Submit a planning application

We are the Planning Authority responsible for deciding planning applications for:

Mineral extraction and associated plant and buildings
Developments involving the handling, storage, treatment or disposal of waste.

We are also the Planning Authority for our own development (Reg 3).

This includes:

New schools and school extensions
Road schemes where we are the highway authority
Buildings for other County Council services, such as libraries and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

We decide planning applications in line with the development plan, unless material considerations justify a different decision. Section 38(6) of the Town and Country Planning Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 sets out this requirement.

We use the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan, adopted in May 2025, as the main policy document when we assess applications.

We also consider:

Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans prepared by district and parish councils

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Pre-application advice service

Before submitting an application, you may wish to discuss it with a planning officer through our pre-application advice service. This can help identify issues early, avoid delays, and reduce unnecessary costs.

Submitting an application

You can submit most applications through the Planning Portal.

Our adopted Local List sets out the national and local validation requirements for planning applications, including the information that must be submitted with an application.

Mineral extraction applications

You cannot submit applications for mineral extraction and related development through the Planning Portal.

To apply you must:

Complete the forms listed below
Submit them with the relevant documents as set out in the Local List.

Application forms

How to submit your application

Email your completed forms and supporting documents to [email protected]

Read our privacy notice to find out how we use your personal information.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

You must carry out an EIA for the following types of development:

Mineral extraction where the surface of the site exceeds 25 hectares
Peat extraction where the surface of the site exceeds 150 hectares
Waste disposal installations where the proposal is for the incineration, chemical treatment or landfill of hazardous waste
Waste disposal installations where the proposal is for the incineration or chemical treatment of non-hazardous waste with a capacity exceeding 100 tonnes per day.

When we may also require an EIA

We may also require an EIA for smaller developments in sensitive locations, including:

National Landscapes
The Broads Authority area
Sites in or near designated areas of nature conservation value

We may require an EIA in other locations if we consider the environmental effects to be significant.

The applicant has the right of appeal to the Secretary of State to determine whether an EIA is required.

Amending development that required an EIA

To amend a development where the original application required an EIA, an Environmental Statement (ES) must be submitted with a section 73 application (in line with the Government's Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)).

Depending on how much time has passed since the original EIA was undertaken, it may be the case that the original ES is valid and can be submitted, or a new EIA may need to be carried out. We can advise you on this through a formal request for a Scoping Opinion.

Further guidance on the Environmental Impact Assessment procedure

Publicity, consultation and notifications

We aim to publish submitted documents promptly. We will redact personal details where appropriate.

We carry out publicity and consultation in line with our Statement of Community Involvement.

If you submit changes that materially alter the proposal while we are considering the application, we may carry out further consultation.

All views received are considered when reaching a decision.

Determination period

Statutory timescales for determination from date of validation are:

8 weeks for minor applications
13 weeks for major applications
16 weeks where you submit an Environmental Statement

We aim to determine applications before the expiry date. Where this is not possible, we will contact applicants and may request an extension of time.

Extensions of time

We aim to determine applications before the expiry date. Where this is not possible, we will contact applicants and may request an extension of time.

Extensions may be requested where:

A committee decision is required
A legal agreement is necessary
There is a delay in a consultation response considered essential to inform the decision
We have agreed a single opportunity to negotiate on a small amendment or submission of additional information
You need to submit additional information to address comments from a statutory consultee so we can reach a positive decision

If we request an extension of time and it is not agreed by the applicant, the application will be determined based on the information we hold by the statutory deadline.

Where an application needs significant changes or substantial additional information before we could approve it, we will normally ask you to withdraw the application or we may refuse it.

Further extensions or negotiations requested by applicants will be considered on their own merits.

Service Standards

Enquiries

We aim to:

Provide initial telephone or in office advice within a five-minute discussion
Respond to voicemail messages within one working day
If needed, arrange visits at a mutually convenient time

If your query relates to submitting a planning application and requires a more in depth review, a written response, or a further meeting, then this may form part of our chargeable pre-application advice service.

Planning applications

We aim to:

Register, validate and acknowledge applications within 5 working days of receipt.
Tell you what information is missing if your application is invalid

If you do not provide the required information within the timescale we set, we will return the application.

Planning Committee

Some applications are determined by Councillors, as set out in the Scheme of Delegation in the Council's Constitution.

Information about committees and meeting dates can be found on the Council's Calendar of Meetings.

When a decision has been taken, we will issue a decision within one working day unless there is reason for delay such as a legal agreement requiring advance completion.

Issuing of a decision with conditions

We will only include conditions in a planning decision where they are necessary. We will only require the discharge of pre-commencement conditions where it is not appropriate to require details after development has commenced.

Amendments to approved applications

Where a revision does not introduce elements which would require re-consultation, we are likely to consider the application as a Non Material Amendment. There will normally be no publicity or consultations on this type of application.

For more significant changes:

We may be able to vary the approved drawings condition, or
You may need to submit a new planning application

Where required, we will carry out publicity and consultation in line with our Statement of Community Involvement.

Planning Appeals

The Planning Inspectorate handles planning appeals.

We will notify you of an appeal if you were notified of or commented on the application and advise how further comments can be made.

You can find more information about appeals from the Planning Inspectorate.

Planning Enforcement

If you report a possible breach of planning rules, we aim to:

Classify the urgency of complaints within 2 days
Acknowledge them within 5 working days
Advise of our decision within 25 working days

This is in line with our Compliance and Enforcement Policy (PDF, 201 KB).

Complaints

If you are unhappy with the service you have received, please follow our complaint process.

Contact

Email us at [email protected]