Submitting and Processing an Application
If permission or consent is required then you will need to submit an application to us as the Local Planning Authority. Most applications will incur a fee payable on submission of the application. This section shows how to apply with links to supporting information as well as how to comment on an application.
Apply Online
Apply using a hardcopy
-
Planning Application Forms and Fees - to downloaded application forms and guidance notes. Note: Completed (hardcopy) application forms should be returned to Development Management, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1RL.
Forms and Fees
Supporting Information
Validation
In accordance with national guidance published by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Three Rivers District Council has created a list of local requirements for the validation of planning applications.
This has been incorporated into a new validation checklist which encompasses national requirements (including the application form, the correct fee, ownership certificates and other specific details) as well as local validation requirements. This validation checklist was subject to an eight week consultation period prior to its formal adoption by the Council’s Executive Committee on 5 September 2011.
Biodiversity checklist
Please note the requirement for a local biodiversity checklist, contained in Part D of the Validation Checklist, is to be submitted with all planning applications. The Biodiversity checklist can also be viewed separately: Biodiversity Checklist.
Draft Unilateral Undertakings / Section 106 Agreements
Standard templates for Section 106 Agreements and Unilateral Undertakings, as required by Part B Section 4 of the Validation Checklist, are available at the following links:
Section 106 Agreements
Unilateral Undertakings
Required Plans
Plans required for planning applications – download leaflet. The plans should show the following, as a minimum:
- Location Plan (1:1250 or 1:2500).
- Block Plan (1:200 or 1:500 is ideal) showing the proposed development in relation to neighbouring properties.
- Elevations (all sides) – both existing and proposed.
- Floor Plans (all floors) – both existing and proposed.
- Sections may also be required in some cases.
- Streetscene elevations may also be required in some cases.
- We do accept dimensioned plans, although Imperial measurements are not accepted.
Purchase site location plan (online) - Planning Portal's 'Buy a Plan'
Design & Access Statement
There is a compulsory requirement to submit a Design and Access Statement with certain planning and listed building consent applications. For further information, and to determine whether your application requires a Design and Access Statement, please see the guidelines below:
Other information required
You may be required to provide further documentation in support of the application (particularly for larger schemes). This may include:
What Next?
The following sections: Overview of the Planning Application Process and Post Application will go through the what happens next. Below is a brief summary:
- The Council will acknowledge receipt of your application, and it should then be determined within eight weeks (larger developments have a 13 week determination date).
- The plans will be available for public inspection in person during office hours at Three Rivers House – please ask at Reception. They will also be available for all to view electronically via Planning Online
- Immediate neighbours and other bodies who may be affected by the proposals will be consulted.
- The Planning Officer will visit the site and, where appropriate, negotiate with the applicant to make any necessary changes to the proposal.
- The Planning Officer will put a report before the Development Control Committee (or the Development Manager in the case of delegated decisions) with a recommendation for refusal, permission, or conditional permission. This will primarily be based on the policies and guidelines in the Local Plan/LDF and you or your agent should familiarise themselves with it.
- Depending on the outcome discharge/comply with attached conditions, or appeal the decision (if refused).
Suggested Next Steps