Planning Permission
(Also known as: Development control)
Planning permission covers what a building looks like, the impact it will have on the area and the rules are set and governed locally by the council’s development control team, national government guidelines and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Contact Details:
Address: Duty Officer,
Development Control Service,
Ground Floor,
Civic Centre,
Southampton.
Postcode: SO14 7LS
Telephone: 023 8083 2603
Email: planning@southampton.gov.uk
Fax: 023 8083 2607
Details of service:
General principles about planning permission
In the most general terms, if you are materially altering the outside (appearance) of a building, planning a new building or changing the use of an existing building from say a home to a shop, you will need to submit plans for approval to the council’s Development Control team.
However, some alterations do not require permission and can be completed under the 'permitted development' regulations. These regulations allow the building of small conservatories and other small extensions for instance provided they are not outside of certain size limitations and conform to the rules laid down by parliament. Please note that even if you don't require planning permission, you will need to contact the council's Building Control section on Southampton (023) 8083 2558. More information on this can be found on our Permitted development page. Before beginning any work, you should talk to the duty Planning Officer or call our main telephone number, Southampton (023) 8083 2603 for further advice.
There is a fee charged for the process of obtaining planning permission but we do offer free information and advice on how to go about it and can look at your application before you submit it. Please see our 'Planning Advice' page for more details.
For an interactive look at what needs approval visit the planning portal, see links on right hand side of this page. These links will take you to interactive presentations that require Adobe 'Flash' player installed. Most computers come with this software but it is free if your PC doesn't have it.
For all matters relating to the Historic Environment pages - Listed Buildings, buildings in Conservation Areas, archaeology and Scheduled Monuments - follow the internal links on the right of this page.
1App
1App is the National standard application forms used when applying for planning permission. these forms are available on our forms dowload page
Please click the logo to take you to the main 1App download page.
Related FAQ's:
Major Planning Applications
Current major planning applications
Permitted Development
What is Permitted Development?
Permitted development describes building works that do not need planning permission. Some permitted development rights may have been restricted or taken away by conditions attached to the original permission. This could be to safeguard the appearance of an area or protect neighbours from extensions where there is limited garden space. This page will explain what you need to do and where you get further help.
1App
1App Application Form Download Page
Highways Development Control
Highways Developement Contol
The following information is of a technical nature and may be difficult to understand for some people. If you do find the information hard to follow, please call the planning help line on 023 8083 3952 or email the planning inbox with your question: planning@southampton.gov.uk
Planning Portal
Make an online planning application
Planning applications can be made and paid for online through the Planning Portal, which also contains information and guidance about planning topics. Please be aware that there is a 5 MB limit to file sizes of submitted plans, maps etc.
Viewing and commenting on Planning Applications
Public Access online planning application web site.
SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please note that associated documents for all applications may not be available due to a software error. You may still view details but not download any documents. Please accept our apology and we are working with our suppliers to resolve this issue as soon as possible
Search the database and comment on planning applications by application number or address.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all applications have associated documents, e.g. plans available. Only those applications from approximately December 2007 may be available. There are plans to increase this availability to all applications when time and resources allow.
There is a serious error showing all associated documents. If you experience these errors please try again later as we working with our software suppliers to resolve this issue.
In the meantime you can visit Gateway at the Civic Centre between 8.30am to 5.30pm (7.30pm 0n Thursdays) to view copies of current applications.
Electronic plan submission
Submitting your building plans for planning permission or building regulations approval to Southampton City Council could not be easier. By submitting plans online you save time, you can track your application’s progress, it will save you money and you can complete applications 24-7. We've provided a step by step guide on where to go, what information to provide and what happens next.
Planning reception at Gateway
All enquiries for development control can be made through the Gateway reception located on the ground floor of the Civic Centre.
Submitting plans for planning permission
The following information and documents are of a technical nature and may be difficult to understand for some people. The planning office telephone line is available if you do require extra help.
Also, some files are likely to be large because of their content. The files may take a few minutes to download and it is recommended that you have a broadband internet connection (modem). Please check with your provider if you are unsure about the speed of your connection.
This page will guide you through the steps to submitting plans for planning permission approval.
Planning Enforcement
Planning Enforcement is a team of people who make sure that the planning laws are not broken and nothing is built unless the necessary permission is given.
Last updated: 7 January 2009
