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.

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, or not seeking, planning permission. If required, planning permission should be granted before any work begins.

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, schools, etc.)

• Planning application search

• Application forms

  A range of planning application forms are available to download.

• Applying for planning permission

  First steps towards making a planning application.

• Do I need planning permission?

  It is often a good idea to submit your plans to your planning department for an informal comment before you proceed.

• Planning constraints

  General advice on planning constraints

• Planning fees

  Fees for planning applications made to local councils.

• Pre-application advice

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