Planning Information
The answers to many general planning enquiries can be found on the national Planning Portal website or on Horsham District Council's FAQ's webpage. Developments are considered with respect to local and national planning policies and any planning constraints that apply to the site. Details of some of the more common constraints are listed on our local planning advice pages.
Once you have undertaken all the necessary research into the planning history and national and local policies you can decide which type of application to make. In most cases you will need to make a ‘full’ application. More information on the need for planning permission for householder development is described in the Planning: a guide for householders booklet. Should you require formal confirmation on the lawfulness of a development you may submit an application for a certificate of lawful use for either existing or proposed development as appropriate.
To lodge your planning application you can download an application form and guidance notes which should be returned to the Council Offices, Park North, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RL. If you need help in completing the form you can visit the Planning Reception at the Council Offices for assistance. However, Horsham District Council encourages on-line submision of planning applications via the Planning Portal and believes this provides a quicker and more efficient service.
After an application has been lodged, it will be validated to ensure all the relevant details have been provided.
Once validated there will be a consultation period when the application will be publicised and certain other interested parties will be contacted, including immediate neighbours and Parish or Neighbourhood Councils. All applications can be viewed and tracked within the planning public access system or at the Council Offices. During this consultation period comments can be made by anyone, either in writing to Horsham District Council or via the on-line comments facility in the planning public access system.
Planning Decisions on householder type applications are usually completed within 7-8 weeks.
If, as the Applicant, you believe an incorrect decision has been reached you have the right to lodge a Planning Appeal. Appeals can be tracked using the same methods used to view applications in the planning public access system. There is no right of appeal for neighbours or third parties.
For more information on making planning applications and the system as a whole, you can visit the Planning Portal, an online guide to local planning. If you have carried out the neccessary research and are still uncertain whether your application is likely to be successful in planning terms, a Duty Officer is available for visitors to the Park North Reception only, to offer pre-application advice to householders only. This service is only available between 9.30am and 12.30pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Alternatively, if you want to see what the Council thinks about your proposal before you have detailed drawings available, you can submit a preliminary enquiry in writing or by e mail to obtain our informal view on your proposal. There is currently no fee for a preliminary enquiry and we endeavour to provide an answer within 28 days.