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Publicity of applications

Find out more about which planning applications are public and why we need to do this.

Changes To Our Statutory Planning Application Advertisement Process

From Thursday 10 April 2025 we will begin to advertise planning applications in the Torbay Weekly newspaper. There will be a transition period of around 6 weeks while we continue to advertise in the Herald Express as well. From the week of the 12 May we will cease to advertise in the Herald Express.

Advertisements will appear in the Torbay Weekly on Thursdays.

Planning applications must available for public inspection. We advertise applications in a number of ways. 

Advertising in the local press 

By law all major development proposals must be publicised. We do this with an advertisement in the local newspaper, the Torbay Weekly. Major developments include: 

  • applications for 10 or more new dwellings 
  • proposals affecting Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas 
  • departures from the Local Plan 
  • all proposals requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment 
  • all proposals affecting a public right of way   

Placing a Site Notice

Usually, we promote applications that must be publicised by posting a notice on, or near, the site. They are yellow for high visibility and give brief details of:  

  • the planning proposal 
  • the planning reference number 
  • the case officer 
  • the deadline for submitting all objections and comments 

Site notices must allow 21 days for representations. The law recognises that we cannot be held responsible for the removal of notices before the 21 days are up. If a site notice is removed, we will always endeavour to replace it.   

Applications which do not require a site notice are: 

  • householder applications 
  • applications for minor alterations in flats which are not in a conservation area 

We deal with these under a fast track system which is set out in our statement of community involvement.

Neighbour notification 

We endeavour to notify neighbouring properties where applicable. We will send a neighbour notification letter. The letter will give brief details about:  

  • the planning proposal 
  • the planning reference number 
  • the date by which all comments