Standard Planning Application Form (1APP)
Background
From 6th April 2008, the
Standard Planning Application Form (1APP) will be the only
official method of submitting a planning application and is
expected to lead to a significant increase in the number of
applications submitted online. Applications submitted on
old forms after this mandatory deadline set by central
government cannot be accepted by the local authority.
The Standard Planning Application Form has been rolled
out across England under direct management from the Government in
conjunction with the Planning Portal (a one-stop-shop for planning
information and services online). The form is key to specific
proposals to streamline and simplify the arrangements for handling
applications for planning permission and associated consents.
NOTE: This authority has been using
the National Planning Application
Form (1APP) since 1st January 2008. New paper copies
of the application forms are available as
PDF documents to download from the website, and electronic
versions for online submissions through the Planning
Portal.
Benefits
In the past, most authorities produced their own planning
application forms which differed in style, content and the
information which was required. This
inconsistency sometimes lead to confusion for planning
professionals and the public alike.
The Standard Planning Application Form is part of
Governments commitment to make the planning system simpler, faster
and easier to use. As well as speeding up the planning process, the
introduction of the form will also enable more planning services to
be provided online and give applicants certainty about the
information they need to provide.
If you're a planning professional:
You will benefit from
- a simpler, streamlined application process
- familiarising yourself with just one form for all your
applications
- saving standard information (e.g your address and contact
information) so you needn't re-enter it for every
application
If you're a member of the general public:
You will benefit from
- a simpler more transparent planning process
- clear online guidance where and when you need it during the
application process
- a better chance of submitting a valid planning
application
How does it work?
The Standard Planning Application Form is an electronic
application form hosted by the Planning Portal. Once logged onto
the website, the applicant or agent is asked a series of questions
to help determine which application form to complete. A detailed
form specific to the proposal will be generated once this procedure
is completed.
The Standard Planning Application Form covers a range
of application types including Householder, Planning Permission,
Listed Building consent, Conservation Area consent, Tree
Applications (inc. Tree Preservation Orders and Trees in
Conservation Areas) and Advertisement consent. Along with the
electronic planning application form, supporting plans and
documents are also submitted electronically as part of the online
application process.
Can I still obtain a paper copy of an application
form?
The real benefits and efficiency gains come from the
submission of electronic
applications.
Paper copies of most common types of application
forms however are still available to potential
applicants. Not all planning applications have to be submitted
electronically after this date, as it is recognised that many
applicants still prefer to submit paper versions.
This authority has looked into convenient methods of
producing paper copies of the Standard Planning Application
Form. The new forms have been published on the
website since 1st January 2008.
