Before we can process your planning application, it must be validated to ensure all required plans and documents are included.

Our Local Validation Checklist explains what you need to submit, combining both national requirements (set by government) and local requirements specific to Dartmoor National Park. Using the checklist will help you submit a complete application, avoid delays, and ensure your application can be validated quickly.

Before making an application, please:

• Check our Planning Advice page for guidance on what type of application you may need
• Read our Planning FAQs for answers to common questions
• Schedule any required wildlife or geology surveys — see our Planning Guidance for Wildlife and Geology page for more informa Make sure you have the correct plans, documents, and fee ready — see our Local Validation Checklist

Applications are processed quicker if they are made online through the Planning Portal, the UK’s central website for planning applications. The Planning Portal will:

• Guide you step by step through the application process
• Tell you what documents you need to provide
• Calculate the correct fee and take payment
• Provide guidance and help notes if you get stuck

If you do not wish to submit your application online then the planning application forms can be downloaded from the Planning Portal website. Please ensure that the correct form is used.

Once we receive your application, we will:

1. Validate it – checking the correct forms, plans, and fee have been submitted
2. Allocate it to a case officer – who will assess your proposal
3. Consult neighbours and statutory bodies – where required
4. Make a decision – usually within:
   • 8 weeks for most applications
   • 13 weeks for major applications
   • 16 weeks if Environmental Impact Assessment is required

If your application needs more time (for example, if it goes to Committee), we’ll let you know.

Read your decision notice carefully. Many permissions include conditions that must be met. These may require you to:

• Submit further details before starting work (e.g. samples, technical drawings)
• Apply separately to discharge conditions (via the Planning Portal)

Failure to comply with conditions can make your development unlawful.

If your application is refused, or approved with conditions you are unhappy with, you should:

1. Discuss it with us first – sometimes an amended application with small changes will be acceptable. You can resubmit through the Planning Portal.
2. Appeal if necessary – if you disagree with the decision, you can appeal online via the Planning Inspectorate’s Appeals Portal.

You may find it helpful to see how similar applications in your area have been handled. Use our Planning Application Search tool to find current and past applications, including decision notices and supporting documents.

A Simple Guide for Householders

What is a planning condition?

When we grant planning permission, we often include conditions. These are rules you must follow as part of your permission. Some conditions must be approved by the Authority before you start work, while others must be approved before you occupy or use the building.

What does “discharge of conditions” mean?

If your permission includes a condition that asks you to submit extra information (like materials, landscaping or drainage details), you need to send this to us through a formal application. This is called a “discharge of conditions” application.

When do I need to discharge a condition?

• Before starting work – if it is a pre-commencement condition.
• Before occupying or using the building – if it is a pre-occupation condition.
• Some conditions do not need an application and just need to be complied with during the build.

How do I apply?

You must submit a discharge of conditions application using the correct form on the Planning Portal, along with any documents the condition asks for. The form you’re looking for is the ‘Approval of details reserved by a condition (discharge)’.

Is there a fee?

Yes. Please check the Planning Portal Fee Calculator to see how much this is for your development.

What do I need to include?

Please make sure you send:

• A completed application form
• The documents required by the condition (for example, a materials sample or drawing)
• The correct fee

Clearly state which condition(s) you want to discharge.

What happens next?

Once we receive your application, we will check it to make sure everything is included. If anything is missing, we will ask you to provide it.

After validation, a planning officer will review the details and decide whether they meet the requirement of the condition.

How long does it take?

We aim to decide applications within 8 weeks. Simple requests are often quicker, but more complex conditions may take longer.

What will the decision look like?

We will send you a written decision confirming whether the condition has been discharged. If we cannot discharge it, we will explain why and what changes you need to make.

Helpful tips

• Read your decision notice carefully – it tells you exactly what each condition requires.
• Allow time in your project plan for discharging conditions.
• Start early – especially if you need specialist reports or surveys.