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

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

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

Searching and tracking 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.

Planning committees and councillor referrals

From 31 October 2026, the National Scheme of Delegation introduced by central government will change how planning applications are allocated for decision. Applications will be decided either by council planning officers or by the Planning and Development Committee.

Previously, the council set its own local arrangements for deciding which applications were determined by officers and which were considered by the committee. These arrangements also allowed councillors to call in applications for a decision by the Planning and Development Committee.

Under the National Scheme of Delegation, councillors will no longer be able to call in applications for committee consideration.

The scheme places applications into two schedules. Applications in Schedule 1 must be decided by planning officers. Councillors cannot formally request that these applications are referred to the Planning and Development Committee. They can, however, make representations on their own behalf or on behalf of their community. Planning officers will consider these representations when determining the application.

Schedule 2 applications will normally be decided by planning officers. In certain circumstances, an application may be referred to the Planning and Development Committee if it passes the Gateway Test.

The council has introduced a Gateway Referral Request process for Ward councillors who want a Schedule 2 application to be considered by the committee. A councillor must submit a written request explaining why they believe the application meets one or both of these criteria:

• it raises one or more economic, social or environmental issues that are significant to the local area
• it raises one or more significant planning matters, having regard to the development plan and any other material considerations

An application can be referred to the Planning and Development Committee only if both the Council’s nominated officer and nominated member agree that at least one Gateway Test criterion is met.

To ask for a Schedule 2 application to be considered by the committee, complete the referral form available to download below.

Own-interest applications

In line with the National Scheme of Delegation, the Council’s Constitution sets out a local process for determining Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 applications. Schedule 1 applications will generally be decided by planning officers. The Constitution also identifies the Schedule 2 applications that will be decided by officers.

The council has also introduced a referral process for own-interest applications in either Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. These applications can be referred to the Planning and Development Committee for a decision. The Gateway Test does not apply to own-interest applications, so councillors may request a referral on the basis of material planning matters.

To ask for a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 own-interest application to be considered by the committee, complete the referral form available to download below.

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

People can only address the committee on items that are on the applications for decision part of the Agenda. If members of the public (objectors or supporters), applicants and agents or Ward Councillors wish to speak on an application on an agenda, they must contact the Head of Planning and Enforcement (or Team Leader in their absence) by email (planning@stevenage.gov.uk) or by telephone (01438 242242).

Speaking slots are allocated on a first-come, first served basis.

Registration of slots can only be taken after the publication of the agenda and by 5PM, 2 working days prior to the meeting. In doing so, you must provide your contact details and also outline in writing the points you wish to raise at the meeting.

On the night of the committee, members of the public (objectors or supporters), applicants and agents or Ward Councillors who have registered a speaking slot must register their attendance with the Committee Clerk in attendance at the meeting at least 15 minutes before the meeting starts.

At the meeting

• Speakers have three minutes unless additional time is granted by the Chair or Vice Chair.
• Your views will be included in the committee report for councillors to consider.

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.