Fast track planning application service

A fast track planning application service is available for householder planning applications, applications for lawful development certificates and applications for minor developments.

Terms and conditions

Eligibility

  • To be eligible you must first sign and complete the proforma and email it to fast.track@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email)
  • The service only applies to a householder planning application, applications for a lawful development certificate or a minor development (1-9 dwellings or less than 1,000 m²)
  • The service does not apply if your property is a locally listed or a statutory listed building, or lies with a conservation area. The service does not apply to a minor planning application that is located within flood zone 2 or 3, or when a flood risk assessment is required. 
  • The early site visit option only applies to a householder planning application or a minor planning application.
  • The service does not apply if the planning application on first receipt is not a delegated matter and automatically needs to be reported to the Planning Applications Committee. This includes: any planning application submitted by a serving council or member of staff, or spouse or partner who have been employed by the Council in the last 4 years; and, any planning application where the Council is the applicant. With respect of a call-in request by a councillor please see refunds below. 
  • A minor planning application only qualifies for fast-track if the pre-application process has been completed prior to submission.
  • In the event that demand is exceptionally high for the fast-track service then first priority will be given to householder planning applications that have been through the pre-application process.

Fees, refunds and exemptions

In all cases, the fast-track payment is in addition to the statutory application fee. Fast-track payments are inclusive of VAT. 

Payment

Please make payment by using the fast-track proforma. 

Once payment has been made please forward a copy of the payment receipt to development.control@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email) and fast.track@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email).

On receipt of the fast track payment, you can then go ahead and submit your application on the planning portal whereby you will also need to pay the statutory fee for your application.

Unlike the statutory application fee exemptions there are no exemptions for payment in any circumstances.

Refunds

A partial or full refund will only be given in the following scenarios:

  • A refund must first be requested in writing with full reasoning given, by emailing Fast.Track@surreyheath.gov.uk
  • Each refund request will be reviewed on its own merits, considered by the Development Manager and/or Head of Planning
  • A sliding scale of the delay (s) in time will be used to determine the appropriate refund, if any,

 A partial of full refund will not be given for the following scenarios:

  • If the application is made invalid after the validation review.
  • If the case officer cannot access the application site or all reasonable access arrangements have not been made by the applicant or agent.
  • If the planning application is called-in to Planning Applications Committee by a councillor.
  • If the application is subsequently withdrawn or if the application is refused.
  • If there are delays caused by external consultees outside of the control of the Local Planning Authority.
  • A time extension has been agreed in writing by all parties.

Response timescales

  • The validation review of your application does not guarantee registration within one working day. This validation review will only confirm whether your application is valid or invalid. This validation review is a one-time review and only applies to the initial submission. The responsibility is therefore upon you as the applicant to ensure that you fully adhere to the national and local requirements contained within the Local Validation List.
  • In all cases ‘working days’ will be calculated from the time of receipt and for the avoidance of doubt excludes weekends and national holidays. The working day is 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Thursdays and 8.30am until 4.30pm on Fridays. Example: If you’ve paid for a one working day option and your submission is received at 4.30pm on Friday you ought to expect a response by no later than the following Tuesday am.
  • In exceptional circumstances, if a short time extension is required then this will need to be agreed by all parties.

Revisions and amendments

  • Once your application has been registered, the Planning Authority will not accept any amendments or revised plans as part of your application.
  • In exceptional circumstances, the case officer might ask for additional information to support your submission.

Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with the quality and level of service provided then please follow the Council’s Corporate Complaint Policy. More information can be found on the dealing with compliments and complaints webpage.