Apply for planning permission
Starting your application
We're receiving a high volume of planning applications and enquiries. It may take longer than the statutory 8 or 13 weeks to determine your application. When applying for permission and planning works, you will need to factor this in. We may contact you to extend the time to deal with your application. We're working hard to reduce the backlog. You can find out about the improvements we've made to our planning performance. Thank you for your patience.
Before applying, make sure you have answered the following questions:
- Do I need planning permission?
- Would I like some pre-application advice from the council?
- Have I got all the information I need to include in my application?
- Are there any Local Land Charges which prevent me from doing the work I want?
You can also check the Planning Portal guidance page (opens new window).
When you make a planning application, we strongly recommend you make an online account. You can sign into your account at any time to check the status of your application. You'll also be able to make any amendments or provide extra information if we ask for it.
Standards for online applications
You can submit planning applications online by using the Planning Portal. Follow these standards to make sure we can process your application properly:
- submit drawings in a single layer PDF format with correct scale and paper size stated (e.g. 1:100 on A3)
- submit all other documents in PDF format
- each file submitted should be no larger than 5MB
- submit extra materials for major applications to us on CD/DVD
What to include
Every application needs:
- a site location plan and block plan showing the location and boundaries of the site
- plans of the work you want to do
You can use the Planning Portal's buy a plan service (opens new window) to ensure you meet our requirements. You may need to submit other documents, depending on the site you're working on and the work you want to do.
You might also need Building Regulations consent for your proposal. Our Building Control team make sure building work meets building regulation standards. This includes fire safety, structure, and thermal insulation. For more information, check our building control page.
Current measures
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, we've made some changes to the application process:
Site visits
We are conducting site visits. Please make sure you're unaccompanied and follow social distancing rules with our offices to provide access to properties and gardens.
Site notices
We'll also send site notices to you or your agent by email. Send a dated photo showing you've put the notice on display to the officer. If you're unable to display the notice, contact us on 01483 505050. We'll still send neighbour notifications by post.
We'll operate a digital sign off process where possible. We'll send decision notices electronically too.
Changes to planning law
The government has also introduced some new measures to help support economic recovery. You can read the legislation on the government website. The changes include:
- extension of certain planning permissions (opens new window) - Some planning permissions have been automatically extended. Others which are due to expire, can apply to extend the planning permission until 1 April 2021
- changes to construction working hours (opens new window) - Read the Government's latest update (opens new window) here. We are expected to approve requests to extend construction working hours temporarily until 9pm, Monday to Saturday, unless there are compelling reasons against this. We'll work with developers to make this change by considering Non-Material Amendment applications for most proposed changes to working hours that fall within the statement's guidelines. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can submit any queries using our online support form (opens new window).
Please read the guidance on both topics and submit all applications to planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk.
There are also some changes which we have not received guidance on yet. These include:
- changes to the Town and Country Planning Regulations (opens new window)
- changes allowing extensions upwards for dwelling houses (opens new window)
- demolition of a disused detached building where it's replaced with a dwelling house or individual block of flats (opens new window)
For more information contact us using our online support form (opens new window).
Fees
If you have submitted your planning applications via the Planning Portal, please pay directly through the portal or your application will not be sent to Guildford Borough Council. If you have not used the Planning Portal, use our online form to pay for your planning application.
Check the prices of different application types (opens new window)
The fee for approval under regulation 75 of the Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended in 2012) is £30.
Pay for a planning application online
Only use our online form if you have not paid on the Planning Portal.
You can also pay by debit or credit card. Call us on 01483 505050.
Apply
We're receiving a high volume of planning applications and enquiries. It may take longer than the statutory 8 or 13 weeks to determine your application. When applying for permission and planning works, you will need to factor this in. We may contact you to extend the time to deal with your application. We're working hard to reduce the backlog. You can find out about the improvements we've made to our planning performance. Thank you for your patience.
You can make your planning application using the Planning Portal. Make sure you register an account when you make your application. You cannot track or make changes to your application without making an account.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, we cannot always conduct site inspections at present. If your application requires a site inspection, our decision making process may be delayed.
Apply for planning permission (opens new window)
The Planning Portal does not support some types of application. You can download the forms for these below:
Prior Notifications:
Notification for change of use from storage distribution buildings to dwelling (PDF) [248KB]
Approval of Details reserved by a condition
Receipt of discharge of conditions material samples form (PDF) [135KB]
Modification or discharge of a planning obligation:
Modification or Discharge of Planning Obligations Form (PDF) [1MB]
I want to check or change my planning application
When you make a planning application, we strongly recommend you make an online account. You can sign into your account at any time to check the status of your application. You'll also be able to make amendments or provide extra information if we ask for it.
If you make changes to your application it may take us longer to reach a decision.
What happens after I apply for planning permission?
If you've sent us everything we need, we'll send a letter confirming your application has been validated. If you have not sent us everything we need, we'll request the extra information or fee. You need to provide this within two weeks after we send the letter. If two weeks pass and we do not hear from you, we'll return the application to you or your agent. This means you'll have to submit the application again.
The decision process
There are three stages to our decision process:
- first, there is a 21-day consultation period. People can make comments on your application and a case officer will write a report
- next, there is decision period. The caseworker's report is read by either Planning Officers (a delegated authority) or the Planning Committee.
- finally, we'll send you a decision notice. This tells you if we've approved your application and whether there are any special rules you need to follow
The decision process takes a different amount of time depending on the type of application. We aim to decide within:
- 8 weeks for householder and minor applications
- 13 weeks for major applications
- 16 weeks for an application with an Environmental Impact Assessment.
You can find out when we're likely to decide on your application online (opens new window). Enter your reference number and open the 'Important Dates' tab. The expected decision date is shown in the 'Expiry Date' field.