Supporting document types

A planning application requires supporting information to demonstrate how it meets specific requirements. The local planning authority can request these documents are provided or you may feel submitting them will help them understand your proposal. For example, you may submit other relevant information, a covering letter or photographs which support your case. 

Find more information below for each supporting document type.

Community involvement - statement 

(Also known as: statement of community involvement) 

A community involvement statement should be produced by companies undergoing larger infrastructure development. For larger developments you will be required to prove you have listened to community input and considered the wider impacts of development, keeping in line with any local development plans. 
The statement must include: 

• The communities input 
• How these ideas were implemented 
• Reasons why the developer may be unwilling to implement the community input 

The threshold for a community involvement statement is set by the local planning authority. Contact your local authority or check their website to see whether this is applicable to your application. 

Covering letter

A covering letter can be attached to an application to help provide a summary of the information contained. It may include: 

• The type of application
• Information around pre-application advice sought
• Supporting documents included
• Site location
• The fee paid and relevant contact details 
• Any other points you wish to raise

This is an optional document for any application. 

Displayed site notice statement

A displayed site notice statement is required when an application for prior approval for demolition of a building is required. The notice should be displayed on or near the land/building which is to be demolished. This should be in place for 21 days after the application has been submitted. 
The notice should contain:

• The name of the applicant
• A description with the address and building to be demolished
• Statement that the applicant has applied to the local planning authority for prior approval determination
• The date of the proposed demolition
• The name and address of the local planning authority 

Heritage statement

(Also known as: statement of heritage significance) 

The aim of a heritage statement is to reduce the negative impacts of a development on an area of significance, and if possible, find opportunities to better reveal or enhance their significance. Demonstrating the cultural importance of the area and outlining the individual aspects which will be affected by proposed development. This may be required when making changes to a property which is listed or development which will affect a known heritage asset. This should not be confused with a Heritage Impact Assessment. 

Lawful development - supporting information

(Also known as: LDC supporting information)

Supporting information for lawful development will be required with any application for a lawful development certificate. The application should specify precisely what is being applied for, the change of use (if applicable) and the land which it relates to. This may include the date that the use or breach of condition started.  

Other relevant information

(Also known as: user-defined attachment) 

When supporting your application, any extra details which may be relevant to the case can be attached under Other relevant information. This may be useful where the document you are submitting is not available for selection or you have extra information which will help the local authority determine your application.  

These should be submitted with a detailed description of what they are and why they are included, to allow the local planning authority to accurately assess the information provided. 

Permitted development notice

A permitted development notice is required for applications for development of electronic communications network, where prior approval is required. Providing written confirmation of the items which will be used and installed with the relevant locations. 

Detailed guidance notes¹ are available to help with your application. 

Photographs and photomontages

Photographs can be submitted alongside any application to help provide details and further information. They should have a description of what the photo is showing and the location it was taken from; reference numbers on photos should be used to provide clarity for the local authority.

Planning obligations – details

(Also known as: planning obligations, section 106 agreements)

Planning obligations, also known as section 106 agreements, are private agreements made between local authorities and developers. They are attached to a planning consent to make development acceptable which would otherwise would have been refused.  

Details around planning obligations may need to be submitted alongside a planning application if there are existing obligations attached to the land. If any obligations have been excluded from the application, then this must be justified within the planning obligations. 

Planning statement

A planning statement can help support most types of planning application through providing justification for the development in relation to a number of issues. It should consider the local context, policy plan and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), aiming to demonstrate how the development will fit into this. Any pre-application advice or consultation which has taken place may also be included. 

Planning statements are not mandatory but can help provide a general summary of the development, additional details and context. 

Register/issue sheet

This should list all the plans, drawings, and/or documents submitted as part of the application including details such as version and date of issue. It can be a useful reference to ensure that a complete and correct set of supporting information is provided and utilised, or to specify updates and amendments to ensure the most recent versions are used.

Structural survey

A structural survey may be required prior to works on existing buildings, primarily those which are over 50 years old, listed or are having major works proposed. Allowing for the structural integrity of a building to be assessed prior to other works or development taking place. Proving the building can be changed without demolition or rebuilding, and safe methods of development are in place. 

Supplementary information template

The supplementary information template should be submitted if you are changing the number of residential or dwelling units.

If your proposal includes the gain, loss or change-of-use of residential units (including conversion) then you will be required to submit the numbers of existing and proposed dwellings according to the number of bedrooms. 

Supporting planning statement

A supporting planning statement can be submitted alongside your application to demonstrate how the local and national development plan and National Planning Policy Framework have been considered within an application. Also providing evidence that any pre-application advice or guidance has been adhered to.  

Telecommunications - supplementary information

(Also known as: telecoms supplementary info)

An application should include telecommunications supplementary information if the development includes the use, change or removal of telecommunications devices such as masts. Primarily this will apply to specific full or outline applications for telecommunications businesses. 

The information should relate to the telecommunications supplementary planning document provided by the local planning authority. Your application may include:

• Demonstration of good practice 
• How environmental and health concerns have been considered
• Types of equipment being used with their respective locations
• Outcomes of consultation with the local area 

Validation checklist

The local authority has specified that additional checklists need to be submitted with this application to help ensure its validity. Please check the local authority’s information on Planning Portal or its website (e.g. its local level document requirements) to download, complete and add any required checklists.

Verification of application – evidence

(Also known as: evidence to verify application) 

Evidence to verify applications should be submitted when applying for prior approval to prove that the proposed work complies with government technical guidance. The evidence must show the relevant guidance or legislation, ensuring the proposal does not contradict any of the information.  

1. https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/1app/guidance/guidance_note-prior_approval_electronic_communications_network.pdf