Validating applications: guidance for agents and applicants

What is required to make a valid application for planning permission?

When you submit a planing application we will need to make sure that it has everything. To be valid for planning permission we will require:

A completed application form
Compliance with national information requirements
The correct application fee
Local information requirements

What is validation?

Validation is a process by which an application is received and checked to ensure the application has enough information in order for the Planning Officer to make a decision. Although applications require different things, dependent on what they are for, the principle for validating them is much the same.

The application for is checked to ensure it is fully completed; the 'national' and 'local' validation checklists' which outline what is required to be submitted with an application are referred to, and the plans and documents are checked for accuracy, to ensure they relate to the proposal and that plans correspond with each other in terms of fenestration and measurement.

Validation guide

Below is a guide to assist with what to check for before submitting your application. We have also put together a Handy check list for validating applications (PDF) [149KB] .

A - What to check on when completing the application form: Application From/Certificates

Check you have completed the correct form for what you are applying for - for example - if it's a full application, check the application form is for 'Application for Planning Permission'
Check all questions have been completed, even if not applicable put N/A for the avoidance of doubt.
Check the declaration has been signed and dated
Check the correct certificates are completed signed and dated.
Check anything referred to on the form corresponds with any plans and further documents submitted, such as plan numbers.

B - What to check for when drawing the plans

Location plan

The application site should be edged clearly with a red line. It should include all necessary to carry out the proposed development -for example, land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings. Check there is a Red Line outlining the site and that it meets an adopted highway (not private drive). If the red line includes a private drive, notice will need to be served on any other owners of the site. If the applicant owns/controls adjoining land ensure that area is outlined in blue.
Check the site outlined corresponds in size with the block plan.
Check the plan 'title' relates to the proposal
Check there is a North Point
Check it is to the scale stated and that metric measurements are used.
Plans should identify sufficient roads and/or buildings on land adjoining the application site to ensure that the exact location of the application site is clear.

Block plan

Show any fences/floodlights/sheds/hard standings etc that require planning permission. Include the layout of the site and how each section of the site is to be used e.g. manege, paddock
Show any trees on site
Show any proposed demolitions on the site plan (usually by a dashed line)
Check the plan 'title' relates to the proposal
Check that it is to the scale stated and that metric measurements are used
Ensure that the site boundaries are the same as the location plan.
Ensure that the proposed work is clearly shown
Check the site area is the same as the Site Plan.
The proposed development in relation to the site boundaries and other existing buildings on the site, with written dimensions including those to the boundaries and: unless these would not influence or be affected by the proposed development
All the buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements
All public right of way crossing or adjoining the site
The position of trees on adjacent land
Boundary treatment including walls or fencing where this is proposed

Floor plans

Check the proposal shown on the block plan corresponds in size with the floor plans
Check the floor plans correspond in size with the elevations
Check the annotations are correct (such as 'ground floor' 'first floor')
Check all windows/doors are shown and correspond with the elevation plans
Check the plan 'title' relates to the proposal
Check that it is to the scale stated and that metric measurements are used
Check existing and proposed plans are provided for all the floors affected by the proposal

Elevation plans

Check the elevation plans correspond in size with the floor plans and the site plan
Check the annotations are correct (such as 'north', 'west' or 'front', 'side')
Check the plan 'title' relates to the proposal
Check all windows/door are shown and correspond with the floor plans
Check that it is to the scale stated and that metric measurements are used
Check existing and proposed plans are provided for all the elevations affected by the proposal

C - Check the National & Local Lists in conjunction with the criteria for the application type

Locate the correct application type and the corresponding validation checklist - for example it it's a Householder application; refer to the Householder validation checklist (PDF) [268KB] .

Design and access statement

Check the national list to see if a statement is required, if one is required:

Check if anything referred to in the statement that would require plans for such as lighting columns.
Check the Design and access statement 'title' relates to the proposal
Check any plans shown in the Design and access statement corresponds with those submitted with the application
Ensure 'use', 'amount', 'layout', 'scale', 'landscaping', 'appearance', 'access' and 'inclusive access' are covered by the statement.

Affordable housing statement

Check the local list to see if a report is required. If one is require:

Check the 'title' on the statement relates to the proposal
Check if any plans shown in the report correspond with those submitted with the application

Biodiversity

In most case a checklist is required as a minimum. Check the local list and refer to the Natural England's standing advice. If one is required:

Check you have put the site address in the title box on the checklist
If providing a report, check the 'title' on the report relates to the proposal
If providing a report, check any plans shown in the report correspond with those submitted with the application

Contamination

If a report or desk top study is require:

Check the 'title' on the document relates to the proposal
Check if any plans shown in the report correspond with these submitted with the application

Flood risk assessment

Check the local list and Environment Agency to establish if a flood risk assessment is required. If one is required:

Check the 'title' on the document relates to the proposal
Check if any plans shown in the Flood Risk Assessment correspond with those submitted with the application

Justification statement

Check the local list to see if required. If one is required:

Check the 'title' on the document relates to the proposal

Photographs

Check the local list to see if photos are required.

Structural surveys

A recent survey (not more than 12 months old) is required for all proposals for conversions of barns, chapels, churches and replacement dwellings and any application relating to a listed building where works are proposed that involve demolition or affect the structural integrity of the building.

If one is required:

Check the survey is not more than 12 months old
Check the 'title' on the document relates to the proposal

Schedule of works/Method Statement

Required for Listed Building applications when carrying out works. A schedule of works should show clearly what changes are proposed in each room affecting the layout, feature, including method of undertaking repairs. If one i.e. required:

Check the 'title' on the document relates to the proposal

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