Planning applications and process

Planning advice is contained in separate pages. Please use the links under pages in the section to find the information you need.

The Planning Portal provides some very helpful advice on how the planning process works and how to make an application.

The Duty Planner Service

A planning officer is available every week day morning from 9am to 12noon to give general guidance on the planning application process. This guidance can cover:

• The pre application advice process.
• How applications are dealt with.
• How you can get involved with the planning process.
• Planning issues on straightforward cases such as householder applications.

To speak to the duty planner, please telehone us.

Accredited planning agents

We are currently piloting a scheme with our planning agents to help speed up the registration and processing of householder applications.

The scheme works on the basis of 'accredited' planning agents who have shown that they fully understand how to submit a properly prepared planning application.

• Go to Planning agents – accreditation scheme.

Pre-application advice

We give advice prior to the submission of planning applications. For more information go to Planning pre-application enquiries which explains this service and fees.

Application forms

The standard application form is being used across the country.   All the forms and guidance are available online and you can submit your applications online.

• Go to Planning application forms.
• Go to Submit a planning application.

The validation process

Please check the information we need to process your application.

• Go to Planning application requirements.
• Go to Planning fees.

The consultation process and making comments

There is a statutory consultation period of not less than 21 days in which to make comments. To find out more about the consultation and publicity process:

• Go to Commenting on planning applications.
• View and download the leaflet ‘Your chance to have your say’ from related documents.

The committee process

Most applications are decided by officers, under delegated powers. Some applications are referred to a committee for a decision by councillors. To find out more go to Development Control Committees.

Appeals process

For more information on the appeals process and how to make an appeal visit the Planning Portal website.

Getting involved

• Register with Planning Online – which allows you to track applications, save searches and receive updates by email.

• Contact a local planning group - the Neighbourhood Planning Network is made up of 50 or more local planning and community groups in Bristol.
• Contact Neighbourhood Partnerships in Bristol - where you can raise issues of concern with your councillor.
• Attend the Planning User Group - a meeting of agents who make planning applications in Bristol