Application statuses

Planning applications use different statuses to show where they are in the application process. You can find these statuses when checking the details of an application on this register.

Council process

These statuses apply to applications being handled by the local council planning authority.

Consultation in progress

Once an application has been submitted, there are 21 days (not including bank holidays) where neighbours and the local community must be consulted. This is the statutory consultation period. It can go on for longer than 21 working days, but it cannot be any less. The council cannot make a decision until the statutory consultation period is over.

During this time and comments can be submitted for consideration by the planning team. Comments submitted after the statutory consultation period are usually considered if they are submitted before a decision is made.

Assessment in progress

Once the consultation has been complete, planning applications are assessed. The application and all it's documentation is checked and considered. Comments are read and considered.

A decision notice is created containing the decision the council makes. The notice sometimes includes reasons for the decision, and responses to significant points raised by comments.

Determined

A determined application has had a decision made about it, so it has completed its journey through the application process. The decision is published with all the supporting documentation. Decisions can be appealed.

Determined planning applications which have been refused can be appealed by applicants or their agents.

Withdrawn

Planning applications can be withdrawn by the applicant, or sometimes by the council. This usually means they no longer intend to do the work they applied for. It can also mean they have decided to significantly change the proposed work, and may submit a new planning application at a later date.

Appeals process

These statuses apply to applications that are going through the appeal process, or have gone through it. Appeals are handled by the planning inspectorate.

Appeal lodged

An appeal has been lodged with the planning inspectorate. At this stage the appeal still needs to be checked to ensure it is valid, then it can be processed.

Appeal validated

The appeal has been confirmed to be valid. This appeal can now be examined in detail by the planning inspectorate, but progress has not yet begun.

Appeal in progress

The planning inspectorate is considering the appeal. There is guidance available on how long this process is likely to take.

Appeal decided

The planning inspectorate has published their decision about the appeal. This decision is final.

Appeal withdrawn

The applicant has withdrawn their appeal from consideration by the planning inspectorate. They can lodge another appeal in future, if they wish.