Online Planning Services
Submitting a planning application
You will need to complete an application form and will need to supply plans showing all relevant details and giving measurements in metric units.
The plans need to be clear and show a floor plan of the property now and the property with the proposal added. It is also a good idea to show a picture (or elevation) of the property now and with the proposal. In short, provide as much information as you can.
Many people will employ an agent to draw their plans and submit their applications and this approach should be considered if you are not confident that you can draw a set of suitable plans.
We do not recommend agents.
We also accept planning applications online via the Planning Portal (Please note: This is an external website), the Government's online planning resource, which is part of the common vision for improving the planning process in England and Wales. The Planning Portal provides guidance and information about making planning applications, as well as resources for study and research.
It is possible to submit applications electronically using the Portal, completing the forms online and then attaching the drawings. It is also possible to produce, and pay for, a site location plan online from the Ordnance Survey. The facility also allows you to pay for the application fee with a card payment, although you can also pay by sending a cheque direct to us if this is more convenient.
We offer a pre-application advice service before making an application. To do this write to the Development Control Section with a sketch outlining what you would like to do.
We would expect to answer your letter within a fortnight of receipt.
Alternatively you can telephone for advice during office hours. Remember that for the price of a stamp or a telephone call you can get informed advice, which may save you time or money.
The Officers are also there to help you fill out the planning application forms and if you contact them at the address shown, to make an appointment, they will meet you to help you with your application at the Planning Reception.
There are different kinds of planning application:
Outline application
This establishes the principle of development. It is usually used for larger proposals such as new supermarkets. Detailed plans are not required at this stage.
Reserved Matters
The next stage following an outline application and sets out the details of the proposal.
Full
This application is the most common and would include full details of the proposal including sitting, design and access.
The application itself comprises:
- A set of completed planning application forms. The forms are available either from the Planning Reception, Ground Floor, Barking Town Hall, 1 Town Square, Barking or telephone 020 8227 3933 and ask for a set. You can also download planning application forms
- Check our Application Validation Criteria for different types of application. These give a full list of the plans and documents required to make a valid application. For house extensions please see the sheet for All Planning Applications and the one for Householder Applications
- Site location plan (4 copies). All you need is a plan that indicates where the application site is in relation to properties nearby
- Detailed plans (4 copies) if applying for full or reserved matters
- Most planning applications attract a fee (
PDF 59K). The current fee for an application to extend a house is £150. A planning application for a change of use is £335. Please note that fees, which are set by Central Government, are subject to change so please always check first
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