Planning applications

The North York Moors includes some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain. To keep it that way, the region was made into a National Park in 1952. That means it has the highest level of protection the law can offer, and all new building and other developments are carefully considered to ensure they blend in with the character of the landscape.

If you have submitted a planning application to the National Park Authority, you can check on its progress using the Planning Explorer website.

Over 91% of all planning applications submitted to us are approved. If we have to say ‘no’ we’ll try and explain why your proposal was considered unacceptable and will advise you on whether there are ways you could change your proposal so we can say ‘yes’. 

Our planning staff are happy to give you informal advice when you are in the early stages of thinking about your development, whether it’s an extension to your house, a new farm building or something more major. 

Not all development requires planning permission and we can advise you if you need to submit a planning application, how to do it, and give information on the progress of your application once you’ve submitted it.  

Alternatively you may be someone concerned by the possible effects of someone else’s proposals. We’d like to hear what your views are on proposals in your area and we will ensure everyone’s views are taken into account before a decision is taken.  

Decisions on many minor and non-contentious issues are delegated to the Chief Planning Officer but if we have received views contrary to the recommendation of our planning officers, the matter will be decided by the Planning Committee.  

You can see the agenda for the current month’s Planning Committee