Freedom of Information request - Direct Planning Applications to the Planning Department
Case reference EIR2026/01042
Received 15 September 2026
Published 6 October 2026
Request
In light of the increased fees by the Planning Portal, which we understand to be a private company now, we are not aware of any legislation that prevents us submitting applications directly via consultants or as individuals. I am trying to understand the methods allowed by your planning department according to any internal rules or guidance that you might hold. I am not looking for any planning advice in this request, merely your policies as determined by your planning department. In light of this, please can you advise me as to whether we can submit a planning applications or prior approval requests directly to the local authority in accordance with the relevant legislation as laid down by the government. Please advise as to whether any forms are acceptable, provided they contain the same information as contained in forms supplied by the Planning Portal or via forms that contain your local authority branding as hosted by the Planning Portal. Please advise as to which email address the forms should be submitted. Please also advise as to how payment should be made to the local authority for the correct fee. Finally please advise on any additional fee to submit directly and the reasons for this fee.
Response
The Council does not hold any separate internal policy or guidance governing the direct submission of planning applications. Information on how to submit a planning application is available on the Council's website:
Apply for planning permission – Oxford City Council
The Planning Portal is the most efficient method of submitting an application. However, planning applications may also be submitted electronically directly to the Council by email to planning@oxford.gov.uk.
A proper planning application form is required, as per the application forms available through the Planning Portal. The form does not need to carry Oxford City Council branding.
Payment of the relevant application fee can be made by BACS, using the payment details provided on the Council's website.
As the information concerning the application process and payment arrangements is already reasonably accessible on the Council's website, this information is exempt from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Your query regarding whether an additional fee applies specifically to submitting an application directly to the Council is a business-as-usual service enquiry rather than a request for recorded information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. For further advice on this point, please contact Oxford City Council Customer Services on 01865 249811.
Documents
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