Submitting a planning application doesn't need to be complicated. Whether you're extending your home, building an outbuilding, or making alterations, understanding what happens at each stage helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.

Here's how the process works, and how Planda Portal supports you through it.

Step 1: Check if You Need Permission

Not every project requires planning permission. Before you start, you'll want to confirm:

• Whether your local authority requires permission for your specific project

• If your project falls under permitted development rights

• Whether your property is in a conservation area or has listed building status

• If you need pre-application advice from your council

This step saves time and ensures you're taking the right approach from the beginning.

Step 2: Create Your Application

Once you know you need permission, you can start preparing your application. This involves:

• Selecting the correct application type

• Completing the required forms

• Uploading your documents and drawings

• Paying the application fee

Planda Portal guides you through what's needed based on your specific application type, so you know exactly what to submit.

What Planda Portal checks before submission

This is where we differ from traditional planning portals. Before your application goes anywhere near the council, we run comprehensive checks to catch issues early.

Application details

We verify that your application type is correct based on the information you provide, and check whether your proposal broadly aligns with what planners typically validate. If your application sits on a council boundary or needs special handling, we flag it for review.

Documents and drawings

We check that you've uploaded all required documents for your application type, that documents are labelled correctly, and that they follow validation rules around format, completeness, and basic requirements. We also keep a clear record of everything you submit.

Fees

The correct fee is calculated automatically based on your application type, pulling details directly from your application information. You don't need to calculate or re-enter anything. And unlike Planning Portal, which charges agents £20 to let their clients pay directly, we offer this option at no extra cost.

Overall validation

An overall validation check runs before your application is sent to the council. We reduce basic errors, improve visibility, and make the submission process clearer and safer.

Step 3: Review and Submission

Once you've completed your application, our team conducts a final review to ensure everything meets requirements. If anything needs adjustment, we'll guide you on what to fix. When everything is ready, we submit your application to the council within hours.

You'll receive confirmation when this happens, giving you peace of mind that your application is officially in the council's hands.

Step 4: Council Processing

Your application is now with the council. A planning officer will be assigned to review it. They'll assess your proposal against planning policies, check technical requirements, and evaluate the site context.

During this stage, the council may:

• Conduct a site visit

• Consult with neighbours and stakeholders

• Review any comments received

• Assess impacts on character, daylight, privacy, and other material considerations

• Prepare a planning report with recommendations

Step 5: Track Your Application

Throughout the council's review, Planda Portal keeps you informed.

What you can see:

• The current status of your application

• When it was last updated

• What documents were submitted, in one clear view

• Updates and messages from the council

• The final decision, once made

• Guidance on what to do next

• Nearby and similar applications, for context and inspiration

You receive email notifications at key milestones, and can check your dashboard anytime for real-time updates. You're never left wondering where things stand.

Step 6: Decision

After completing their assessment, the council makes a decision.

If permission is granted: You'll receive approval, either with or without planning conditions. Make sure you comply with any conditions attached, and notify the council when work begins.

If permission is refused: You have options. You can appeal to the Secretary of State, or revise your proposal and submit a new application through Planda Portal.

What Makes Planda Portal Different

Traditional planning portals stop after submission. You send your application and hope for the best.

Planda Portal works differently. We check your application thoroughly before it reaches the council, catching errors that typically cause delays or rejections. We then track it through the entire process, keeping you informed at every stage.

Ready to Start?

The planning process is designed to be thorough, but it doesn't need to be confusing. Planda Portal guides you through each step, checks your application before submission, and keeps you informed throughout.

Create your account and begin your application today.

Have questions? Browse our planning guidance