Apply for planning permission

Find out if you need planning permission

You can find detailed guidance on whether you should apply for planning permission on the Planning Portal.

Get advice before you apply

If you are not sure whether you need planning permission or if you want help putting your application together, you can get advice from us.

Our advice is free, confidential and gives you the best chance of having your application approved.

Find out more about pre-application advice

How to apply

The easiest way to apply for planning permission is online through the Planning Portal.

Apply for planning permission online

If you want to apply by email or post, you need to download the correct form from the Planning Portal.

Send your application by post to: 

Planning Development Services
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Dunedin House
Columbia Drive
Thornaby
Stockton-on-Tees
TS17 6BJ

Hazardous substances consent

If you need to apply for hazardous substance consent, you need to find the appropriate form for your work on the Health and Safety Executive website and send it to us.

Serving notice if you are not the sole owner

If you are not the sole owner of the land that your application relates to, or if your proposal encroaches on any land that is not yours, you will need to serve notice of your application to those affected.

Learn more about serving notice

Fees

The list of current fees and charges for planning applications, notifications and prior approval is available on the Planning Portal.

If you apply online, you can pay as part of your application.

If you apply by post, you will need to pay your fee either over the phone, by cheque or in person at the Customer Service Centre.

Learn more about fees for planning applications

What happens after you apply

Once we receive your application, we still start the assessment and consultation process which normally takes around 8 weeks for minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications.

Learn more about how we process planning applications