Planning applications are handled by the council's Development Control section. This page and associated links set out general guidance on the submission and handling of planning and other associated applications. Applications are dealt with as part of the democratic process with full public participation and consultation and are considered by the council in the light of:

• central government planning policies;
• policies contained in the development plan - the Suffolk Structure Plan and the Replacement St Edmundsbury Borough Local Plan 2016
• observations made by consultees; and
• representations submitted by members of the public.

Planning permission is generally required for the carrying out of any form of development which includes the change of use of land and buildings. Internal and external alterations to Listed Buildings also require consent as in many instances does the display of advertisements and the carrying out of works to trees that are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. Within conservation areas consent is normally required to demolish buildings and the council must be notified before works are carried out to any tree.

Viewing planning applications online

All planning applications that have been received since January 2006 are now available to view on line.

The St Edmundsbury standard planning application forms have a number of advantages for planning applicants and agents:

• The same forms are by every local authority avoiding confusion about what is required:
• when you need two planning consents at the same time (for example planning permission and listed building consent), you will only have to complete one form: and
• an online forms service is available, including help to make sure you submit the correct form.

We encourage you to submit applications online to help speed up the process and save on printing costs, however the new 1APP application forms can be downloaded and sent by post to the Planning Department, West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3YU.Copies of the forms will be available online , or you can request paper copies of the forms from the Planning Helpdesk 01284 757675.

1APP - Planning application - forms and planning fees

Also available are information leaflets:

• Making better planning applications (PDF 1.6Mb)
• Making better applications for Listed Building consent (PDF 2.3M)

• An introduction to design and access statements (PDF 12Kb)
• How will a design and access statement be assessed? (PDF 26Kb)
• A guide to design and access statements accompanying planning applications (PDF 46Kb)
• CABE's publication on Design and Access Statements (PDF 895Kb)

• Good design should also address the issues of crime prevention and advise is available on this matter from the Secured by Design website 
• Do I need a Transport assessment (PDF 101Kb) with my application?
• PPS23 requirement to submit land contamination information with planning applications
• Planning Policy Guidance and Statements
• Section 106 agreements (or Planning obligations)
  

For further information or assistance please email planning.helpdesk@stedsbc.gov.uk or phone 01284 757675.

Copying charges - for all copying charges of documents see: Charging guidelines (PDF 16Kb)

If a condition on a planning approval requires the submission of materials, a Material sample form (PDF 23Kb) must be completed. For more information see: Example of a completed Material Sample form (PDF 108Kb). Eastex provide a service for the exchange of materials (PDF 443Kb) for the East of England for reclaimed building materials