What Do You Need for Planning Permission?

Obtaining planning permission is a straightforward process that doesn’t involve any hidden obstacles, as long as you’ve taken the time to prepare. Knowing what you need for your planning permission to be granted successfully is important. Failing to include certain documents can send you right back to the starting point.

1. Application forms

You will need to provide all relevant application forms with five copies of each. This is not a rough guideline – it’s a strict requirement due to the way applications are handled. Make sure that each copy is identical and you don’t leave out any important information from any of them.

2. Ownership certificate

You must also provide a signed ownership certificate. Note that this doesn’t have to be in your name. You’re allowed to apply for planning permission for properties you don’t own. You must still provide a valid ownership certificate even in those cases.

3. Properly formatted planning drawings

It’s not only important to submit planning drawings with your application. If have an architect working for you, make sure to remind them that the planning drawings are formatted properly.

There are strict requirements for each type of planning drawing. Your location plan must utilize a scale that falls within a reasonable range (between 1:1250 – 1:2500) and highlight any specific access points in red. You must also note nearby properties that you own.

Your site plan must be done at a more detailed scale, usually around 1:200. It must show details of all relevant connecting features and public rights of way.

You will not always need an elevation/floor plan as these depend on the specific application you’re submitting. If you must include them, make sure they also follow the appropriate formatting guidelines.

4. Design and Access Statement

A Design and Access Statement is not always needed, but it can still help get your application processed faster even when it’s not required. It’s an outline of your general ideas behind the design and describes how it’s going to be implemented and what specific policies your construction will comply with.

5. Money for the application fees

There are different fees for submitting a planning application, and you must ensure that you have the money ready in advance. The exact fees can range between £206 for a regular householder application, to almost £500 for a full application that outlines new property.

Keep in mind that the fee might also vary with the size of the property for larger areas. In most cases, you will have to pay an additional fee for each 0.1 of hectare of land that you are applying for.

6. Optional documents

There are also some documents which will not be required in every instance. Surveys are the most notable category here, and they require special attention in cases where you might be planning to build on more sensitive land.

Tree and ecological surveys may be required in case your project potentially encroaches on territory inhabited by protected species. You may even have your application denied if it turns out you’re disturbing the habitat of endangered species or are planning to remove certain types of trees.

This makes it important to get a thorough survey done by a qualified professional. Ideally, you’re going to know if there are any obstacles in this category impeding your project before you even submit your planning application.

Taking the time to sort out all the paperwork for your planning permission application can prevent a lot of trouble down the road. In some cases, you risk getting rejected for reasons you were not even aware of if you don’t make sure to get all relevant documentation in order in advance. Even if you don’t get denied, you may still have to deal with unnecessary delays that could have otherwise been avoided.

Planning