.

Questions

  1. Q. Will it make any difference to my application if I apply online or by post?
  2. Q. How can I get advice on the planning process?
  3. Q. How can I find out if I need planning permission?
  4. Q. How can I view planning applications?
  5. Q. Can I comment on a current planning application?
  6. Q. Can I get permission to do building work on a Listed Building?
  7. Q. What should I do if I have already started building work and now realise I need planning permission?
  8. Q. What should I do if I have an enquiry but am not yet ready to apply for planning permission?
  9. Q. What should I do if I want to report work being done without permission?

  1. Q. Will it make any difference to my application if I apply online or by post?

    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.


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  2. Q. How can I get advice on the planning process?

    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


    Internal link to: Planning advice and guidance

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  3. Q. How can I find out if I need planning permission?

    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.


    External link to: Planning Portal: Interactive House

    Internal link to: Building Control

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  4. Q. How can I view planning applications?

    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.


    Internal link to: Planning applications

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  5. Q. Can I comment on a current planning application?

    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.


    Internal link to: Planning applications

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  6. Q. Can I get permission to do building work on a Listed Building?

    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.


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  7. Q. What should I do if I have already started building work and now realise I need planning permission?

    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.


    External link to: Planning Portal: Common Projects

    Internal link to: Planning enforcement

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  8. Q. What should I do if I have an enquiry but am not yet ready to apply for planning permission?

    A. For general advice and guidance, you can visit Planning Reception at our Chichester office to speak with a duty officer. For some minor domestic works, we will answer queries informally by email or letter - please complete the Planning - Minor Operations Form and send it to us. For other domestic works (extensions, conservatories, solar panels, loft conversions you will normally need to complete an application for a Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development. 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.


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  9. Q. What should I do if I want to report work being done without permission?

    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.


    More information on: What should I do if I want to report work being done without permission?|

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