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Planning Applications

Making a Planning Application

You must get planning permission for most types of building work and to change the use of a building.

Do I need planning permission?

Most types of building work require planning permission. This includes the construction of new premises and the extension of existing ones, and works to listed buildings or buildings within Conservation Areas. Changing the use of a building, even if you're not doing any building works, can also require planning permission.

Planning permission householder guidance

To check if you need Planning Permission, contact Development Control:

Email: development.control@newham.gov.uk

Write to:
Regeneration & Development Control
London Borough of Newham
Development Control
Town Hall Annexe
330-354 Barking Road
London E6 2RT

Phone: 020 8430 2000 Ext. 22282

A planning officer is available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Either phone 020 8430 2000 Ext. 22282 or visit the Development Control reception on the first floor of the Town Hall Annexe, 330-354 Barking Road, London, E6 2RT.

How do I make a planning application?

You can make a planning application in two ways:

  1. Online using the Planning portal online application service or
  1. Submit a paper copy of your application form.

    There is an online application service walkthrough should you require guidance; alternatively, please contact Mr Andrew McGinnell on 020 8430 2000 xt. 22338.

 

To download a copy of the Council's planning application forms please use the quick links to Forms on the right hand side or go to Planning applications and additional guidance

Important note:
1APP - The National Standard application form is now in use by every local authority in England; effective 6 April 2008, and as such you will no longer be able to make an application using the Council's old forms. Any applications received incomplete; on the old forms after this date, or without reciept of the fee, will be deemed invalid.

The 1APP form is designed to be completed online and submitted electronically. Paper forms will also be available, however, the Council encourages you to make your application online, as this is likely to make the processing of your application run smoother.
More information about the new 1APP planning application form

How much will my application cost?

Most planning applications require a fee. The fee varies and depends on what you propose to do. Please check the Guide to fees.

There is also a fee calculator which can help you by working out the cost of any particular planning application. The calculator asks a series questions to help determine the total cost of an application, ranging from a simple householder development to large scale schemes such as housing schemes or industrial estates.

Please note:
If paying by cheque, please ensure that the site address and reference number are detailed clearly on the back of the cheque and sent to:
Planning Portal Payments
Development Control
Town Hall Annexe
East Ham
E6 2RT

What do I need to submit with my application?


To check what you need to supply with your planning application, refer to Planning Application Requirements for the London Borough of Newham. This guide sets out the national and local information requirements that apply to all applications received after 6 April 2008. For a summary of these requirements, see Table summarising Newham's Planning Application Requirements.

From 6 April 2008 onwards, failure to submit information in accordance with the above guide will result in your application being deemed invalid.

Please note: If submitting plans electroncially, ensure that all plans are scaled to A3.

For further guidance on validation and the information that is required with a planning applicaiton, refer to the following DCLG guidance: The validation of planning applications - Guidance for Local Planning Authorities.

Documents on the site are available in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not already have the Adobe Reader you can download if for free from Adobe by clicking on the white Adobe Reader button.
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How can I get advice before making an application?

You are encouraged to discuss your application with a planning officer before making an application. This is particularly important for large and more complex schemes. Officers will identify the information and details that should be submitted with the application during these discussions.

Planning applications and additional guidance

Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG's)

On 1 January 2008, The London Borough of Newham introduced a charging system for pre-application advice on medium, larger and more complex cases. The Council offers free advice for other domestic and small-scale applications.

More information on the formal pre-application advice system and charges

To arrange a pre-application discussion, email: alison.joyce@newham.gov.uk or gareth.barnett@newham.gov.uk or phone 020 8430 2000 Ext. 22235 or Ext. 22324.

What happens after I make my application?

Once we receive your application, it will be registered and checked to make sure it is valid and complete for processing. From 6 April 2008, if your application does not contain the relevant information, as set out in the national and local planning application requirements lists, your application will be deemed invalid, along with any applications received on the old forms after this date.

If your application is invalid, the Council will set out the reasons in writing to you and specify the information required in order to make the application valid.

Once your application is valid, we will send you a letter of confirmation advising you of the reference number, the case officer's name, and the date by which you should receive a decision.

The Council keeps a register of all applications and decisions, including submitted plans. This is available for view online through our PublicAccess website. A copy of all current applications can also be viewed in the Planning Service reception area Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

How long before I receive a decision?

Most planning applications are decided within 8 weeks. Major applications are decided within 13 weeks. These are set periods required by law. Most applications require a minimum consultation period of 3 weeks where neighbours or the public in general are notified of the application and are given the opportunity to make comments.

Can I make changes to my application during the process?

The set period of 8 weeks is not usually long enough to allow time to negotiate changes to your application. Your proposal will therefore be considered, as it is submitted. You are therefore strongly advised to discuss your application with a planning officer before you submit it. This will help to ensure your application is determined as quickly and as smoothly as possible.





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