Skip to main content
Key to file types
IconType
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
Microsoft Word format Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel format Microsoft Excel
QuickTime format QuickTime
MP3 format MP3
Windows Media Audio (WMA) format Windows Media Audio (WMA)
Get help with viewing files

Making a planning application

The Government has changed the way in which planning applications are submitted.

On 6 April 2008, a standard application form called 1APP was introduced to replace all existing types of planning application forms (except minerals applications) in England. The 1APP form is now the only legal way to apply for planning permission (except minerals) in England.

Before submitting an application, you should familiarise yourself with our Development Plan. This is the most important factor in deciding whether planning permission should be granted or refused.

Government guidance

Information about planning applications and the new planning application system is available on:

Since August 2006, it has been a requirement that all planning applications for extensions and alterations be supported by a design and access statement. See the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) website for a guide to design and access statements.

Further information about this, and other recent changes to the outline planning permission process can be found in the government's Guidance on changes to the development control system.

Making an application

For waste development, you can submit applications online via the Planning Portal or download the forms below and post them to us.

There are additional requirements for minerals and County Council development applications, see sections below.

Applying online

Applications are made via the Planning Portal website. Online 1APP applications use an ‘intelligent’ form which guides the user and reduces the chance of submitting incomplete or wrong information.

Applying by post

All the 1APP application forms and guidance notes you need to make a planning application can be downloaded from the Planning Portal using the links below.

Choose the right form for the type of planning application you wish to make. If you are not sure which form you need, contact Planning Development Control.

Personal and sensitive data in applications

From 1 May 2008, new planning applications, including forms, plans and supplementary documents, will be published in full on this website.

We may decide not to publish some information included in applications if we consider it to be personal or sensitive. Please indicate if your application contains any information that you do not wish to be made public and we will consider requests to withhold publication.

The applicant’s name and address forms part of the Statutory Planning Register and must appear on the website. We will make every effort to remove personal details such as telephone numbers, email addresses and signatures prior to applications being published.

More about personal data in planning applications.

Minerals development

Minerals applications cannot be submitted using the online 1APP form on the Planning Portal website. To make a planning application for minerals-related development, complete the following:

  • Application for Planning Permission pdf form from the list below
  • Minerals related development supplementary information, at the bottom of the page.

County Council development

Applications for County Council development can be submitted using either the online 1APP form on the Planning Portal website or by downloading the relevant application form, below. Applications must also be accompanied by the:

  • County Council development supplementary information form, at the bottom of the page.

For guidance and information on procedures relating to applications for the Council's own development, including development to schools, see Protocol for County Council Planning Applications.

Application forms and guidance notes

Links to PDF application forms and guidance notes on the Planning Portal website.

Planning Fees

The Government increased planning fees on 6 April 2008. For current fees, download the appropriate documents below.

Contact us

For advice on submitting a planning application, contact Planning Development Control.

Documents
Acrobat (PDF) formatAcrobat (PDF)
Minerals related development supplementary information (142k)
County Council Development Supplementary Information Form (28k)
Planning application fees for County Council development (18k)
Planning application fees for County Matter development (22k)
Website approved by the Plain English Campaign

East Sussex County Council, County Hall, St Anne's Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE. Tel: 01273 481000