Making an online planning application

Supporting document limitations

File types

Supported file types are:

• Images: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .tiff
• Documents: .pdf, .doc, .docx, .rtf, .txt
• Spreadsheets: .xls, .xlsx, .csv
• Videos: .mp4, .mov, .avi, .mpeg, .mpg, .wmv
• CAD/GIS: .dwg, .plt, .geojson, .gml

Biodiversity metrics file: We accept the BNG Metrics file. Please disable macros before uploading your file. Read our guide to disabling macros¹.

If you wish to submit supporting documentation by any other method, we recommend that you use the file types listed above wherever possible. If you wish to use any other file type, you should check with your local planning authority (LPA) before submission as they may not be able to accept them.

File size 

Many LPA systems cannot accept files larger than 10MB - if you have a file larger than this, you may not be able to upload it. If your document exceeds 10MB, please refer to our guidance on reducing file sizes².

File names

Supported characters within a file name are:

• Letters A to Z (upper and lower case)
• Numbers 0 to 9
• Certain characters (listed below).

Accepted characters in a file name

    (space)

-   (hyphen)

_   (underscore)

(    (open bracket)

)    (close bracket)

.    (full stop)

&   (ampersand)

,    (comma)

[    (open square bracket)

]    (closed square bracket)

#   (hash/number symbol)

Permitted examples:

• Siteplan.pdf
• Elevations existing Drwg 1345-2.tif
• first-floor-plan_proposed_drwg 1346-1.plt
• SECTIONS AA BB (DRWG 234_1 REV 2).PDF
• Timber-frame-detail_entrance-hall (179098_2) (Heritage statement).doc

If the LPA cannot download or view an attached file you may be asked to provide it again in a file type they can use or supply a hard copy of the information.

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/applications/planning-applications/why-do-i-get-an-error-when-uploading-my-biodiversity-metric-spreadsheet
2. https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/1app/1app_tips_reduce-file-size.pdf