How do I submit a planning application?

Visit our apply for planning permission page for details about how to apply, application forms, and fees.

You can also find out if you need planning permission for your development.

When will you validate my planning application?

We'll register your planning application when we receive it, and write to you when we've checked that we have all the information we need, telling you the name of the person who'll be dealing with your application. We'll also tell you whether your application will be delegated or referred to the Planning Regulatory Board.

Can I get a status update for my planning application?

If you need an update on the status of your planning application, please contact the case officer dealing with your application. Their details should be on the letter we sent you when you applied. You can also find them on Planning Explorer. 

If your application isn't showing on Planning Explorer, or you've not received a letter from us yet, your application may still be being booked onto our system.

Can you provide informal planning advice prior to application?

We can't provide informal advice on projects or proposals prior to applying for planning permission. However, we do offer a chargeable pre-application planning advice service, which you can use to make sure you've selected the correct application and for information on the types of application and consents. 

Can you provide advice about historic buildings and places prior to application?

If you need advice about listed buildings, conservation areas and other heritage matters (including information about what you might need to submit as part of your planning application), we recommend submitting a request for pre-application advice on historic buildings and places. There is a charge for this service.

Completing a pre-application is the best way to make sure that you've selected the correct application for the work you're planning, and will also make sure you receive information about the consents and supporting information that may be needed.

What is the difference between listed buildings and locally listed buildings?

Listed buildings are designated by the government for their special national architectural and historic interest. These buildings become 'listed' at either grade I, II, or II*, where grade I have the highest heritage significance. Listed buildings have a high level of protection in law and alterations to them often require listed building consent.

Locally listed buildings are of local heritage interest to Barnsley, and don't have legal protection in the same way that nationally listed buildings do. As a result, alterations to locally listed buildings don't require listed building consent. However, wherever planning permission is required that involves a locally listed building, the fact the building or site is locally listed will be an important consideration.

How do I apply for a dropped kerb?

Visit our dropped kerbs webpage to find our about applying for a dropped kerb, including licences, costs and whether you'll need planning permission.

How do I get a planning conditions check report?

We sometimes grant planning permission subject to the development meeting certain conditions, and checks will need to be made to make sure the development, or parts of it, are acceptable in planning terms.

You can apply for a planning conditions check report online. This is a chargeable service.

How do I get a section 106 compliance report?

Section 106 agreements are made between us and developers during the planning process to offset the negative impacts of a development.

Visit our section 106 agreements webpage to apply for a compliance report. This is a chargeable service.

How do I comment on a planning application?

Visit our webpage about how to view or comment on planning applications for details about how to submit comments (representations).

How do I report building work or a development that I think is unauthorised?

If you're concerned about building work or a development that you think may be unauthorised, you can report breach of planning permission online.

How do I contact building control?

You can contact our building control team online or by call 01226 772678 or 01226 772679.

What is the statutory development plan for Barnsley?

The statutory development plan for Barnsley is made up of the following:

• Local Plan
• Joint Waste Plan (prepared with Doncaster and Rotherham)
• Neighbourhood development plans

What is Barnsley's Local Plan?

Barnsley's Local Plan forms a key part of the statutory development plan for Barnsley and sets out how the council will manage physical development of the borough on behalf of residents and businesses

What is the Joint Waste Plan?

The Joint Waste Plan was prepared with neighbouring local authorities Rotherham and Doncaster. It contains policies that should be applied to waste-related development, and a general policy that should be applied to all developments to ensure waste implications are adequately considered.

What are neighbourhood plans?

Neighbourhood plans allow local communities to lead on development and development plans in their areas.

What are supplementary planning documents and where can I find them?

Supplementary planning documents contain advice for people applying for planning permission.

We use these to help us make decisions on planning applications alongside the Local Plan.

What is a masterplan framework and how can I find out more about them?

The Local Plan includes some site allocations which require the production of a masterplan framework. This is a strategic document that sits under the Local Plan, and provides the key principles that future planning applications for the site must align to.

What is the brownfield land register and where can I find it?

We have a duty to prepare and maintain a brownfield land register. The register provides an up-to-date, publicly available standard set of information on brownfield land that is suitable for housing.

What is the statement of community involvement and where can I find it?

The statement of community involvement (SCI) sets out how we will engage people in the preparation of planning policy documents and in planning application decisions.

What is the local custom and self-build register and where can I find it?

The local self-build register is a register of people who are interested in self-build or custom build projects in Barnsley. This helps us to understand the demand for self-build and custom housebuilding in the borough.

What do I need to do if I want to cut, fell, or lop a tree in a conservation area?

Trees in a conservation area are protected under section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act. They also might be protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Visit the Planning Portal website to find out how to apply for permission for works to a tree in a conservation area or if it's protected by a TPO.

Who do I contact if I want to prune/work on a tree and aren't sure if I need permission?

If you want to prune or work on a tree and you're not sure whether permission is required, please email us at developmentcontrol@barnsley.gov.uk.

You can check if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) using our online TPO map.

Who do I contact if I am worried that someone is chopping down, or putting a tree or a hedge at risk?

If you're concerned about work being carried out on a particular tree or hedge without permission, find out  how to report a breach of planning permission.

Who do I contact about land ownership and boundaries?

For queries about land ownership or boundaries, please contact the relevant team below:

• If the land or property is privately owned, visit the HM Land Registry website or refer to the property deeds.
• If the land is council owned, email assetmanagement@barnsley.gov.uk.
• If the property is council owned, contact Berneslai Homes.

How do I find out if the council manages a particular green space or nature reserve?

To find out whether a particular green space or nature reserve is maintained and managed by the council, email parksservices@barnsley.gov.uk.

Who do I contact if I want to use or improve a council-managed green space?

If you wish to use a green space managed and maintained by the council, email parksservices@barnsley.gov.uk.

Who do I contact for enquiries about roads?

For queries about roads, please visit the relevant webpage or contact the relevant team below:

• Visit our road adoption webpage for details about adopting a road and section 38 agreements.
• Visit our section 278 agreements webpage for details about these, and where significant public highway works are required for a development.
• For highways development control email highwaysplngapps@barnsley.gov.uk.
• For other highways enquiries email highwaymaintenance@barnsley.gov.uk.