Our step-by-step guide on how to create and submit an online planning application

The Planning Portal team is dedicated to constantly improving our services in collaboration with local authorities. A key focus area is reducing the level of invalid planning applications. To support this initiative, we have developed a user-friendly video guide to empower applicants with the knowledge and tools necessary for a successful submission, first time. 

Since December 2023, applicants no longer get a ‘free go’ for repeat applications within 12 months, making it even more important to get applications correct in the first instance to avoid invalidation and additional charges. The video provides local authority planning teams an easy-to-follow guide of what their applicants are seeing and how they use the system. 

Watch our ‘One Application’ walkthrough video below, to learn more about how to complete the perfect planning application:

For applicants – what you need to know :

We’ve collated some of the common reasons planning applications are invalidated, so you can cross check information before submitting your application.  

Why was my planning application invalid?  

1. Location plan is incorrect or missing  

2. Missing or incorrect plans: sections, elevations and floor plans or missing attachments (Ecology report, Design and Access statement, Heritage Statement) 

3. No planning fee received or paying the wrong amount 

To address these challenges, we have incorporated innovative features into our platform to streamline the application process and mitigate common pitfalls.  

1. Our embedded location plan feature 

This feature enables you to draw the site boundary as part of your application journey on Planning Portal using our simple tool, saving valuable time and resources. You can conveniently obtain a PDF or data file of the location plan for integration across local authority systems. 

Additionally, our standardised approach ensures information is presented to local authorities in a consistent, uniform manner, reducing the likelihood of invalidations. This standardised method simplifies the verification process for authorities, minimising manual effort and ensuring a seamless experience for applicants regardless of the receiving authority. Through our experience and the implementation of our payment service, we have seen the efficiencies gained through this universal approach, benefitting all stakeholders involved. 

2. Missing or incorrect information 

Our platform is intuitive – depending on what application you need to submit, it will make certain attachments compulsory, so you won’t miss them.  The platform also has a breath of information with signposts and guidance about your local authority’s specific requirements. 

3. Issues around planning fees 

Our application payment software gives you clear, simple payment options and also allows you to divert a payment to a nominated person.  

By embedding the payment software into the application service, fees are collected at the point of submission instead of after the application is received, allowing the application to be acknowledged and validated faster and removing the risk of absent payments.  

Our payment service offers multiple payment options along with a unique payment nomination feature, allowing a payment request to be routed to a client, who can then choose a payment method that suits them and complete the process. 

For local authorities – how can you help your applicants? 

By sharing this resource, authorities can help applicants understand the submission requirements and identify potential pitfalls that may lead to application invalidation. This proactive approach not only enhances the applicant experience but also reduces the likelihood of delayed or rejected applications. In addition to the application guide, local authorities can leverage the Additional Information Box feature to further assist applicants. This allows authorities to provide supplementary information and helpful links directly within the application interface. By updating and customising the information available in the additional information area, authorities can ensure that applicants have access to relevant resources and guidance while completing their applications.