- Read the Validation Checklists – please consult the appropriate 'Checklist' to ensure that all the relevant plans and documents are submitted with the application. These can be found on the Downloadable Forms and Checklists web page. It is important to note that the Validation Checklists list the documents required to accompany planning applications before they are validated. Failure to complete the form correctly or to supply sufficiently detailed drawings or other relevant supporting information will result in the application being deemed invalid and thus not being determined. Background information regarding the adoption of the Checklists (Local Level Requirements) can be found here.
- 2 sets of documents to be supplied (unless the application is submitted electronically). Extra copies may be requested for certain applications.
- All submitted plans and elevations must be to a metric scale. Plans that include the words “Do Not Scale” will not be registered.
- Preferable drawing sizes are A3 or A4 with just one scale per page.
The site location plan
All applications must include copies of a location plan based on an up-to-date Ordnance Survey map. This should be at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. Planning regulations require two copies (unless submitted electronically). Extra copies may be requested for certain applications. In exceptional circumstances plans of other scales may also be required. Plans should wherever possible show at least two named roads and surrounding buildings. The properties shown should be numbered or named to ensure that the exact location of the application site is clear.
The application site should be edged clearly with a red line. It should include all land 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.
A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant, close to or adjoining the application site.
Please also refer to the Planning Portal Guidance on Site Location Plans. Site location plans can be purchased from the Planning Portal website. These can also be uploaded as part of the Planning Portal online planning application process.
Site and other plans
Copies of the site plan should be submitted. The legislation requires two copies (unless submitted electronically). Extra copies may be requested for certain applications. The site plan should be drawn at a scale of 1:500 or 1:200 and should accurately show:
a) the direction of North;
b) the proposed development in relation to the site boundaries and other existing buildings on the site, with written dimensions including those to the boundaries;
c) all the buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements;
d) all public rights of way (footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic) crossing or adjoining the site;
e) the position of all trees on the site, and those on adjacent land that could influence or be affected by the development;
f) the extent and type of any hard surfacing; and
g) boundary treatment including walls or fencing where this is proposed.
In addition other plans should be submitted (dependent on the type of application – refer to the relevant validation checklist for specific requirements) and may include:
Block plan of the site (e.g. at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200) showing any site boundaries. (1:1250 or 1:2500 for large schemes)
Copies of plans should show: any site boundaries; the type and height of boundary treatment (e.g. walls, fences etc); the position of any building or structure on the other side of such boundaries to demonstrate the wider context.
Please also refer to the Planning Portal Guidance on Block Plans.
Existing and proposed elevations (e.g. at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100)
These should be drawn to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and show clearly the proposed works in relation to what is already there. All sides of the proposal must be shown and these should indicate, where possible, the proposed building materials and the style, materials and finish of windows and doors. Blank elevations must also be included; if only to show that this is in fact the case.
Where a proposed elevation adjoins another building or is in close proximity, the drawings should clearly show the relationship between the buildings, and detail the positions of the openings on each property.
Existing and proposed floor plans (e.g. at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100)
These should be drawn to a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and should explain the proposal in detail. Where existing buildings or walls are to be demolished these should be clearly shown. The drawings submitted should show details of the existing building(s) as well as those for the proposed development. New buildings should also be shown in context with adjacent buildings (including property numbers where applicable).
Existing and proposed site sections and finished floor and site levels (e.g. at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100)
Such plans drawn at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 should show a cross section(s) through the proposed building(s). In all cases where a proposal involves a change in ground levels, illustrative drawings should be submitted to show both existing and finished levels to include details of foundations and eaves and how encroachment onto adjoining land is to be avoided.
Full information should also be submitted to demonstrate how proposed buildings relate to existing site levels and neighbouring development. Such plans should show existing site levels and finished floor levels (with levels related to a fixed datum point off site) and also show the proposals in relation to adjoining buildings. This will be required for all applications involving new buildings.
In the case of householder development, the levels may be evident from floor plans and elevations, but particularly in the case of sloping sites it will be necessary to show how proposals relate to existing ground levels or where ground levels outside the extension would be modified. Levels should also be taken into account in the formulation of design and access statements.
Roof plans (e.g. at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100)
A roof plan is used to show the shape of the roof and is typically drawn at a scale smaller than the scale used for the floor plans. Details such as the roofing material and their location are typically specified on the roof plan.
Design and Access Statements
A Design and Access Statement will be required for most applications.
Tree Survey
There may be requirements for a Tree Survey in relation to development.
Environmental Impact Assessments
New legislation on Environmental Impact Assessment comes into force 24 August 2011 - please follow the link for guidance.
Notes for online applications
To ensure the smooth processing of your online application:
- Attach all drawings as PDF (Portable Document Format) files.
- Photographs can be JPEG file format.
- No individual file should be larger than 5Mb.
- File names should reflect the content.
- Ensure that all drawings include the print (paper) size; the relevant scale at that print size (e.g. 1:100 etc).
- Preferable drawing sizes are A3 or A4.
- Drawings should be correctly oriented on page.
- Adhere to the Validation Checklists.
- For major applications submitted online, complete the form online and post/deliver a minimum of 2 sets of all the application documentation to Planning Services. Extra copies may be requested for certain applications. In addition, copies of the application documentation should be supplied on CD disc to enable electronic processing. No individual file should be larger than 5Mb.