Validation of Planning Applications

When an application has been received, it is checked to determine whether the information provided is sufficiently thorough and comprehensive to allow the proposal to be properly assessed.  This process is known as validation.  Typically, many applications will be expected to include the following items:

  • Form filled in correctly, with all relevant questions answered;
  • Correct fee received;
  • Site location plan marked with site boundary;
  • Various scale drawings showing proposal.

In addition, some applications may require additional items, such as:

  • Photographs of site;
  • Design and Access Statement;
  • Site surveys.

However, the exact requirements will depend both on the type of application and on the nature and complexity of the proposed development. 

Guide to planning application validation [pdf document, 400kb]

What to include with your application

Please ensure that all of the required documents are present and complete when you submit your application.  Incomplete applications are not progressed until missing items are supplied.

  • Forms - Please double-check that all copies of each form have been fully completed and signed before submitting the application.
  • Plans and drawings - Most applications require a site location plan indicating the site boundary.  Other plans or drawings should illustrate the details of the proposed development.  Both existing and proposed plans should normally be provided.
  • Design and access statement - The statement should provide sufficient details in order to demonstrate that due consideration has been given to design, access and sustainability aspects.  It applies to general planning applications (both full and outline), Listed Building and Conservation Area applications.  Most householder applications are exempt, unless the property is in a Conservation Area.  
  • Fee - Fees vary for different applications and some types of application do not require a fee.  If paying by cheque, this should be accompanied by a Fee Form, which needs to be completed and signed
  • A Consultation Statement (where appropriate) [pdf document]

Basic requirements for different applications [pdf document]

Local List

In addition to the statutory requirements for specific information to accompany a planning application further information may be required in order to make the application valid.  This will depend on the type of application and the character of the area in which the site is located.

The additional types of information that may be required for different types of application is illustrated in the checklist below.  It must however be stressed that this ‘local list’ represents an upper limit for items  that may be requested to accompany an application.  In practice only a small number of these items will be required for a vast majority of applications.

Local validation checklist for planning applications [pdf document]

Applicants/agents are always encouraged to seek pre-application advice from the Council’s Development Control section regarding the information that they will be required to submit to accompany their planning application.

Comprehensive Checklist

The following document contains a comprehensive list of all the items of information that can potentially be requested by this planning authority for an applicant or agent to supply with an application:

Validation checklist for planning applications [pdf document]