Protected trees, high hedge complaints and TPO applications
If you currently have a planning application involving protected trees, a High Hedge complaint, or TPO application, please expect a delay with any consultation or decision. We are currently diverting all our resources into dealing with the affected trees in the Norton / Stourbridge area following wildfires. We would appreciate your patience given the unprecedented demand and will respond to matters in due course.
The process of applying for planning permission is generally straightforward and is explained below. In general terms your application must be accompanied by plans and drawings of the site, details of any proposed works and the fee. You must also complete a certificate to confirm that you own the land or have notified all owners of the land.
The process of applying for planning permission is generally straightforward and is explained below. In general terms your application must be accompanied by plans and drawings of the site, details of any proposed works and the fee. You must also complete a certificate to confirm that you own the land or have notified all owners of the land.
It is important to find out if you need planning permission before you make improvements or changes to a property.
Advice for anyone who wants to know if they are likely to get planning permission before they submit a formal planning application. Along with guidance on the types of applications.
Different types of application require different levels of information and supporting documents, depending on the nature and scale of development.
There are several types of application and you should be sure which type of consent you are seeking. In most cases a fee is payable when a planning application is submitted. This is calculated from a scale of fees which is set on a national basis by the Government.
Submitting your application and paying fees online will make the registration and consultation process faster and more efficient.
The Planning Portal is the national website that allows you to submit an application online including: supporting documents, buy site location plans and pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
Before starting an online application, you will need...
have the full details of the application including the volumes, materials etc
a credit or debit card if you wish to pay the application fee online
if you want to attach drawings (e.g. CAD) to your application, make sure they are converted to PDF first, this helps us with printing and publishing online
Please note: The Planning Portal is an external site and so Dudley Council cannot accept any responsibility or ownership for its content.
Postal application
There are four steps to apply by post:
download your form. You can access and download the Dudley Council application forms from the Planning Portal e-forms cabinet. We require only the original form for most applications; we will ask you for more if required.
a site location plan at 1:1250 scale with the site shown edged in red. If you want to buy a plan you can make use of the links provided by the Planning Portal.
the fee: cheque is the most popular way to pay the fee (made out to Dudley Council) but we also accept telephone payments.
post your application and plans to us for checking and consideration, please retain a copy for your records. Incomplete applications can't start to be considered, costing both parties time.
The checklist gives you details of what and how many additional items you may be required to submit with your planning application.
Please be aware that under the Environment Act 2021, all planning permissions granted in England (with a few exemptions, e.g., smaller sites, householder development) will have to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG), for majors, from 12 February 2024 and small sites from 2 April 2024. BNG will be measured using Defra's biodiversity metric and all off-site and significant on-site habitats will need to be secured for at least 30 years. Further advice can be found on the government's website.
For further guidance on what is required at submission to support your application please see the ‘Biodiversity Net Gain Validation Requirements Guidance Note’ below.
