The planning process can seem complex and time-consuming at times, but the information on this page will help you with any questions you have about the process.
The Planning Portal website provides free information about planning issues and the application process. Interactive guidance is available for residential properties.
Our planning advice service
If you would like more specific advice about a planning issue, or would prefer us to research the issue, you can pay for planning advice from the planning team.
- Do I need planning permission? This is the most commonly asked question, usually to confirm that planning permission is not required - and confirmation can provide peace of mind and save time and money before embarking on a project.
- General planning advice about restrictions, permitted development, change of use and planning conditions or other queries if you have not yet submitted a planning application.
- Planning obligations and Section 106
Who to contact during your planning application process
If a planning application is submitted by a planning agent then all correspondence is sent to them. Therefore, if you have employed a planning agent and need an update about your application please contact them first.
- Please apply online for planning permission through the Planning Portal.
- You can view our current processing times, and your live application on the council's planning application search page, please check here first if you have not received confirmation of validation.
- When your application has been validated, it will be added to the digital planning register and your allocated planning officer will contact your agent or yourself (if an agent isn't used), to introduce themselves and provide you with their contact details.
- Your planning officer will be in touch at the key times throughout your application. Due to caseloads, we are unable to give daily or weekly updates.
- Our planning officers are frequently in the field, so if you need to urgently contact them please email them first. If you don't get a response within 5 working days please email planning enquiries at planningenquiries@herefordshire.gov.uk
Comment, object or support a planning application
If you would like to comment on a planning application, search for the application on the digital planning register. You can find an application by using the map, address or by using the reference number to search.
Comments submitted via email or anonymously cannot be accepted. All comments will be published and be in the public domain.
Planning enforcement
Failure to comply with planning permission or building regulation requirements can result in large fines or even imprisonment. We employ enforcement officers to investigate complaints of unauthorised development and non-compliance with conditions.
If you believe a development or change of use has breached a planning control, you can report this to the planning enforcement team. Please note, we do not accept anonymous complaints.
Section 106 and planning obligations
For any Section 106 and planning obligations queries, please use the planning advice service to get in contact with the S106 team. Please use General enquiry if you are unsure what service you require.
Planning policy
For policy, neighbourhood or strategic planning queries, please contact the team at ldf@herefordshire.gov.uk
Planning searches
You can search for all applications since 2006 using our planning application search page.
You can also choose whether to conduct your own search without support and we will order all appropriate files and microfiche which may relate to your site back to the date you request.
For more information please see the planning property searches page.
Advice and support for buildings conservation
Listed buildings are buildings that are judged to be of national historical or architectural interest. These buildings are listed to protect them from demolition and unsympathetic alteration. To establish whether you require consent or any other advice, please visit the listed and historic buildings section.
Need help?
The quickest and most convenient way to find information is on this page, but if you can't find what you are looking for you can contact the team by:
- Email: planningenquiries@herefordshire.gov.uk
- Phone: 01432 260386
If you are not happy with the service you have received, please contact the Head of Planning and Building Control at planningenquiries@herefordshire.gov.uk or follow our formal complaints service.