Re-platforming the Planning Portal and update to the payment service
Planning Portal are heavily investing in our future service by developing a brand-new website using the latest technology. This includes a cloud-based application service that is flexible enough to cater for the needs of our customers and partners both now and in the future. We are on track for a launch in late quarter two of this year.
The new platform is being developed in-house by our TerraQuest colleagues in Birmingham. It combines our knowledge and insight, gained from nearly 20 years of facilitating online planning submission, and the experience of a team of developers, product owners and user experience specialists.
The new platform will be more intuitive and easier to use than the current system, taking a project-based approach to link all applications to a single development with the ability to share data across platforms resulting in fewer invalid applications. Most importantly, it will give us the platform to continually improve the service and deliver the digital transformation the planning and building industry needs, and as stated in the Government’s Planning white paper in the autumn. If you would like more information about our development roadmap, you can find out more on our blog here.
In light of the above, coupled with general increased running costs, we will be introducing a service charge increase to £23.33+ VAT from 1st April 2021. The service charge applies to online planning applications that attract a planning fee of £60 or more. We have held our current service charge fee for 20 months and the increased revenue will contribute to the continued investment into our service to deliver the above transformational improvements and subsequent enhancements to features that will add additional efficiencies for agents, applicants and local authorities.
If you would like to understand in greater detail the new developments and functionality, we would strongly recommend you join us for our free webinar series ‘Planning Portal: Past, Present and Future’. Alongside providing you with an in-depth review of our development programme it provides you the opportunity to ask questions. You can register here.
As always, we are committed to providing an efficient service to all customers and delivery partners and thank you for your continued support and feedback.
If you have any further questions or comments in relation to any of the above, please email communications@planningportal.co.uk.
Planning Portal Blog 
I’m slightly confused as the current service charge is £25. How is this an increase? Or is it on top of this?
Hi Donna, thanks for your query. The current service charge is £20.83 +VAT (£25 in total). The new charge will be £23.33 +VAT (£28 in total). This service charge applies only to online planning applications that attract a planning fee of £60 or more.
Ah, understood. Thank you for clarifying.
how much cost Lawful Development Certificate?
Hi Rafiq, our Fee Calculator should be able to help you: https://1app.planningportal.co.uk/FeeCalculator/Standalone
please let me know how i can make application for discharging condition on approved permission
You can find out more about the approval (discharge) of conditions here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200126/applications/60/consent_types/12
Information on how to remove or vary conditions can be found here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200126/applications/60/consent_types/11
Many thanks.
Excuse the “dumb” question but is the service charge on top of the planning fee and what is the current Pre-application Advice fee please?
Hi Paul! Yes, the service charge is separate from the planning application fee, you can read more about this charge here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200232/planning_applications/145/financial_transaction_service_and_payment_nomination
As for pre-application advice fees, you’ll need to check this with your Local Planning Authority directly.
How can I get a lawful use certificate for my shop
Hi Cecilia, you can find our guidance on applying for a Lawful Development Certificate here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200187/your_responsibilities/37/planning_permission/3
Where can I access a tree application form?
Hi Lin, tree applications can be submitted online through the Planning Portal: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications
I’m in process of submitting 2 lawfulness development certificate applications for 2-bed mid terrace properties to convert to 3 bed HMO What’s the best option to chooses to calculate fees on the planning portal?
Hi Hiwa, the Planning Portal service desk can help with how to complete the online application form. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
I am trying to make an application for change of use but it is not in the list of options it is from retail to dog grooming. What do I do to apply online as I have been told it does need an application making
Hi Caroline, the Planning Portal service desk can help with how to complete the online application form. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
How do I list my past applications in either alphabetical order or date order.
Hi Stephen, the Planning Portal service desk can help with queries on using the online application system. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
All I am seeking approval for is to replace the doors into my garden. The fees are ridiculous £200+ quid of the application and then £28 to lodge it with the portal. No wonder people are not seeking permission. Can I lodge the file directly with the council and avoid the rip-off fees?
Hi David, planning fees are determined by the Government and apply regardless of how permission is sought. The service charge for the Planning Portal is explained here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/faqs/faq/261/why_is_there_a_service_charge_for_submitting_planning_applications.
What form do we use to request a change of the hours we can use our premises and do we need planning permission
Hello, the Planning Portal service desk can help with queries on using the online application system. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays). For specific queries regarding whether or not you need planning permission, please contact your Local Planning Authority.
HI, what is your VAT number as it is not shown on your website/paperwork?
Hi Nicola, the Planning Portal service desk should be able to help with your query. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Hello there!
We have already submitted and paid our ‘application fee’, however am resubmitting the application due to technical errors that occurred during the processing of our last application.
Does the online service require I pay the fees on the portal? If so, we have of course already paid and am not sure how to proceed.
Thanks!
Hi Victoria, the Planning Portal service desk should be able to help with your query. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Hi, What’s the best way of making payments? I emailed a filled in application to you however not sure how to pay for it now.
Please can I have some contact number ASAP and account details?
Cheers
Hi Marta, the Planning Portal service desk should be able to help with your query. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Alternatively, you may find the relevant help here in our FAQs section: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/faqs/faq/75/how_do_i_make_a_payment_for_my_planning_application
Finding filling in planning portal complicated regarding documents can I get support
Hi Derek, for support regarding using the Planning Portal application service, the Planning Portal service desk should be able to help with your query. You can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk or call 0333 323 4589. Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays). For specific questions regarding planning, you will need to contact your Local Planning Authority.
Hi I have some tree branches coming from my neighbours tree on top of my kitchen roof and blocking sunlight going in my kids room.
I need those branches trimming .I live in conservation area.
I’m trying to put application to trim those branches but can’t find the form .
Hi Hira, you can find some advice on finding the correct form here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/faqs/faq/262/im_applying_online_and_cant_find_the_form_i_need
Hi I have a very large wooden shed in my front garden which is damp. I want to replace with a garage to keep my bikes from rusting. Do I need householder planning for this?
Hi Linda, some general advice on projects involving outbuildings can be found here: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/43/outbuildings For specific queries regarding planning permission, you will need to contact your Local Planning Authority (LPA). You can find the details for your LPA here: https://1app.planningportal.co.uk/YourLpa/FindYourLpa