Change an existing planning application – non-material (minor) variations

After you have your planning permission granted, you may want to make a change to the proposals that were originally approved. 

If the changes do not significantly change the development proposal that was originally approved, this is called a non-material variation.  

Apply to change an existing application (non-material variation)

Drawings

Please also submit an amended drawing or drawings, clearly showing the proposed changes as listed on the application form. Drawings should be:

• to the same scale as those approved under the original planning permission
• show the proposed changes highlighted in colour

Non-material amendment fees

The fee is £200. 

After you submit your application

We will first check your application to make sure you have provided all the relevant information and have paid the fee. If your application is successful, we will agree the variation in writing. We will place a copy of the decision and drawings on the planning register.

The original permission remains in effect but must be read in conjunction with the variations agreed under this application.

How we assess your application

In order to approve an application, we must be satisfied that the amendment is non-material. We use the following criteria to assess a variation. 

It must:

• be within the original application site boundary
• still comply with the provisions of the Local Development Plan
• not alter the character or appearance of a listed building
• not involve a material change of use requiring planning permission
• not require the deletion or alteration of conditions attached to the original planning permission
• not require the imposition of additional planning conditions in order to make it acceptable
• not require further neighbour notification
• not conflict with a change to the originally approved scheme, or conditions attached to the original planning permission, which were required to mitigate a material impact identified through third party representations made on the original proposal
• not involve an alteration, alternative house design, redesign or addition to individual house plots that were previously approved as part of larger collective permission for housing development

Listed building consent

Approval of a non-material variation relates to the planning permission only. There is no equivalent process for listed building consent. In this instance you will need to start a new application instead. 

If your application is unsuccessful

If an application for a non-material variation is unsuccessful you will be advised accordingly by letter. We will place a copy of the letter on the planning register.

You may then choose to submit a further planning application for the amendments.