Submit an application

You should submit planning and allied applications online via the Planning Portal.

Requests for Pre-application advice should be submitted via our Pre-application advice page.

If your application is valid, we aim to confirm this within five working days. Invalid or paper submissions may take longer. If your application is invalid, we will inform you in writing, explaining why and giving you 28 days to provide the required information. If you do not respond within this time, your application will be returned or considered withdrawn.

Once valid, we will send you the planning reference number and decision deadline. At this stage, we will consult relevant parties and publicise the application, following the Colchester Statement of Community Involvement (2023) and The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 .

We assess all applications based on the information you provide. If needed, we may request revised or additional plans. We aim to process applications efficiently, so you will not be able to discuss your application with a planning officer after submission. This is why using the pre-application advice service is important.