General Guidance for Submitting an Application Form

How we process applications

We scan all paper documents that we receive and save all electronically submitted documents into our document management system so that they can be displayed on our website. We also print a paper copy of all documents submitted electronically, either via the Planning Portal or on CD / DVD disc submitted with a paper application, for use by customers inspecting the register of applications.

To help us validate and process your application efficiently, and ensure that the information in your documents is accurately recorded and understood by all those who will use and see them please follow guidance below.

For all applications

• Your application meets the national planning application requirements and the local planning application requirements applicable to your application type and scale of development
• You have read the appropriate help texts relating to completion of the planning application forms and addressed any issues raised
• Your drawings are, wherever possible, submitted at no larger than A3 size
• Your drawings and plans include a scale bar showing 1m. and 10m
• Your drawings and plans state the paper size for the scale shown, e.g. scale 1:100 at A3
• Your drawings and plans show measured dimensions of all new buildings, existing buildings on the site and the distance between existing and proposed buildings and the site boundaries and adjoining buildings outside of the site
• All information required to be submitted by the local planning application requirements is contained in separate documents relating to each specified requirement with the title of each document clearly displayed
• You have provided a list of all documents, drawings and plans submitted with your application
• Your documents use either Arial or Verdana font with a point size 11 or greater
• Your documents are printed on both sides of the paper where possible with no text showing through from one side to the other
• Any photocopied documents are clear and legible

For applications submitted electronically via the Planning Portal

• If your drawings and plans are not submitted at A3 size, the size, e.g. A1 or A2, at which the drawing should be printed is clearly stated
• No single file is larger than 5Mb
• The combined file size does not exceed 25Mb
• Your documents, drawings and plans are submitted using, preferably, the .pdf or .doc file formats although. tif, .jpg, and .xls are also acceptable
• Your drawings and plans are not in CAD format
• The application fee, where required, is paid by either by cheque made payable to London Borough of Southwark with the Planning Portal reference number on the back or by telephone transaction using debit or credit card

For paper applications submitted by post or in person

• Hand written notes on documents, drawings and plans are written in capitals and black ink
• Supply all plans in A3 size. If this size is not suitable for larger developments then submit in other sizes but still include one set at A3 for our reception file
• You do not use plastic or thick card cover sheets or wire or heat sealed bindings. If you need to bind documents other than with a staple then please use a binding that can be removed easily and safely
• You do not send valuable original documents unless we specifically request them
• Avoid using post it notes or small attachments that might be dislodged and lost in transit
• You sign the application forms and send the top copy and three further copies the documents, drawings and plans to us for all application types except those for advertisement consent and certificates of lawfulness where the top copy and one other copy will do
• The application fee, where required, is paid either by cheque, made payable to London Borough of Southwark, accompanying the application, by telephone transaction using debit or credit card, or by cash payment if delivering the application by hand

Contact us

Development control
Tel: 020 7525 5403
Fax: 020 7525 5432
planning.enquiries@southwark.gov.uk
Council offices
Chiltern
Portland Street
London
SE17 2ES
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday