Information on Methods of Direct Requests
Request received 13 September 2026
In light of the increased fees by the Planning Portal, which we understand to be a private company now, we are not aware of any legislation that prevents us submitting applications directly via consultants or as individuals.
I am trying to understand the methods allowed by your planning department according to any internal rules or guidance that you might hold. I am not looking for any planning advice in this request, merely your policies as determined by your planning department.
In light of this, please can you advise me as to whether we can submit a planning applications or prior approval requests directly to the local authority in accordance with the relevant legislation as laid down by the government.
Please advise as to whether any forms are acceptable, provided they contain the same information as contained in forms supplied by the Planning Portal or via forms that contain your local authority branding as hosted by the Planning Portal.
Please advise as to which email address the forms should be submitted.
Please also advise as to how payment should be made to the local authority for the correct fee.
Finally please advise on any additional fee to submit directly and the reasons for this fee.
Responded 18 September 2026
There is no statutory requirement for planning applications or prior approval applications to be submitted via the Planning Portal. Applications may be submitted directly to the Local Planning Authority, provided they comply with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, and the Council's validation requirements.
Applications submitted directly should be made using the relevant national application form (or a form substantially to the same effect), together with the required plans, supporting documents, certificates, declarations and fee. Application forms and guidance are available on the Council's website:
Submit a planning application | East Cambridgeshire District Council
Applications may be submitted to plservices@eastcambs.gov.uk or by post to the Council's offices.
The Council does not require applicants to use the Planning Portal. Where applications are submitted directly to the Council, an administration charge applies in addition to the statutory planning application fee. Details of fees and payment methods are available on the Council's website:
Fees and how to pay | East Cambridgeshire District Council
Provided an application contains the information required by legislation and the Council's validation requirements, the method of submission does not affect the Council's ability to determine the application.