Help
Welcome to our help section. Here you can use the signposts below to find guidance on how to submit an online planning application, drawing a site boundary and creating a location plan, FAQs, glossary of planning terms, useful links and contact information for Planning Portal departments and Local Authorities.
Our Service Desk
Please note: Planning Portal is an online application service based in Bristol. We are not part of any council and cannot provide an update on the progress of your application. If you require this information, or local planning information, please contact your local council’s planning department. Their contact details can be found by using our search tool.
Find your local planning authority (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)
Find your local planning authorityNeed planning advice?
Book a call with a planning expert for tailored support on your home or commercial project.
Speak to an expert (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/planning-guidance-service)
Speak to an expertCommon questions
Applying online
How can I view my applications?1
Can I amend a submitted planning application?2
I'm applying for planning permission online and can't find the form I need3
I cannot complete the ‘'Upload plans and documents' section of my application4
Do I need planning permission?5
Why do I get an error when uploading my biodiversity metric spreadsheet?6
Can I access or download the location plan to share with a client before I submit my application?7
Can I use the location plan I create as a site/block plan?8
Do I have to use the location plan feature, or can I upload a plan like I did before?9
Paying for an application
How much does a planning application cost?10
Why is there a service charge for submitting planning applications?11
How can I pay for a planning application?12
I have paid for my application, why is it still showing in ‘draft’?13
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/how-can-i-view-my-applications
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/can-i-amend-a-submitted-application
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/planning-applications/cannot-find-form
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/completing-upload-plans-and-documents
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/do-you-need-permission/do-i-need-planning-permission
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/planning-applications/why-do-i-get-an-error-when-uploading-my-biodiversity-metric-spreadsheet
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/site-boundary-and-location-plan/can-i-access-or-download-the-location-plan-to-share-with-a-client-before-i-submit-my-application
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/site-boundary-and-location-plan/can-i-use-the-location-plan-i-create-as-a-site-block-plan
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/site-boundary-and-location-plan/do-i-have-to-use-the-location-plan-feature-or-can-i-upload-a-plan-like-i-did-before
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/how-much-does-a-planning-application-cost
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/payment/why-is-there-a-service-charge-for-submitting-planning-applications
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/payment/how-can-i-pay-for-a-planning-application
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/planning-applications/i-have-paid-for-my-application-why-is-it-still-showing-as-payment-pending
Making an online planning application
Making an online building control application
Read our step by step guidance on how to create an online building control application.
Paying for an online planning application
Read our FAQs to find advice about making a payment for your application.
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/payment
Site boundary and location plan
Building control applications
FAQs to help with submitting your building control application.
Building Control application help1
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/building-control
Find out if you need building regulations approval
Browse our common projects to find out about building regulations for home improvement projects.
Read building regulations advice1.
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects
Help contacts
Need planning advice? Book a call with a planning expert for tailored support on your home or commercial project:
Speak to an expert (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/planning-guidance-service)
Speak to an expertTo find out the progress of a planning application or confirm what type of application you need:
Contact your local planning authority (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)
Contact your local planning authorityFor building control advice and to find out the progress of a building control application:
Contact your local authority's building control department (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/find-your-LABC)
Contact your local authority's building control departmentFor Planning Portal website support - accessing your account, completing the online form or our complaints process:
See contact details and information (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/contact-the-planning-portal)
See contact details and information
FAQs
Got a question? The chances are it has been asked before! Find the answers to frequently asked questions from our information bank
Planning glossary
Browse through the definitions of hundreds of planning terms using our A-Z planning glossary.
Useful links
Find your Local Planning Authority
Use our search tool to find the contact details of the planning department at your local council.