Submitting a Planning Application

Planning applications can be made in a variety of ways including:

Online application

Using the Planning Portal will allow you to complete, save and send applications electronically without needing to make paper copies.

The portal’s service will also let you:

  • create a site location plan (compulsory for all applications)
  • attach supporting documents (such as plans and photographs)
  • pay the application fee online (where required)

More information can be found on Make a planning application via the Planning Portal.

Once you have registered, or if you are an existing user, log in and follow the instructions.

There is a service charge for submitting some planning applications.

Applications can also be made by email directly to us. Send full details and attachments to planning@molevalley.gov.uk

Payment of the fee (if applicable) can be made:

  • by cheque, payable to MVDC
  • by calling 01306 885001

Making a paper application

If you are unable to make an electronic application, we will accept paper applications delivered in person or by post to our offices in Dorking.

Please be aware that this method may be slower to process.

Only one copy is required.

Payment of the fee (if applicable) can be made:

  • by cheque, payable to MVDC
  • by calling 01306 885001

Applications should be addressed to:

Planning Department, Mole Valley District Council, Pippbrook, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ.

Buying a map online

All applications must include a location plan based on an up-to-date map at a standard metric scale.

The application site should be edged clearly with a red line.

Location and Block Plans must not be a Land Registry document, or include data from the Surrey County Council Interactive Map.

More information on requirements can be found by visiting:

You can purchase site location plans for anywhere in the country through the Planning Portal’s accredited supplier.

Planning application fees

For more information on Planning Application forms and fees, visit our page here.

The planning fees can be calculated using the Planning Portal’s Fee Calculator or downloaded from the Planning Portal.

If you are uncertain how the scale of fees applies to your proposal, email planning@molevalley.gov.uk or call 01306 885001.

Validation Requirements

Details of the documents required before we can register your application can be found at National Validation Requirements. We do not currently have a local validation list.

Protected species checklist

The Protected Species Checklist is designed to help you work out if your proposal is likely to affect biodiversity.

If the application involves any of the development proposals shown in the table, you are advised to submit a protected species survey with the application.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

From 2 April 2024, BNG became mandatory for all new planning applications for major and minor development made under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990, subject to the confirmed exemptions. More information can be found at Biodiversity Net Gain

If you have any enquiries, please contact us at biodiversitynetgain@molevalley.gov.uk

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Some planning applications may be liable to pay a CIL charge on commencement. Find out more at CIL and Affordable Housing Contributions.

Affordable housing contributions

All planning applications for residential development are subject to requirements relating to the provision of, or contributions towards, affordable housing in accordance with Mole Valley Core Strategy Policy CS4. Find out more at CIL and Affordable Housing Contributions.

Processing of planning applications

A guide to the stages involved in your Planning Application, from submission to a decision, can be found on the Planning Application Process page.

Data privacy

The legal basis for the collection and processing of data supplied as part of a planning application can be found by visiting the ‘Privacy Notice for Planning‘.
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