Planning applications

You apply to your council for planning permission. Planning applications are decided in line with the development plan unless there are very good reasons not to do so. Points that will be looked at include the following:

• Number, size, layout, siting and external appearance of buildings
• Proposed means of access, landscaping and impact on the neighbourhood
• Availability of infrastructure, such as roads and water supply
• Proposed use of the development

Who can apply for planning permission?

It is not necessary to make the application yourself. You can appoint an agent (for instance, an architect, a solicitor, or a builder) to make it for you.

Anyone can make an application, no matter who owns the land or buildings concerned. If you are not the owner, or if you have only part-ownership, you have to tell the owner or those who share ownership, including any leaseholder whose lease still has seven or more years to run, and any agricultural tenant.

It is your responsibility for seeking planning permission. If required, planning permission should be granted before any work begins.

Who should I send my planning application to? 

Dorset County Council is the authority you will need to contact for applications or developments involving:

1. Mining, quarrying and the working of minerals and associated facilities
2. Waste disposal or the treating, storing, processing or disposing of refuse or waste materials
3. Developments by the County Council (for example roads or schools)

For all other applications contact your local district council. 

• Christchurch Borough Council

• East Dorset District Council

• North Dorset District Council

• Purbeck District Council

• West Dorset District Council

• Weymouth and Portland Borough Council

• Planning application search

  Search planning applications in Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland. You can view the application documents, plans and decisions and object, support or comment on applications within the consultation period.

• Do I need planning permission?

  It depends on what you want to do.

• Applying for planning permission in Dorset - who to contact

  Find out who to contact when making a planning application in Dorset.

• Pre-application advice

  Before a planning application is made, informal discussions between a potential applicant and planning officers can be very useful.

• Planning fees

  Fees for planning applications made to local councils.

• Useful planning websites

  Links to websites with information on planning and related issues.

• Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Park Proposals

  Dorset County Council Position Statement on the proposed Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Park

• Fracking in Dorset

  Dorset County Council Position Statement on Fracking