Validation of planning applications guidance 1APP

Validation of Planning Applications Guidance for the National Standard Planning Application Form (1APP)

This guidance provides users of the development control service with clear advice on the form and content of information required for the submission of applications for planning permission and associated consents, approvals and notifications on the national standard planning application form (1APP)

By having guidance about the scope and extent of the information required applicants should have greater certainty of their responsibilities, the public will be informed of the nature of development proposals leading to a more open, accessible and efficient service.

At present this guidance is provisional pending further clarification from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Validation Requirements

These split into two sections

  • Current national validation requirements
  • Optional local validation requirements

The guidance gives validation requirements four levels of status

  • Mandatory – required in all cases
  • Optional – required depending on the nature, scope, scale and location of planning application proposals.
  • Not required – not usually required although in exceptional circumstances there may be a requirement for information not usually required.
  • Not Applicable

Pre Application Discussions

It is recommended that prospective applicants should consult with the council prior to the submission of applications of all types. In addition to resolving issues about the planning merits of cases, pre application discussions can ensure that applicants are aware of the requirements for information to accompany their planning application. This will be particularly valuable for larger and more complex schemes and will assist in minimising delays prior to the validation of planning application and later in the application process.

Pre application discussions are recorded by the council and applicants should quote the reference they are given at the pre application stage when submitting a planning application.

Further advice and information

You are directed to the Department for Communities and Local Government Publication - 'Best Practice Guidance on the Validation of Planning Applications' (http://www.planningmaps.co.uk/images/planning_guidance.pdf), which ties in closely with 1APP.

 

Where an application is received that does not contain the information required in the application will be invalidated. The submitted application will be returned to the applicant who will be informed in writing with a list of requirements necessary to make the application valid. In these circumstances the applicant may submit to the council a written justification why the requested information listed is not appropriate in a particular case. The Council will take account of any written justification and only invalidate applications where it can demonstrate that the additional information is necessary to determine the application.

Attachments

If you are unable to access the Excel files please contact the Planning department to request a hard copy. Email planningoffice@westwiltshire.gov.uk or tel. 01225 776655.