TerraQuest
Planning application support
Collaborating with local councils to enhance planning procedures
Getting ahead and staying ahead
Our comprehensive planning services are tailored specifically for local authorities.
From validation to efficiently evaluating all types of applications and clearing backlogs, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Speedy solutions
Quick turnarounds that don’t sacrifice quality. Our experienced planners work efficiently to deliver cases within your service level agreements.
Working smarter
Our focus is on saving planning teams valuable time, making the most of planning department budgets and reducing strain on departmental resources.
Close partners
Through seamless collaboration with councils, we address immediate challenges and help build strategies for long-term planning resource optimisation.
Planning service
solutions
Join other local authorities in realising the benefits of TerraQuest support services
Planning application support
Practical planning service solutions designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing planning application services.
Planning Application Validation Service
Our Planning Application Validation Service is a full-service solution to support local authorities in reviewing and validating planning applications efficiently and accurately.
Planning Application Case Evaluation Service
Quality planning application evaluation to support in clearing case backlogs, expediting planning processes and support internal planning teams.
Planning Engagement Programme
Our premium planning application support service the Planning Engagement Programme, delivers a comprehensive solution for local planning authorities (LPAs).
Key benefits
Supporting local authorities to clear application caseloads
50+ years
experience
TerraQuest has a rich history of supporting organisations towards innovative solutions that really deliver.
Knowledgeable
team
TerraQuest have an expansive range of expertise across planning, building control and data.
Understanding
technology
TerraQuest's understanding of modern technology integrations help you to increase productivity.
How we can help
Let’s discuss how we can help you to transform your processes using our popular validating and evaluation services.
Expedite application processing
Helping your authority to clear backlogs
Projects
Explore our recent projects to find out more about what we do.
St Helens Town Centre Redevelopment
Brent Cross Regeneration
Head of Consulting
Passionate about transformative change, Bhumi leads TerraQuest's consulting services. With over a decade of experience, she specialises in innovative solutions that drive efficiency and growth.
Connect to explore how we can achieve your strategic goals together.
FAQs
To find out if your project requires planning permission or building regulations approval, visit the Planning Portal website. There, you can access planning advice for common projects, interactive guidance on permitted development limits, and detailed information to help you understand the necessary considerations for each stage of your project.
To start an online application on Planning Portal, you'll need to register for an account or log in if you already have one.
- After logging in, click 'Start new application'.
- Begin by naming your application and locating the site address or grid reference.
- Next, you'll be asked to select the type of application you want.
- You can search for the application type or scroll through the list to find the relevant type.
- Many application types are available through our online service, though some are currently provided only as PDF forms.
95% of applications across England, Wales and Northen Ireland are submitted via the Planning Portal. If you're unsure about which type of application you need or want to explore your options, our guide to choosing an application type and our detailed list of consent types can help you understand the available options and their purposes.
To view any application you have started or submitted, log in to your account and click on the ‘Applications’ button at the top of the website.
Most planning applications are decided within eight weeks, unless they are unusually large or complex, in which case the time limit extends to 13 weeks.
The authority can provide an estimate of the likely timeline.
For more details on the decision process, refer to the 'Decision Making Process' section of Planning Portal.
Timelines for specific application types can be found in our 'Consent Types' section.
To submit a building control application, navigate to Planning Portal and log in or create an account.
Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Start your application:
Click the ‘Start or view your planning applications’ button on the homepage or select ‘Applications’ from the navigation bar at the top of the page.
Step 2: Name and location:
Choose a reference for your application to easily identify it later; using the site address is recommended.
Enter the site location details (postcode or grid reference) to identify the local planning authority (LPA) responsible for determining your application.
Step 3: Application type:
After identifying your site location, select the type of application from the drop-down menu.
If unsure, click on the 'Need help choosing?' link for options and brief descriptions of application types. Some applications may ask if it will be a 'Major Development', with details provided in the help text.
Step 4: Confirm details
Review all relevant details for the application. If correct, click 'Next' to create and save your application.
If you are not logged in (or registered), you will be prompted to do so. After logging in, you will be taken to the overview screen for the application you just created.
Overview Screen
The overview screen provides access to all parts of your application, including:
- Forms
- Supporting documents
- Fee calculator
- Payment and submission
You can return to your application later from the 'My Applications' list.
The Planning Portal weekly newsletter allows you to read the latest planning sector news and developments as they’re announced. Covering topics across planning, building control and the wider built environment.
You can read our weekly newsletter on our site or, you can subscribe to get it straight to your inbox.
Our Sustainability hub contains detailed guides on key pieces of legislation relating to the environment. This guidance is aimed towards professionals and is updated in line with government announcements.
For more general information including government press releases, you can subscribe to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s email updates.
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