Welcome to the Planning Hwb
Page updated on: 20/01/2025
We are excited to introduce our new interactive FAQ page, "Welcome to the Planning Hwb." This virtual service is designed to enhance your experience with the Planning Hwb by providing quick and easy access to answers for the most common questions and scenarios.
Traditionally, the Planning Hwb has been available via phone and email. However, our new interactive tool covers a wide range of topics, including planning applications, planning enforcement, planning advice, sustainable drainage, listed buildings and conservation, and planning ecology. This makes it easier for you to find the information you need. We encourage everyone to utilise this interactive tool. It is designed to save you time and provide you with the information you need at your fingertips.
Thank you for using the Planning Hwb. We look forward to helping you!
Please choose your query
What is your query?
I need to speak to the planning officer
How do I submit a comment on a planning application?
How do I appeal a planning application?
I have received a letter to state my application is invalid
Is my application going to planning committee?
I want to cancel or withdraw my application
I need to make changes to my live planning application
I need help with a site notice on a current application
I need an update on a current planning application
If you have submitted an application via a third party, please contact your agent or planning consultant.
If you have submitted an application independently we request that you track your planning application online, including viewing any comments we have received by Search for a Planning Application.
If you still have outstanding queries please email them to planningHWB@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Please allow up to 3 weeks from validation of your application to enable the application to proceed.
You can view information on all the stages of a live application on our Planning Application Guide.
I need to speak to the planning officer
The planning hwb deal with all the officer’s enquiries to enable the officers to progress their case load.
If you have submitted an application via a third party, please contact your agent or planning consultant.
If you have submitted an application independently we request that you track your planning application online, including viewing any comments we have received by Search for a Planning Application.
If you still have outstanding queries please email them to planningHWB@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Please allow up to 3 weeks from validation of your application to enable the application to proceed.
You can view information on all the stages of a live application on our Planning Application Guide.
How do I submit a comment on a planning application?
If you would like to comment on a proposed development, you must do so within the 21 day consultation period.
Comments can be made by anyone, as long as they provide their personal details and can be objections, support, or observations about the application.
We cannot accept comments from anyone who wishes to remain anonymous. You request that you submit your comment online via our webpage Live Application and go to ‘Comment on a planning application’.
How do I appeal a planning application?
Applicants have a statutory right of appeal against the refusal of planning permission, the conditions attached to a permission which are considered to be unreasonable, or if we have failed to make a decision within the statutory 8 week period and no extension to the time period has been agreed.
Also, any person on whom an Enforcement Notice has been served can appeal. There is no right of appeal for third parties in Wales.
All appeals will need to be made online via our dedicated webpage Appeals.
I have received a letter to state my application is invalid
The Invalid notification will specify exactly why the application is invalid.
You must address these matters before resubmitting your application.
You can find detailed information on Validation requirements on our webpage: Validation.
You may also wish to engage with a Planning Agent, they are particularly helpful for individuals with little or no knowledge of the planning process.
Is my application going to planning committee?
A decision on an application can be made either under delegated powers or via planning committee based on many factors.
You can view previous recordings of planning committee, participation protocol and further information here Planning Committee.
I want to cancel or withdraw my application
All cancellations need to be authorised by the planning officer within 6 working days.
Please contact us by emailing planninghwb@carmarthenshire.gov.uk to notify of your wish to cancel/withdraw your application. Please ensure you enclose your application number.
I need to make changes to my live planning application
Should you wish to amend your application before its determined, you will need to provide us with amended plans. Please be mindful that submission of amendment plans will extend the consideration period. In addition, amendments to Major Planning Applications are subject to a fee.
Please send all amended plans or documents to REG Planning Registrations REGPlanningRegistrations@carmarthenshire.gov.uk with the planning reference in subject line.
I need help with a site notice on a current application
As a local planning authority we are required by law to publicise all planning applications. This can include any of the following advertisements in a local newspaper, site notices and neighbour notifications.
If you have seen a site notice and wish to comment on this planning application, you can do so on our website and selecting ‘commenting on a planning application’: Live Application
How the application is publicised is determined by the assigned planning officer. If you have any issues or comments regarding the site notice on a current application please email planninghwb@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
I have a planning enforcement enquiry
I need to speak to an enforcement officer
Check if someone has had planning permission
How long does enforcement take?
Are my details kept confidential when reporting a planning breach?
What’s the update of an enforcement case?
How do I appeal my enforcement notice?
I need to report a high hedge complaint
I need to report a breach of planning
Before you ask us to investigate a breach of planning, did you know that some building work does not require planning permission. This is known as permitted development. If you're not sure what is and isn't allowed please visit: Planning permission: common projects
We request that you visit our Breach of planning webpage to read the guidance and our Enforcement Statement.
Should you wish to continue to report a Breach of Planning you must do so online on this link - Breach of planning.
