Submitting an Application - Guidance

Use the 'Submit Here' button at the top of this page to submit a planning or building control application via The Planning Portal*.

Benefits of making your planning application online:

• Your application will be sent to Ashford as soon as payment is reconciled
• You will receive instant email notification on receipt of electronic applications
• It speeds up the process at the council as the data is received directly in to our systems
• You can pay online through a secure website
• It's a paperless process
• There's online guidance to help you make your application
• There's useful tools to help you, for example volume and fee calculators
• There's a mapping service, so you can create a site location plan

Planning Portal Service Charge:

Please be aware that the Planning Portal apply a service charge to some applications. You can find out more information here:  

Why is there a service charge for submitting planning applications? - Planning Portal

This service charge is entirely out of our control and it is therefore at your discretion as to whether you choose to accept the charge and submit via the Planning Portal or not.  Other routes of submission are available.

Application refunds, where applicable, will typically exclude the service charge as they are not funds received by the Local Planning Authority.

Need help using the Planning Portal?

The Planning Portal is a national website and whilst it is linked to our back office systems, we are not generally able to assist with your submissions.

Please contact The Planning Portal directly if you are experiencing any issues:

• Read the Planning Portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Planning Portal: 0333 323 4589, which is available from 9am until 5pm
• Email support@planningportal.co.uk

*Other ways to submit your application:

We recommend that you apply online but all the application forms are also available to download as PDF documents which you can print out, complete and submit by post.  

Other online submission methods may also be available.