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Apply for planning permission: Copeland

How to apply for planning permission, costs and fees, types of application and appeals.

The best way to apply for planning permission is through the Planning Portal. This allows you to submit all types of planning permission, and download plans. It can also be used to see how much it will cost.

Apply for planning permission

Remember you can only apply for planning permission to us if the property is outside the Lake District National Park boundary. If it is inside, you will need to apply to the Lake District National Park Authority 

How much a planning application will cost

There are set fees for the type and scale of application. Use the Planning Portal to determine the fees for your application.

Check planning application fees

How to pay your planning fees

You can pay your fees a number of ways:

We do not accept cheques.

What happens next

Once you have submitted your application it will be given a unique reference number and go on the public planning application register. We will then consult with statutory consultees and the local community on your application.

If you wish to amend an application, speak to us first. You may need to submit a new application.

You can find out more information about how planning decisions are made on the Planning Portal  or the Planning Practice Guidance.

Who makes the decision on your planning application

A decision will be made on your application by either the planning officer concerned, or by the Development Panel which is made up of a number of councillors.

An elected member can call-in an application so that it is considered by the Development Panel.

Check if you need planning permission

More information on specific types of planning applications:

Householder developments

Some alterations to your home may not require planning permission and could be carried out as a permitted development, if they satisfy certain limits and conditions. These may include the following:

  • extensions
  • dormers or roof alterations
  • outbuildings
  • hard surfaces or decking

Further information is available on extensions on the Planning Portal.

Free householder enquiry service

You can use our free householder enquiry service to obtain an informal view of whether the works that you intend to carry out to your home would be a permitted development or need planning permission. We will provide an informal response in writing to all householder enquiries.

Please make sure you answer all of the questions and provide a sketch of your proposal, including measurements in metric.

To use the service download and complete one of the forms:

All completed forms should be sent to the following address:

Development Control
Cumberland Council
The Market Hall
Market Place
Whitehaven
Cumbria
CA28 7JG

Email: [email protected]

Lawful Development Certificate

You can obtain formal confirmation that your proposed works are permitted development by applying for a Lawful Development Certificate. This is not the same as planning permission but provides proof that your household building work is lawful.

Further guidance

Further guidance on various householder projects can be obtained from the Planning Portal.

Other forms of development

Change of use

Uses of land and buildings are divided into various categories known as 'use classes'.

In many cases involving similar types of use, a change of use of a building or land may not need planning permission. Planning permission is not needed when both the present and proposed use fall within the same use class, for example a greengrocers shop can change to a shoe shop without permission.

You will need planning permission if a material change of use occurs for example changing from a residential use to a business use or changing from a retail shop to a hot food takeaway.

More information about the different use classes and the changes of use which are permitted without the need for planning permission is available on the Planning Portal.

Commercial developments

Most alterations to business premises do need planning permission, including:

  • most shop and office extensions
  • alterations to shop fronts
  • external security shutters or grilles

Further information on commercial developments on the Planning Portal.

Agricultural development

Farmers enjoy certain exemptions from planning control and some farm buildings do not require the submission of a formal planning application.   

A farmer's guide to the Planning System.

Satellite dishes

Satellite dishes are often difficult to locate in an acceptable position. 

Find out if planning permission is required and where satellite dishes should be ideally located.

Renewable energy

The installation of most small-scale micro generation equipment can be made without planning permission. Further information on whether planning permission is required for the installation of renewable technologies on your home is available under the greener homes section of the Planning Portal.

Cumbria Action for Sustainability has developed a number of factsheets which provide useful guidance on low carbon and energy efficient development.

You can find out more about renewable energy for your home or business at The Energy Saving Trust.

Demolition

Demolition of any building is now classed under the definition of development.

If you intend to demolish any building you will need to notify us by emailing: [email protected]

Conservation areas

Demolition of non listed buildings within Conservation Areas will normally require Conservation Area Consent.

Listed buildings

Any alteration or demolition works to a listed building will normally require Listed Building Consent.

If you are in doubt, please contact us to discuss your proposal directly - [email protected].

Advertisements and signs

Consent to display an advertisement(s) is required for certain types of advertisement. You can find more information on advertisement consent on the Planning Portal website and Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers.

To apply for consent, complete the consent to display an advertisement(s) application form or apply online on the Planning Portal website.