What Is Required for a Planning Application?
- Jeff Smith
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
An Architect’s Guide to a Successful Submission - Planning Application Requirements
Whether you're planning a house extension, a new build, or a change of use, submitting a planning application can feel like a daunting process. While online portals like the Planning Portal streamline the submission process, knowing exactly what needs to be included is key to avoiding delays or invalidation.
In this post, we outline the national and local requirements for planning applications — and what additional documents and drawings may be requested by your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to validate your submission.
The Basics: National Requirements
No planning application can be validated without the following mandatory national documents:
Application FormCompleted online or in paper format.
Location PlanShows the site in relation to its surroundings, usually at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale.
Site Plan (Block Plan)A more detailed plan of the development site, typically at 1:500 or 1:200 scale.
Ownership Certificate (A, B, C, or D)Declares the ownership status of the property or land.
Agricultural Holdings CertificateRequired whether or not the land includes an agricultural holding.
Correct FeeFees vary depending on the type and scale of development. The Planning Portal offers a fee calculator.
Design and Access Statement (if required)Usually needed for major applications, development in conservation areas, or listed buildings.
Fire Statement (if applicable)Required for buildings over 18 metres or 7 storeys that contain more than one dwelling.
Local Level Requirements
In addition to national requirements, each LPA sets out local validation requirements depending on the type, scale, and context of the project. These can usually be found on your LPA's website or are provided during the online application process.
Typical local requirements may include:
Existing and Proposed Floor Plans
Existing and Proposed Elevations
Roof Plans
Site Sections or Street Scene Drawings
Contextual Elevations
Planning Statement
Heritage Statement (for works affecting listed buildings or conservation areas)
Ecology Report or Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)
Tree Survey and Arboricultural Impact Assessment
Flood Risk Assessment (FRA)
Drainage Strategy or SuDS Report
Transport or Parking Statement
Contamination Report (Phase 1 Desk Study)
Optional But Advised: The Pre-Application Route
Engaging in pre-application discussions with your local authority can clarify early on which documents will be expected and planning application requirements. This can reduce the risk of delays at the validation stage, especially for more complex or sensitive sites.
Validation: The Gatekeeper to Progress
Once submitted, your application is reviewed for validity. If any mandatory or locally required documents are missing or incomplete:
The LPA may issue a validation request, giving you a short window (usually 7 to 14 days) to submit the missing items.
If the missing item requires a survey or specialist report, and it can’t be obtained in time, your application may be declared invalid and you’ll need to resubmit—often paying the fee again.
This is why it’s important to have a complete and well-prepared submission from the start.
Conclusion
Submitting a planning application involves more than just a set of drawings and a form. Each project has unique constraints — from ecology and trees to heritage and flood risk — and these need to be addressed in the supporting information.
As architects, we regularly guide clients through this process and coordinate the required consultants to ensure everything is in place. If you're unsure where to begin, we always recommend starting with a pre-app or feasibility stage — this helps shape a smooth path through planning.
Need help with a planning application? Get in touch with our team — we’ll guide you through every step of the process, from initial design to full submission and beyond.
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