The applicant is the person or organisation putting forward the proposal. They are also responsible for paying the appropriate fee for the application. It is usually advisable for applicants to discuss their ideas informally at an early stage with any affected neighbours. The applicant is responsible for implementing the project in accordance with the planning permission and any conditions attached to it by the Planning Service. Applicants also decide, with the help of any advisers they may have, whether to appeal against a refusal of planning permission or conditions attached to a planning approval.

The agent is the person or organisation who is employed by the applicant to make the application on their behalf. It is not compulsory to employ an agent and it is the applicant's decision to use one or not

The Planning Service receives the application and places it on a register, available for public inspection. It publicises the application and begins to process it, taking due account of all comments received. 

Decisions on planning applications are made by the Department of The Environment following statutory consultation with the local district or borough council. The Department gives careful consideration to the views of elected councillors, but the decision to grant or refuse planning permission is the responsibility of the Department.

Other organisations. The Department consults widely with organisations that have special expertise, such as the Environment and Heritage Service, Roads Service and Water Service.