Before you start
Our check the validation checklist tells you what we need to register your application. It will help you to make sure you give us all the information we need.
We will check your application and let you know if we need anything to make it valid.
We will not be able to register your application if:
- the application form is not completed correctly
- any necessary application fee is not paid
- you do not supply sufficiently detailed plans or other supporting information
If we do not hear back from you within 21 days of contacting you, your application will be closed, and application fee paid will be refunded, this will not include the Planning Portal service charge. You will need to reapply and make a new application.
Before you submit you should
Before you submit, you should:
- check the validation checklist adopted 1 October 2022, V18 updated 2 May 2025
- view the current application list requirement matrix
- use the fee calculator on the planning portal to work out what it will cost (in most, but not all cases there is a fee).
- view our guidance on amendments to planning applications
There are a range of constraints that may need to be considered when developing in Dorset. DorsetExplorer provides an overview of the information that can be a helpful start
Additional Fee for Invalid Applications
When a planning application is submitted, it must include all the required information to be considered valid. However, many applications we receive are incomplete or invalid, which leads to additional work. Under Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003, we are required to charge for this extra work.
From 1 April 2025, a charge will apply to any application that is submitted and later found to be invalid.
The charge will be based on the planning application fee.
| Planning application fee | Invalid application charge |
|---|---|
| £0 to £99 | £0 |
| £100 to £500 | £35 |
| £501 to £749 | £75 |
| £750 to £2499 | £155 |
| £2500 | £250 |
Validation Advice Surgery
For Householder, Listed Building and Minor development applications, consider using validation advice surgery. This is a pre bookable service which provides a 30 minute virtual or telephone appointment with an experienced planning technical support officer. This service costs £102 (inc. VAT). Please choose validation advice when submitting your pre application request. You will need to provide a location plan with the site clearly outlined in red.
You should also
You should also:
- complete a biodiversity checklist to find out what Ecological information you need to include with your application. The checklist questions are integrated into the application forms on the Planning Portal. See Biodiversity web pages to find out more information.
- see our for nutrient neutrality page if the development proposals within the catchments of internationally protected habitats sites
- for applications in northern Dorset view the:
- information on Phosphates on the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site
- Somerset West and Taunton Council, Natural England and the Environment Agency advice note. Considering Package Treatment Plants and Septic Tanks as part of nutrients mitigation in Somerset
- if your application relates to a use of land or building being carried out as "permitted development" view our advice note. It explains the requirements of Regulations 75 to 77 of the Conservation of Habitats Regulations 2017
- submit the sustainability checklist and any necessary statement. Before completing the check list please read the guidance on our planning for climate change page.
Planning Permission in Principle exclusions
Article 5B of the Permission in Principle (Amendment) Order 2017 specifies types of development that cannot be granted permission in principle (PIP). This includes, major developments, habitats development and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development.
This is particularly relevant for Dorset Council which has several Habitat sites across our area. Although mitigation can be taken into account when assessing the impact of development on Habitats sites, there is no opportunity to secure mitigation through a legal agreement at the PIP stage and an appeal in Dorset has confirmed that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) cannot be relied upon.
Therefore, we cannot approve any PIP applications where mitigation needs to be secured to prevent significant effects on Habitats sites from new residential development. In these circumstances you will need to consider submitting your proposals using another application type.
Biodiversity net gain
From 12 February 2024 the delivery of minimum 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) will become a mandatory requirement under the Environment Act for most major planning applications and from the 2 April 2024 this requirement will include small sites. Full validation requirements for BNG are set out in our check the validation checklist. If BNG applies to your proposal the local list requirement includes the need to submit a BNG statement with your application at validation. Read more about biodiversity net gain.
We have produced a Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance Note for Applicants and Agents which summarises the background to biodiversity net gain and how it should be delivered. The document will be updated regularly as further government guidance on BNG is produced.
Documentation submitted
Copying or using electronic versions or paper copies of the plans or drawings and information without permission of the plan drawer/architect is likely to be a copyright infringement. Protected under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 (Section 47, 1988 Act). Please make sure that you have the permission to use any plans or drawings before submitting them as part of your application. The council is unable to accept drawings when there appears to be a copyright infringement, and this may result in a delay in registering your application.
We will publish documentation submitted in support of an application on our website to facilitate the planning process. This will include applicant name and address and, where an agent is acting, the name and address of that agent. For more information about how we process personal data, please see our privacy notice.
We will redact personal data in accordance with our data protection policies. If you are providing information that is confidential, reference this in the file name or mark it clearly for our attention.
We will contact you if confidentiality would affect the transparency of the planning process. For example certain viability information.
Apply for planning permission
The Planning Portal gives step-by-step advice about planning. You can use it to submit and view your submitted applications.
When we receive an application, it will normally take us 5 working days to start looking at it to make sure we have all the information we need to register it. If you do not hear from us within 10 working days, please contact us to make sure we have received the application.
Paper copies of forms
We always suggest that you apply online, but you can get paper copies from the Planning Portal. You can:
We only need one copy if you e-mail them to us.
Application types not currently available online:
Minerals and waste planning applications
Planning application forms for minerals development are not available from the Planning Portal. Any application relating to minerals development should use the minerals application form.
The following documents are also available to download:
- supplementary information
- land ownership/agriculture holders certificate
- notice of application for planning permission (notice No.1)
- minerals application guidance notes
Waste management facilities
In the case of waste management facilities, you may also need to:
- apply for a waste management licence or an integrated pollution prevention control consent
- obtain confirmation that the development is exempt from these requirements
Contact the Environment Agency for more information.
Building Control
In addition to planning permission for your building work you may also need Building Control approval under the building regulations. At Dorset Council Building Control, we are committed to ensuring a high level of customer service meeting the need of the regulations, we will work with you to provide:
- competitive quotes bespoke to your project that are good value
- a local qualified Officer who knows the area, the builders, and the architects
- a service that is totally independent, impartial, and accountable
- a customer focused service to help you throughout the entire project
For further information and an initial discussion on all the services that we provide please contact Building Control.
Contact planning
See our contact details. It includes our response times and the areas we cover.