How to prepare a valid planning application

General supporting documents – for all applications

This page lists supporting documents, which might be required for your application based on the type, scale and location of the proposed development.

Other supporting documents might also be needed for a small scheme (1- 9 new homes) application and major and strategic applications.

The planning application types and fees page has guidance on the type of planning application needed for different types of development. 

General supporting documents

• Advertisement drawings

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide drawings that show the location and scale of proposed adverts. Provide details of any associated illumination and fittings.	Applications for advertisement consent.	To assess the impact of the proposed advert on existing buildings and the character of the local area.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P43	Refer to the council's Advertisements SPD.   The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 (external website) set out relevant legislation.

  Make sure you:

  • show the advertisement size, the siting, materials and colours to be used and how they will be fixed to the building
  • show the height above the ground and extent of projection
  • detail the method and colours of the illumination or luminance
  • show a cross-section through all signs including through any supporting structures or walls
  • reflect the answers to the dimensions set out in the application form
• Affordable Workspace Strategy

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide either: an Affordable Workspace Strategy or, in exceptional circumstances where on-site affordable workspace is not possible, details of in lieu payment for off-site affordable workspace; this payment must be agreed and approved by the council, through the Affordable Workspace In Lieu Payment Calculator	Applications with more than 500sqm of employment floorspace.	To confirm that the proposed development would meet the obligation to provide 10% of the total workspace as affordable.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P31 London Plan 2021 Policies E1, E2, E3 and E8	Refer to the council's affordable workspace provider list.   Download the council’s affordable workspace in-lieu payment calculator (download).

  Make sure you:

  • include these details:
    • management arrangements (direct let or affordable workspace occupier) 
    • length of lease/availability of affordable workspace (minimum 30 years) 
    • total employment floorspace of the scheme (sqm GIA and type - office/light industrial/creative) 
    • total affordable workspace proposed (sqm GIA, number of units/desks, and type – office/light industrial/creative) 
    • percentage of total employment floorspace (minimum 10% affordable workspace)
    • evidence of current local market rent levels for the type of employment floorspace proposed 
    • affordable rent level proposed (pounds per square foot or percentage discount to market rent) 
    • details of any rent-free periods, staircase rent arrangements, service charges, break clauses, utilities or any additional management or maintenance charges  
    • affordable workspace fit-out specification (to include mechanical and electrical fit-out, heating and cooling provision, kitchen and toilet facilities, sprinklers) 
    • marketing strategy to demonstrate how the affordable workspace will be marketed and prioritised to occupiers who meet the Southwark Plan 2022 Affordable Workspace Occupier definition; and how the affordable workspace will be accessible to a diverse range of occupiers and affordable workspace providers 
• Air Quality Neutral Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Demonstrate that the proposed development would meet or exceed air quality neutral standards.	All minor applications, with some exemptions listed below.	To ensure that development does not have a negative impact on air quality in the borough.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P65 London Plan 2021 Policy SI1	Check whether your site is in an Air Quality Management Area.   Refer to Planning Practice Guidance on air quality (external website).   Refer to the Greater London Authority's draft guidance on air quality neutral (external website).   Refer to the council's Environmental Protection Team's technical guidance on air quality (PDF, 3mb).

  Make sure you:

  • demonstrate that the benchmark calculations have been met

  • provide details explaining any decision to not submit an assessment

  • include Air Quality Neutral Calculations showing: 

    • calculation of Transport Emissions against Benchmark 
    • calculation of Building Emissions against Benchmark  
    • details of mitigation to mitigate against excess benchmark and transport emissions 
    • details of any offsetting required  
    • details of reporting

  Further guidance

  Developments that do not include additional emissions sources are assumed to be Air Quality Neutral. These do not need an Air Quality Neutral Assessment. This includes developments that:

  • do not create additional car parking AND
  • do not lead to an increase in localised car journeys AND
  • do not include new combustion plant such as gas-fired boilers

  Minor developments connected to an existing heat network or that include gas boilers with NOx emissions below 40 mg/kWh can be assumed to meet the Buildings Emission Benchmark.

  Minor developments with new parking that does not exceed London Plan policies T6 and T6.1 to T6.5 can be assumed to meet Transport Emissions Benchmark. Where parking standards are not defined, a full calculation against the Transport Emission Benchmark is required.

• Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Complete a desk based assessment using existing archaeological and historical information.  Determine the archaeological interest and potential of the site, and assess the impacts of the proposed development.	applications where groundworks are proposed within an Archaeological Priority Area applications for new basements, extensions to basements or other extensive groundworks.	To ensure archaeological assets are protected.    Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P23 London Plan 2021 Policy HC1	Check whether your site is in an Archaeological Priority Zone.

• Archaeological Evaluation Report

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Appoint an archaeologist to agree and produce a Written Scheme of Investigation for an archaeological evaluation. This will detail the method statement for the work, which should provide an adequate assessment of the impacts of the development proposal. It should propose a range of archaeological techniques. The method statement will be agreed with the Borough archaeologist before fieldwork starts.  The Completed Archaeological Evaluation Report will detail the results of the work.   If the applicant is unable to provide this report, they should discuss this with Southwark’s borough archaeologist.	applications where groundworks are proposed within an Archaeological Priority Area Outside Archaeology Priority Areas where extensive groundworks are proposed	To provide an adequate assessment of the nature, extent significance and interest of archaeological remains on site.    Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P23 London Plan 2021 Policy HC1	Check whether your site is in an Archaeological Priority Zone.

  Make sure you:

  • Use a suitably qualified and experienced archaeologist who has previously worked within Southwark
     
  • The applicant's archaeologist will discuss and agree on the Written Scheme of Investigation (method statement) with the borough archaeologist. This should include trench plans and details of all techniques used which should be agreed upon with the borough archaeologist
     
  • Your archaeologist will undertake the archaeological evaluation to provide an adequate assessment of the impacts of the development proposal
     
  • The archaeologist will produce an evaluation report that will detail the results of the archaeological evaluation
     
  • Submit the completed archaeological report detailing the results of the archaeological evaluation and the Written Scheme of Investigation for the evaluation with the planning application
     
  • All archaeological documentation should meet the requirements of Southwark, Greater London and Chartered Institute for Archaeologist standards and guidance
     
  • Contact the Borough Archaeologist to discuss if you have any questions. 
• Basement Impact Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Evaluate the direct and indirect implications of the proposed basement development.	Applications for a new or extended basement.	To inform the council's assessment of the proposed development.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P14 and P68 London Plan 2021 Policy D10	Refer to the council's Residential Design Standards SPD.

  Make sure you:

  • note that the level of information required will be relative to the scale, location and complexity of the scheme
  • submit a floor plan and section drawing of the basement extension which includes details of the basement ceiling height, access, and any roof lights
  • ensure any technical report is prepared and self-certified by a suitably qualified chartered engineer or chartered geologist, who is a member of the relevant professional body
• Bat Survey

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide information prepared by a qualified ecologist on any bats present at the application site.	Applications where the development proposal is likely to negatively affect bats or their: roost habitats foraging habitats commuting habitats	To confirm that the developer has taken appropriate measures to avoid, mitigate and, as a last resort, compensate for any negative effects on bats in their development proposal.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P57, P59, P60 London Plan 2021 Policy G6	Refer to Natural England’s ‘standing advice’ for bats (external website).

  Make sure you:

  • refer to the standing advice for bats for further information on which development types require a Bat Survey
  • consider these details in the survey:
    • be carried out in the most recent, appropriate season - except if licensing policy 4 is used
    • identify the bat species and size of the population
    • identify the type of roost and its importance, and any access points used by bats to enter the roost
    • identify important flight routes and foraging areas used by bats close to proposed developments
• Biodiversity Survey and Report

