The Planning Design Process
- Planning FAQs
- Search for Applications
- Making a Planning Application
- Heritage and Conservation
- Planning Policy
- Neighbourhood Planning
- Designated Neighbourhood Areas
- Abberley Neighbourhood Plan
- Broadwas and Cotheridge Neighbourhood Plan
- Malvern Town Neighbourhood Plan
- Hanley Castle Parish Neighbourhood Plan
- Clifton upon Teme Neighbourhood Plan
- Kempsey Neighbourhood Plan
- Martley, Knightwick and Doddenham Neighbourhood Plan
- Hallow Neighbourhood Plan
- Leigh & Bransford Neighbourhood Plan
- Welland Neighbourhood Plan
- Great Witley and Hillhampton Neighbourhood Plan
- Powick Neighbourhood Plan
- Planning Policy Monitoring
- Brownfield Land Register
- Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register
- SWDPR Review
- Neighbourhood Planning
- Other Planning Services
- Community Infrastructure Levy
- Planning Obligations (Section 106)
- Street Naming and Numbering
- Local Land Charges
- Planning Appeals
- Planning Committee and Meetings
- Planning Conditions and Fees
- Footpath Diversions (S257)
- Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD)
- Local Development Scheme (LDS)
- Planning Weekly List
- Planning History Search
- Planning Enforcement
- South Worcestershire Building Control
Important update about food waste letters
We are aware of an error on a recent letter which went to some households during the week commencing Monday, 19 October 2026. Please read the below FAQs for more information.
For a step by step guide of how the planning application process flows once you have submitted your application – view the The planning decision-making process guide.
Validation
Once your application has been received we will check that all the information the planning officer will need has been provided. If further information is required we will contact you or your agent.
Publicity and Consultation
After your application has been validated it will be advertised for the public and any relevant external bodies to make comments. If you need further information on the publicity and consultation process, then please read the Commenting on a planning application page.
Site Visit
The planning officer will need to visit the application development site to make their assessment of your proposal. You will not be required to be present for the planning officers site visit. The officer will need to take photographs of the site to help them capture the existing environment and to help them write their report. These will be for internal use only and not made available for the public to view.
Report and Recommendation
After the planning officer has assessed the planning application proposal they will write a report which justifies their recommendation. The recommendation may need to be presented to the Planning Committee and Meetings where an application is considered major, complex or controversial.
Decision
Most applications are normally dealt with by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure Services, their Designated Deputies and Planning Officers under a scheme of delegated authority.
Some applications may be called to the Committee at the request of the Local ward Councillor or Head of Development Management, in line with the Scheme of Delegation.
Planning applications can be approved (with or without conditions) or refused. Reasons will be given for the decision, and if applicable, for any conditions that are attached.
You (or your agent) will be told by email or by post of the decision. A copy of the decision will also be held under the planning application reference.