Accessibility Skip to main content

Consultation process

Information on the process a consultation goes through when reviewing a planning application.

A planning application is subject to a process of public and internal consultation. Publicising planning applications helps us make sure it is a democratic process. Publicity and neighbour notification is a big part of the process. 

Submitted comments about planning applications fall into three categories:  

  • members of the public 
  • statutory consultees 
  • non-statutory consultees 

Comments received by the public 

As soon as we deem the application valid, we make them available for public inspection. 

Find guidance and links on how to submit a comment on a planning application. We can only consider factors related to planning when deciding on a planning application. All the comments submitted to us will be open to the public for review.  

Finding out about an application 

The consultation period for a planning application lasts for 21 calendar days. This period starts from the date of publication. It then becomes available for public view. You can also find the closing date for submitting a letter about an application here. The expiry date is in the details tab under important dates as the latest site notice expiry date. 

To get notified about applications in your area register with Planning Online. Save a search for applications in your ward/postcode/street. You will then get notified of any applications. You can then choose to track the application and get an email with the decision. 

Statutory and non statutory consultees 

There are organisations and bodies that by law must be consulted on relevant planning applications. These are Statutory consultees. Examples include: 

  • The Highways Agency 
  • Historic England 
  • The Environment Agency 
  • Natural England 

Others, when appropriate, will include such bodies as:  

  • the local Environmental Health Department  
  • the local Highways Department  

Non statutory consultees are organisations and bodies we may choose to seek consultation from. In some cases they will be those organisations whom for certain applications are statutory consultees. This could be: 

  • the local Highways department  
  • Railtrack 
  • Sport England 
  • the R.S.P.B