Apply for planning permission

Before you apply for planning permission, have you:

• checked to see if you need permission
• sought advice using the pre-application service
• checked to see what you need to submit with your application
• calculated the correct fee

How to apply

For the majority of applications, you can apply online using the Planning Portal. All applications normally require a location plan to be submitted - further information about site location plans can also be obtained on the The Planning Portal website. 

• Information about site location plans

Apply online

Apply online using the Planning Portal

Download application forms

• Paper application forms

This facility allows forms for any application type to be downloaded for submission to the council on paper if required. As not all application types can be applied for online, the Planning Portal provides a list of applications for which the online service is not yet available.

Encroachment onto neighbouring land

If your proposal encroaches onto land that is not in your ownership (for example, by the eaves or guttering overhanging a boundary, or new access through Highway land) you may not be able to proceed without your neighbour's agreement, even if you have planning permission. Please download the relevant Notice to Owners form.

• Notice to owners forms

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge on new housing and retail development that can be used by the local authority to help deliver infrastructure to support development in the area. It is a fixed, non-negotiable charge related to the size and type of chargeable development.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will discuss this at Full Council on 20 July 2017 and intend to implement CIL from 1 September, 2017.

The CIL will effect residential developments that create new dwelling houses or additional floor space 100 square metres or over in Chester and the rural area and A1 retail space at Sealand Road, Chester and Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port.

You can read more information on CIL here, or alternatively you can contact us:

• Email: CIL@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk  
• Telephone: 0300 123 7027.

Specialist application forms

Although most applications can be submitted using the Planning Portal, some are not available yet but can be downloaded below.

Minerals application forms and guidance

Minerals applications

• Minerals application form (PDF, 387KB)
• Minerals application guidance notes (PDF, 138KB)

Mineral extraction and processing

• Annex one: Mineral extraction and processing (PDF, 81KB)
• Annex one guidance notes (PDF, 72KB)

Mineral exploration

• Annex two: Mineral exploration (PDF. 16KB)
• Annex two guidance notes (PDF, 28KB)

Underground mining

• Annex three: Underground mining (PDF, 15KB)
• Annex three guidance notes (PDF, 30KB)

Surface disposal of quarry waste

• Annex four: Major surpace disposal of mine or quarry wastes (PDF, 30KB)
• Annex four guidance notes (PDF, 47KB)

Oil and gas explorations

• Annex five: Oil and gas explorations (PDF, 40KB)
• Annex five guidance notes (PDF, 15KB)

Certificates and instructions

• Notice under article six of application for planning permission (PDF, 40KB)
• Certificate under article 7 (PDF, 71.9KB)
• Certificates A and B (PDF, 35KB)
• Instructions (PDF, 70KB)