Find out what to include in your planning application
Planning application proposals should be:
You can include more detailed information within the supporting documents.
Proposals should include the main elements and location, for example:
“Erection of a single storey side extension and two storey rear extension”
“Demolition of existing garage and erection of single storey outbuilding”
“Insertion of one window to first floor side”
If the proposal is to create a new access, include the location and use:
“New vehicular/ pedestrian access”
Type and number of units need to be stated, for example:
“Erection of four x 2 bedroom dwellings”
If any demolition is proposed this also needs to be included:
“Demolition of existing garage and erection of 1 x 2 bedroom dwelling”
Make clear that the application is an outline application and state the number of units proposed (if known), size of the site and matters to be considered. For example:
“Outline application for residential development up to 24 units with all matters to be reserved”
“Outline application for residential development of land (up to 1.0ha) including access. All other matters to be reserved”
Reserved matters are specific details of a development that are not addressed during the outline planning permission stage but must be approved before full planning permission is granted. These typically include aspects like appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and access arrangements.
You should make clear the application is for reserved matters and include all matters to be considered.
It should also reference the Outline permission it follows, for example:
“Application for approval of reserved matters in respect of layout, scale and landscape pursuant to…”
“Reserved matters application for 50 dwellings approved by outline permission (enter outline reference) including layout, scale, appearance, landscape and access”
Proposal should make clear that the application is for change of use, including the original use and the proposed use, for example:
“Change of use of use from hotel C1 to dwelling house (C3)”
A list of use classes can be found on the Planning Portal website. The Planning Portal also has guidance on whether planning permission is needed for change of use.
Proposal should state the purpose and scale, for example
“Single storey office block for light industry and office use”
“Community sports centre with floodlit artificial sports pitch and car park”
Proposals should include the main elements and location, including in relation to existing building(s), for example:
“Single storey rear extension to shop”
“Single storey extension to industrial premises to form offices”
“Installation of shop front”
“Installation of air conditioning unit to rear elevation”
The proposal needs to clearly state which advertisements (if any) will be illuminated (and whether internally or externally). The location and type of sign(s) should also be included, for example:
“One externally illuminated projecting sign to front elevation”
“Four freestanding flag advertisements on the forecourt”
Listed Building consent should be applied for where work is proposed to a listed building which could have the potential to affect the character or significance of the listed building.
Any demolition works (internal or external) should be specified first, followed by all proposed alterations and extensions that require consent, for example:
“External alterations, including single storey rear extension and installation of rooflights to front and rear”
“Demolition of internal wall and erection of an orangery to rear”
Applications for removal or variation of a condition following grant of planning permission may also be referred to as a section 73 application. An application for removal or variation of conditions can be used to change or remove conditions which have been previously imposed. Proof will have to be submitted that the conditions are no longer relevant or reasonable.
The condition(s) to be varied or removed should be listed at the start of the proposal, followed by the original application reference number and proposal, for example:
“Variation of Condition (no.) pursuant to…”
If you want to be certain that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes or that your proposal does not require planning permission, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
It is not compulsory to have a Lawful Development Certificate but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful for planning control purposes.
Proposals must include the type of certificate (existing or proposed) and describe in detail the works, for example:
“Proposed Lawful Development Certificate for loft conversion and two dormer windows to front elevation”
“Application for Lawful Development Certificate for existing garage conversion”
Proposals should make clear that the application is retrospective and describe in detail the works that have been done, for example:
“Retrospective application for two storey rear extension”
If the application is partially retrospective it should clearly explain which works have already been completed and which are proposed, for example:
“Part retrospective application for single storey side extension and proposed loft conversion”