Apply for planning permission in the Scarborough area

The easiest way to submit an application is online, via the Planning Portal website. You can complete the application form, attach supporting documents and pay fees online, saving you the cost of printing and posting.

There is a service charge of £26.83 (plus VAT) to submit an application via the Planning Portal. This is a charge made by Planning Portal, not ourselves. Applications with a fee below £60 do not incur the service charge. For further information please contact us.

Apply via the Planning Portal

Advice on how to submit an application yourself can be found on the Planning Portal.

Detailed information on what to submit with your application can be found on our application validation requirements page. Electronic submission is by far the most efficient way to submit but when submitting in paper, in most cases only one copy of all documents will be required. For major applications, we may request additional copies of plans and documents for consultees.

If you require guidance on-site location and/or block plans the Planning Portal explains what these are and where to obtain them. Alternatively, you can download their helpful advice sheet.

Application fees 

The easiest way to find the fee for an application is to use a fee calculator. 

If you are submitting your application via the Planning Portal any application fee must be paid to the Portal. Applications are no longer released to us until the Portal receives payment of any applicable fee, which they subsequently transfer to us. 

Fee payment (if applying in person or through the post)

If you choose to submit your application in person or in the post, you can pay in the following ways:

  • by debit card over the telephone 
  • by credit card over the telephone 
  • by BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing Services) payment, please contact us for the necessary details. Please note when paying by BACS it is very important that you clearly reference your payment for Planning Services, failure to do so may result in delay or inability to connect your payment to your application 
  • by cheque made payable to North Yorkshire Council. Please write the application address on the back of your cheque or, if you have a reference number please write that on the back of the cheque

You can find contact details on our contact us page.

Building regulations

As well as planning permission you may require building regulations for your development. Please contact the North Yorkshire Building Control Partnership for further advice.

Planning Aid England

Planning Aid England offers free, independent professional planning advice and support to individuals and communities. They believe everyone should have the opportunity to get involved in planning their local area and provide people with the knowledge and tools to achieve this.