Supporting Information
Your application must be made up of:
- The necessary plans of the site
- The required supporting documentation
- The completed form
- The correct fee.
If you’re applying online, once you have submitted your application it will automatically be received by the relevant local planning authority.
The local planning authority will not be able to process your application unless the mandatory supporting documentation has been provided. You can also attach any other relevant documentation which you think will help the local authority determine the application.
Please note, online submission of supporting information may not always be possible because of its volume and variety. If this is the case, information can be submitted in hard copy (three copies plus the original) or electronically (e.g. CD, USB storage device), even if the application has been submitted via the Portal. In these circumstances applicants will be notified of the validity of their application when the LPA is satisfied it’s received all the necessary information.
There are two levels of mandatory documents, national and local. If you’re applying online, the service will tell you what mandatory documentation you need to provide and allows you to attach the relevant documents. If you are posting the application, at least three copies of the form and any supporting information, including plans, are required, although some planning authorities may ask for more.
Mandatory documents
National requirements
As a minimum, you must provide the following documents for your planning application to be valid:
- The standard application form
- Most planning applications require two plans to be submitted as supporting documents:
- Location plan – which shows the site area and its surrounding context. This can be purchased online from one of the Planning Portal's accredited suppliers either as part of the application process, or separately, and then attached to the application.
- Site Plan (sometimes known as a block plan) – which shows the proposed development in detail and can be purchased from one of the Portal’s three accredited suppliers.
- An ownership certificate A, B, C or D must be completed stating the ownership of the property.
- Agricultural holdings certificate – this is required whether or not the site includes an agricultural holding. All agricultural tenants must be notified prior to the submission of the application.
- Design and access statement (if required) – this should outline the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the proposed development and how issues relating to access to the development have been dealt with. Find out more about design and access statements.
- Correct application fee. You can calculate the correct fee for your application by using the Portal’s fee calculator.
Local level requirements
In addition to the national list, your local planning authority may produce a list which details any specific documentation that is required to accompany the application. The requirements may vary according to the type of application, i.e. household, full, outline, etc. If you are applying online, this list is available from the supporting documents screen.
Alternatively, the local requirements can be found on the relevant LPA’s website.
Find contact details for the relevant LPA
Related links:
Guidance on the information requirements and validation
Personal data and planning applications
Please note that with the exception of the applicant contact details (telephone numbers and email addresses), all the information you provide on the application form and in any accompanying documents may be published on the website of the local authority dealing with your application.
To avoid the publication of personal details, do not include them, or any other information which falls within the definition of personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998, in documents supporting your application.
If you require any further clarification, please contact your LPA’s planning department.