Planning law

Yes. When any application is received it will be validated by the Council, after which the council have to publish information about the application for people to see and reply to. It should be published on the Council’s planning register. This is usually now available online on the Council’s website. Ask the Council if you don’t know the planning application reference number and want to see the entry on the online planning register. Alternatively, you should be able to visit the Council offices to view the application and any documents submitted with it.

The planning system in Britain gives local residents that may be affected by a development the chance to have their say. It can seem complicated to find your way around and work out what you have to do. But the fundamental principles are quite simple and it is designed to give communities a say on developments.