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Explain how a net gain approach has been taken to biodiversity at the development site. This must be in line with the mitigation hierarchy.  Identify and explain any ecological impacts that may result from the site development. Also, identify impacts on adjacent sites if applicable.  You can demonstrate biodiversity gain by submitting Natural England’s latest Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) matrix (currently version 4). Completed Statutory BNG metric submit a colour-coded and annotated plan with the BNG metric so that we can cross-reference habitat parcels with a metric calculation. all tabs must be readable and unlocked.  notes must be added to the spreadsheet to justify the calculations. the Statutory metric should be completed by a competent person with specialist knowledge of habitat types and conditions, for example, an Ecologist. This requirement is in accordance with BS 8683 - Process for designing and implementing BNG and good practice principles developed by CIEEM/IEMA/CIRIA.  For outline and phased applications, see additional notes below.   Biodiversity Statement  This should:  summarise data from the BNG metric: baseline units, predicted gains or losses, area change (units) and percentage change. This should include maps, calculations and justification of the condition for the baseline habitat  evidence that the ecological functionality and biodiversity value of the existing site and has been incorporated into site design evidence of on-site options for linking existing ecological networks information on how the habitats will be implemented, managed, and monitored. This may be high level at application stage but will need to be provided in detail before development commences. It will therefore be subject to a planning condition Biodiversity Gain Plan (optional at Validation stage) This can be submitted post-approval, and should include:  maps showing where the habitat units are located both pre-development (baseline) and post-development (habitat that is retained, enhanced, and created)  the pre and post-development biodiversity value of the onsite habitat  the biodiversity value of any habitat provided off-site explain how adverse impacts on habitats have been minimised  submissions should include Phase 1 Habitat Surveys (Preliminary Ecological Appraisals), if appropriate, and undertaken by suitably qualified ecologists (SQEs), a list of which can be found on the CIEEM website Note that from November 2023, all major development applications will require these documents. This is to comply with the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements of the Environment Act 2021. These BNG requirements are additional to any Biodiversity survey and species survey reports, for example, bats.	Applications for development that may have an impact on existing wildlife and biodiversity at the site.	To demonstrate that the proposal will improve biodiversity on the development site. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P57, P59, P60 London Plan 2021 Policies G1, G4, G5, G6	Check whether your site is in or close to a designated park, open space or Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs).  For further guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain, refer to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (External website).  For further guidance on how to design for biodiversity net gain, refer to guidance by the Greater London Authority (external website).  For further information about biodiversity in the borough, including protected species, refer to Southwark's Nature Action Plan 2020.  View further information about works to trees

  Make sure you:

  • ensure any surveys are undertaken at the appropriate time of year. Refer to survey calendars and other guidance (external website). 

  Further guidance 

  Applications that must be supported by a Biodiversity Survey and Report include: 

  • all proposed tree works 
  • development affecting mature trees, trees with obvious holes/cracks/cavities, and trees with a girth greater than 1m at chest height 
  • development affecting ‘derelict’ land (brownfield sites), allotments, mature gardens and railway land 
  • development close to or impacting Parks and Open Spaces 
  • sites adjacent to Local Wildlife site or Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) 

  Additional Notes Applicable for applications submitted as of November 2023:

  • you can submit a Biodiversity Gain Plan at the application stage, which might help the relevant conditions to be discharged more quickly.  
  • for outline and phased permissions, you should explain the strategy to achieve the biodiversity gain objective across the whole site and demonstrate how this could be delivered on a phase-by-phase basis. If planning permission is granted, we will use a planning condition to secure the BNG. This will require you to submit a Reserved Matters application which must set out how the proposal meet the requirements included in the approved biodiversity gain strategy or plan, and explain how any shortfalls in provision will be addressed.
• Business Relocation Strategy

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide a strategy for supporting existing businesses and shops during development.	Applications where existing small or independent businesses or small shops may be displaced.	To protect small and independent shops from displacement and ensure the borough retains its local talent and commercial creativity. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P32 and P33 London Plan 2021 Policies E1, E2, E7, E9	Refer to the council's further guidance on preparing a Business Relocation Strategy (download) (PDF, 22kb)

  Make sure you:

  • ensure the Business Relocation Strategy contains the required information set out in the further guidance document
• Contoured plans - existing and proposed

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?
  Clearly show ground levels on the site and neighbouring properties and any proposed changes.	Applications for development where there are substantial changes in ground level on the site and relative to adjoining properties.	To provide a better understanding of the ground levels of the site and the neighbouring sites.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P12, P13, P56

  Make sure you:

  • scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 and includes a scale bar on each plan. We prefer A4 and A3 paper size
  • include a unique reference number on each plan
  • clearly label changes in the application site ground level on the plans
  • include neighbouring properties and ground levels on the plans
• Cross sections - existing and proposed

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?
  Submit drawings to show the inside of relevant buildings.	applications for: alterations to ground levels including raised or sunken patios, decking, and steps the conversion of a basement or loft to living space, where ceiling heights might not be consistent major applications	To provide detail on internal and external ground level and ceiling heights and ensure these spaces provide good residential amenities.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P12, P13, P56

  Make sure you:

  • include measurements of ceiling heights on the drawings, especially for loft and basement conversions
  • label any living space with a ceiling height of less than 2.3m
• Daylight and Sunlight Impact Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Identify and examine the impacts on existing neighbouring properties including sites with live planning permissions.	household and minor applications where the development may impact neighbouring properties' access to light major applications	To make sure that development does not cause a reduction in the daylight and/or sunlight enjoyed by neighbouring properties.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P15 and P55 London Plan 2021 Policy D6	Guidance on how to carry out the daylight and sunlight tests is set out in the council's Residential Design Standards SPD.   The assessment should conform to the methodology set out in the Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidance ‘Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight: A guide to good practice’ (external website).

