If a proposal is development and is not "permitted development" by the General Development Order, then an application for planning permission must be made. Applications may be decided by:
- Lancashire County Council, e.g. minerals and waste applications, plus development required for their own purposes on land owned by the County Council.
- The Secretary of State, e.g. Listed Building proposals submitted by Burnley Borough Council, decisions which are "called in" for his determination, such as where approval would be a departure from the development plan.
- Burnley Borough Council - most other applications.