Planning Advice - Frequently Asked Questions
The page contains answers to the most frequently asked questions received by Planning Services.
Question 1 - Do I need Planning Permission?
Determining the need for planning permission or other consents can be complicated. If you are in any doubt you should contact the Planning Advice Team who will provide guidance.
Householders who wish to make extensions or alterations to their property, or erect a building within the boundaries of their house are advised to complete and return a Householder Questionnaire (available from the right hand downloads menu).
The Planning Advice Team will check the details and write to you formally advising whether the development requires planning permission. There is currently no charge for this service.
The Planning Portal provides general advice on the types of development that require planning permission.
Question 2 - Can I can view details of an application online. How do I do this?
Yes. You need to use our Public Access system.
Question 3 - How do I submit a planning application?
If you have determined that your development requires planning permission, you need to complete the appropriate forms and submit those with your plans and the correct fee to Planning Services at Palatine Hall.
The preffered method of submission is online via the Planning Portal, but applications in hard copy are acceptable.
A guide to making an application can be found on our Making a Planning Application page.
Question 4 - How long will the take before I receive a decision?
Our target is to determine minor applications within 8 weeks of validation, and major applications within 13 weeks of validation. This is not always possible for a variety of reasons.
Delays can be minimised by discussing your proposal with a Planning Officer before you submit an application. Planning Officers are available to take calls from 9:30 to 10:30am Monday-Friday.
Question 5 - How do I track the progress of my application?
The fastest way to track your application is via Public Access. This system is updated in real time with our internal system and so it is unlikely our staff would be able to give you any further details beyond what is available on Public Access.
Public Access will allow you view information about your application, and the decision, before you receive correspondance via the post.
If your decision target date has passed and you have not received a decision or a reason for the delay, you should contact the Planning Advice Team.
Question 6 - How do I report a suspected breach of the planning regulations?
View our Planning Enforcement pages for full details of how to make a complaint. You can submit your complaint using our online Planning Enforcement Report Form.
Question 7 - Do I need a Design and Access Statement?
From August 2006, many planning applications will require the submission of a Design and Access Statement before the application can be validated. For further details, please view the Advice and Guidance Note in the right hand downloads menu.
Householders should consult our guidance note Design and Access Statements for Householders if they are considering submitting a planning application, also in the right hand downloads menu.
Question 8 - How do I know if my property is within a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Site of Special Scientific Interest?
Public Access contains this information. Carry out a Property Search and look at the Constraints tab which will indicate if the property is within any of the above areas. It is also advisable to check the Map view to see that your property is shown in the correct location on the map. If it is not, please contact the Planning Advice Team for assistance as the constraint information for your property may not be correct.
If you are new to Public Access, you may find it useful to download our Public Access User Guide.
Question 9 - I need a copy of a planning Decision Notice. How do I get one?
The fastest way is to email developmentcontrol@lancaster.gov.uk, including as much information as possible, but a minimum would be the full site address, the nature of the application, and the year that the application was submitted. It is useful if you can provide the application number, name of the applicant and/or agent, and date of the decision.
We will usually return a copy of the decision notice to you within 5 working days.
There is usually no charge for this service if the request is for fewer than 5 notices and sufficient information is provided and it does not take an excessive amount of staff time to service your request.