Planning

Planning committee changes from October 2026

From 31 October 2026, new government regulations will change how planning applications are decided. Under the National Scheme of Delegation, planning committees will focus on the most significant applications, with many smaller applications determined by planning officers. These changes will apply to any application not determined by 31 October 2026, regardless of when it was submitted.

Find out more about the changes

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Planning applications
Apply for planning permission, have your say or search for an application.
Building control
Check if you need building control approval - most building work requires it, even if you don't need planning permission.
Planning policy
Find out about planning consultations, policy and development plans including the core strategy and Local Plan.
Heritage
Understand how we protect the district's rich heritage through planning controls.
Assets of community value
See the current list of assets of community value and what this means for communities.
Street naming and numbering
Register a new address or street, or change an existing address.
Local land charges
More on local land charges and how to apply for a search.
Self-build and custom housebuilding
Apply to join the self-build register or find out more about self-build and custom housebuilding.
Design review
Find out the design review process and how it can help with your development proposal.
Environment and biodiversity
Learn how we support nature through biodiversity net gain, habitat banks and our green infrastructure strategy.
Neighbourhood planning
Guidance on how to develop a neighbourhood plan for where you live.
Whitfield Urban Expansion
Find out about the largest development allocation in the Dover District Local Plan.
Tree protection
Check if a tree is protected and what to do if you need to carry out work.
Wildlife crime
How to report wildlife crime or a planning breach linked to wildlife.

Planning

Planning committee changes from October 2026

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