You can view planning applications online through our Public Access Service.

You can also register an account on Public Access which will allow you to:

• Submit comments about planning applications.
• Track planning applications.
• Save searches.

How to search and track planning applications

You can search for planning applications using a keyword, application reference number, postcode, or part of an address.

If you register for an account and provide your contact details, you can also track planning applications and view our weekly or monthly lists of new applications.

The Public Access for Planning Applications system allows you to:

• Search for planning applications, appeals, and enforcement actions.
• Monitor the progress of a specific application.
• View weekly and monthly lists of applications and decisions.
• Access historical planning applications. (Note: Older applications may appear as new while they are being transferred to digital archives.)

Commenting on planning applications

Before submitting a comment on a planning application, please ensure you have read our Privacy Policy.

How to submit comments

1. Register online: To comment, you must register on our planning search system by providing your contact details.
2. Submit within 21 days: We recommend submitting your comments within 21 days (3 weeks) from the date the application became valid.

Important information about your comments

• Public record: Your comments will be added to the application file and made publicly available on our website. They cannot be treated as confidential or anonymous.
• Acknowledgement email: You can choose to receive an email confirmation of your comment by ticking the box at the bottom of the online form before submitting.

By using the online planning system, you agree to the associated terms and conditions (link provided on the website).

When we consult

Most planning applications require public consultation, although not all do. When consultation is needed, it usually lasts for 21 days and may include one or more of the following, depending on the type of application and legal requirements:

• Neighbour notification letters sent by post to owners or occupiers of nearby properties.
• A site notice placed on or near the property, in a location visible to the public.
• An advertisement published in the Comet newspaper.

We may also consult again if significant changes are made to an application. These follow-up consultations may be shorter.

Complaints about consultation

If you have concerns about how a consultation has been carried out, these are typically civil matters rather than planning issues. You may need to consult a solicitor to understand your rights and seek a remedy.

Councillor call-in

Under our call-in procedure, a councillor can request that a planning application be referred to the planning committee for a decision, rather than being decided under delegated authority.

Please note that a councillor can only call in an application if there are valid planning grounds to do so.

Planning Committee

Some planning applications may need to be referred to the Planning Committee for a decision, as outlined in our Scheme of Delegation.

Viewing Meetings and Reports

You can check the schedule of Committee Meetings, where committee reports are published as part of the agenda. These reports are typically available five working days before the meeting.

Speaking at the Planning Committee

If you wish to speak at a Planning Committee meeting:

• Email plan.devcon@stevenage.gov.uk to register.
• Registration must be completed by 4:00 pm the day before the meeting.
• Speaking slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional speakers may be allowed at the discretion of the Chair and Vice-Chair.
• Each speaker (for or against the application) will have up to three minutes to present their views.

If a planning application is being decided by the committee, your comments will be included in the report provided to councillors on the committee.