I need to speak to an enforcement officer
The planning hwb deal with all enforcement enquiries.
Please note that enforcement matters can take up to 12 weeks to conclude the investigation stage due to the procedure that must be followed and the volume of cases the Council receives. We request that you do not contact us within this time period for any updates.
If you wish to provide additional evidence for an existing case please email PlanEnforce@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Check if someone has had planning permission
You can use the “Search by Map” option on our website by entering the address including post code.
Please check the mapping system here My Nearest - Planning information.
How long does enforcement take?
We would advise that you visit our A guide to Planning Enforcement in Carmarthenshire, to view ‘How will the Council deal with your service request?’ this will provide you with timelines for every stage of the process.
Are my details kept confidential when reporting a planning breach?
You will be asked to provide your details when reporting a breach.
Your details will remain confidential.
Anonymous complaints are not accepted and you will need an email address to complete the form.
During the investigation we may have to work with partner organisations such as the police, we will not share your personal details with anyone else without your consent.
You can view our privacy statement in our “A guide to Planning Enforcement in Carmarthenshire” on the website: How can an enforcement issue be reported?
What’s the update of an enforcement case?
We do not provide any updates during the investigation phase.
Enforcement cases complainants are notified in writing of the outcome of the ‘Investigation Phase’ within 12 weeks (84 days) of receipt.
How do I appeal my enforcement notice?
If you have received an enforcement notice which you disagree with, then you can appeal to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales. The Planning and Environment Decisions Wales must receive an appeal before the date the enforcement notice comes into force. Once an appeal against an enforcement notice is lodged, the matter is on hold until the decision is issued. Prosecution is not possible at this time. Please see link to the Government website: Appeal a planning enforcement notice.
I need to report a high hedge complaint
We cannot help with boundary disputes or subsidence; we recommend you contact Citizen’s advice on 0800 702 2020.
Asking us to get involved with your high hedge complaint should be your last resort, if you do decide to make a complaint you will need to provide evidence that you’ve tried to resolve the situation with your neighbour. Keep a diary with dates and a brief description of what you’ve done, how you contacted them, who attended if you met and what the result was.
Please visit our dedicated webpage Breach of planning to ensure you meet all the requirements to make a complaint.
I need planning advice
What is a permitted development?
I have a change of use enquiry
I need some planning advice
I need to find a planning application
I want more information on the Local Development Plan(LDP)
I have a section 106 enquiry
Can I apply through the LDO
How do I vary or amend a condition after the decision has been made
Will Phosphates affect my planning application?
I need to check if I need planning
If you have land to develop land we would request that you submit your ideas here: Pre-Application Stage
You may wish to engage with a planning agent, the benefits of doing so are explained here: Do I need a Planning Agent?
If you wish to change the use of a building please visit Change of Use (Planning).
If you wish to make any changes to an existing property please submit your ideas here: Extending / changing your home.
What is a permitted development?
Permitted development is development that can be carried out without the need to apply for planning permission, as it is already granted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO), as amended for Wales.
The Welsh Government provides planning guidance to support their application service. The guidance covers planning and building regulations advice for many common building work projects for the home. This advice is specific to the planning and building rules in Wales.
You will need to establish whether the development is possible without the need to submit a planning application. Some alterations can be carried out under permitted development.
Please follow the link to find some common householder projects that can fall under permitted development: Planning permission: common projects.
I have a change of use enquiry
We recommend you visit our change of use webpage this will provide you with all the information you require: Change of Use (Planning).
I need some planning advice
We would not be able to formally advise on any development ideas, until all the relevant details regarding the proposal are received via an application for review.
Detailed drawings and plans, among other things, will need to be considered and consultations may be required from other relevant departments before being able to advise further.
You may wish to engage with a planning agent or planning consultant, should you require assistance in completing the forms or information on the process. Do I need a Planning Agent?
However, the authority does offer a pre-application service which allows prospective applicants to receive advice regarding any proposed developments if you would like to make the appropriate checks on the proposal initially before committing to a full application.
Full information can be found on our website using the following link: Pre-Application Stage.
I need to find a planning application
You can either search by map, address or planning reference on our website: Search for a Planning Application.
I want more information on the Local Development Plan(LDP)
The Local Development Plan (LDP) sets out proposals and policies for the future use of all land within the County (excluding the part contained within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park) and is part of the development plan framework for Wales. The LDP covers a period of fifteen years and should reflect national planning policy in Wales. You can view full information on our website: Local Development Plan 2018 - 2033
I have a section 106 enquiry
As part of the planning process, a developer may be required to enter into a legal agreement where this is not possible to achieve through planning conditions. These legal agreements are also known as Planning Obligations or Section 106 Agreements and they are secured pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).
