A planning application comprises four items:

• the application form (four copies required)
• a location plan and detailed drawings (four copies required)
• a land ownership certificate
• the appropriate fee

Full details on how to complete the forms are included in the guidance notes accompanying them.  For information about buying a location plan click here.

Although it is not necessary to have the plans drawn up by an architect or other professional agent, it is necessary to submit accurate, scaled drawings, which show clearly what is being proposed.

The location plan of the site should be to a scale of 1:1,250, the larger, more detailed plan and elevational drawings must be accurate and give all the relevant dimensions. If there are any problems, please contact the Development Control Service.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for Planning Permission is to submit an on-line application  and Blackpool Council encourage applicants to use this service.

If all the necessary information is included and correct, the application is registered and an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you or your agent within 3 working days.

If we have not received all we need, or if we are unsure about anything, we will write to you.

Your application will be assigned to a planning case officer who will visit the site of the proposal and they may seek the opinion of other professional bodies.

Your application will be publicised either by public notice or by neighbour notification. Interested parties then have a minimum of 21 days to submit comments.

After due consideration the Planning Department will make a decision on your application. In some instances your application may have to be referred to the Development Control Committee for a decision. The suitability of the proposal will be considered in relation to existing planning policies, past planning history of the site and surrounding area, government advice, responses to consultations and publicity and any other relevant considerations.

We aim to make a decision within 8 weeks (or 13 weeks for major applications), but will contact you if we think it is likely to take longer. Notice of the Decision will be sent to you within 1 working day.

Please note copies of all application forms and related plans will be made available for public inspection on both the application file and our website. If there is any personal information you would prefer not to be published on the website, please advise us when you submit your application

For further information please contact the Council's Customer First Centre