You can find more information here: Key Information
Can I apply through the LDO
We have established a ‘Task Force’ with a view to overseeing the regeneration of town centres. A key issue that the Task Force has been seeking to address is the number of vacant retail units in the town centres. The potential contribution that a shift in planning policy could make to facilitating investment and helping in incentivising development is noted. It is a two staged process. Applicants must firstly attain a Certificate of Conformity and then a Commencement Notice Approval.
Please go to our webpage: Local Development Order (LDO)
How do I vary or amend a condition after the decision has been made
If you need to apply for a removal or variation of a condition we have applied to your planning permission before you can begin any work. You can do this by finding the application form on the planning portal via this link: Apply for planning permission
Removing or varying a condition means that you have amended or revised your proposal and should not be confused with discharging a condition. You may wish to engage with a planning agent or planning consultant, should you require assistance in completing the forms or information on the process.
Will Phosphates affect my planning application?
Further information and frequently asked questions on phosphate targets and what it means to your development can be found here: Phosphates - Frequently Asked Questions
I need help with Planning application forms and fees
How much do I need to pay?
Our list of fees can be found on our dedicated webpage: A Guide to the New Fees for Planning Applications
You may also wish to engage with a Planning Agent, they are particularly helpful for individuals with little or no knowledge of the planning process.
I don’t know which application form I need to use? I am looking for a particular application form
You can apply for all applications online, we have the full list here: Types of Planning Application.
You may also wish to engage with a Planning Agent, they are particularly helpful for individuals with little or no knowledge of the planning process.
I have a Sustainable drainage enquiry
I need help with a SUDS/SAB application I have submitted
Once all the information is received, to the satisfaction of the SAB officer, they will have 7 weeks to determine an application; however, if the application is subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment it will have 12 weeks for SAB determination.
If you need to inform us work has commenced or notify us the work has finished and need a site inspection please email - planninghwb@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
I require advice on whether I need to submit a SuDS Application
If you require advice on whether you need to submit a SuDS Application, or you are at the start of the process then please visit our website at Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and review our information tabs or the “Related Links”. These should provide you with further; advice, guidance, answers to frequency asked questions, potential design tools and training opportunities.
I have a drainage design and wish to have feedback
If you have a drainage design and wish to have feedback on this prior to a full application submission, please take the opportunity of formally submitting a SuDS Pre Application (currently a assessment is provided). Pre Application Forms are found in “Downloads” at our website at Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
I have a question that relates to, technical advice from the SAB
We would only be able to provide you with advice if you submit any application. The Pre Application/Full Application Form can be submitted online via our webpage: Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
I have a query on listed buildings and conservation
What is a listed building?
Buildings are ‘listed’ when they are considered to be of special architectural or historic interest. This means that not only is your listed building important to you, but it is also important to your local community and contributes to the cultural heritage of Wales. The Welsh Government is required by law to compile lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest and these lists are used to help planning authorities make their decisions in the interests of the built heritage. Please visit our website for more information Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.
I’m thinking of buying a listed building – what do I need to know?
When buying a listed building it is important to note that the ‘listing’ refers to the whole of the building. When deciding whether to buy a listed building you should consider whether the building is able to accommodate your needs as it currently stands. Any changes to the building, including changes to internal layout and adding extensions are likely be subject to LBC and will not automatically be granted.
Please visit our website for more information Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
How will I know what proposals are acceptable
You may wish to employ the services of a Conservation Architect or Heritage/Planning Consultant who can advise you further at this early stage. A full structural survey will provide information on the building’s materials, its general condition and any causes for concern. This information will be invaluable when maintaining or working on your building. Please see our webpage for my information: Understanding listing.
I have query on Planning ecology
Do I need a bat survey?
A bat survey will be requested when necessary for the assessment of a planning application. If bats are found using the building where it will be affected by this first-storey extension, this may affect mitigation. As the applicant, may wish to undertake a scoping survey/ preliminary assessment for bats (which can be undertaken outside the main survey season).
If signs of bats are found or the building holds low – high potential for bats with features that may be utilised by bats but are not accessible as part of the preliminary assessment then further surveys will be required during the flight season from May ‐ August/September. Please visit our website for more information Protected Species and habitats.
Do I have a Tree Preservation Order in my garden or on my development site?
You can use the map on our website to view existing tree preservation orders and conservation areas: My Nearest - Planning information.
I need to report a high hedge complaint
We cannot help with boundary disputes or subsidence; we recommend you contact Citizen’s advice on 0800 702 2020.
Asking us to get involved with your high hedge complaint should be your last resort, if you do decide to make a complaint you will need to provide evidence that you’ve tried to resolve the situation with your neighbour. Keep a diary with dates and a brief description of what you’ve done, how you contacted them, who attended if you met and what the result was.
Please visit our dedicated webpage Breach of planning to ensure you meet all the requirements to make a complaint.