  Make sure you:

  • show the daylight and sunlight tests on submitted drawings
  • submit a report to confirm the final daylight and sunlight values achieved by any proposal in a restricted setting
  • ensure that the evidence of the assessment is prepared by a suitably qualified professional and in accordance with BRE guidance for:
    • major applications
    • more complex minor applications
• Design and Access Statement

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Set out how a site responds to its local setting. Show how the site would be accessed.	all Listed building consent applications all major applications	This is a national requirement set out in Section 9 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (external website).   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P7, P8, P10, P12, P13, P14, P15, P16, P17, P24, P33, P34, P38, P40, P1, P42	The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure (England) Order 2015 sets out when a Design and Access Statement is required and what it should contain (external website).   Refer to the council's Design and Access Statement SPD

  Make sure you:

  • use a level of detail proportionate to the complexity of the application
  • split the document into clearly labelled sections of less than 30MB each
  • include details on: 
    • site safety
    • site security
    • site accessibility
    • the relationship between the proposed buildings and their surroundings  
• Equalities Impact Assessment 

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Explain how the planning application promotes equality. Identify any negative equalities impacts. Detail actions to reduce any identified impact, and detail positive equalities impacts.	applications, which involve the loss of community facilities in predominant use by protected characteristic communities as defined by the Equality Act 2010 major applications	To meet the requirements of the Development Consultation Charter and Statement of Community Involvement.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies SP2, P1, P7, P8, P12, P31, P33, P46, P47, P65	Download the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) template (docx, 29kb). Details of how to complete an Equalities Impact Assessment are set out in the council's Statement of Community Involvement and Development Consultation Charter.

• Ecological Impact Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide an assessment of any impacts to wildlife and biodiversity due to the proposed development.	Applications that may impact wildlife and biodiversity.   Development sites close to or impacting on Parks and Open Spaces and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs).	To protect the habitats of protected species.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P57, P59, P60 London Plan 2021 Policy G1, G4, G5, G6	Check whether the site is close to a Park and Open Space or Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs).   View further information about works to trees.

  Make sure you:

  Submit the assessment for the following works:

  • all proposed tree works
    • development affecting mature trees, trees with obvious holes/cracks/cavities, trees with a girth greater than 1m at chest height
    • proposals affecting ‘derelict’ land (brownfield sites), allotments, mature gardens and railway land including bare ground that may support ground-nesting birds or invertebrates
    • proposals including the modification, conversion, demolition or removal of buildings and structures (especially roof voids)
  • Note that some applications are supported by a Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA) when there's no habitat present apart from buildings and hard standing. In this case, no further assessment is necessary
• Fire Safety Strategy or Reasonable Exception

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Show how the proposed development meets the highest fire safety standards as set out in the London Plan Policy D12 (A).   If the proposed works would not alter the fire safety of the building (see below), you must explain this in a Reasonable Exception Form.	A Fire Safety Strategy or Reasonable Exception Statement must be submitted with all applications. This includes Listed Building Consent applications.   Major and outline applications must be supported by a Fire Statement instead.   Fire safety information is not required for Lawful Development Certificates and Prior Approval applications.	To ensure the highest fire safety standards are met for all development in the borough.   Relevant planning policy: London Plan 2021 Policy D12 (A)	Refer to further guidance by the Greater London Authority on the requirements of a fire safety strategy (external website).    Download a Reasonable Exception Form template (docx, 18kb).

  Make sure you:

  • submit the Fire Safety Strategy as a stand alone document and ensure that it includes these details:
    • name and title of who wrote and approved the planning application's fire safety information, with a clear statement describing their competence, including relevant qualifications and experience
    • information under each part of London Plan Policy D12 (A); this should be specific and relevant to the proposed development
    • the relevant safety design codes and standards and how these ensure the proposed development achieves the highest standards of fire safety. This should be proportionate to the size and nature of the development 
  • submit a Reasonable Exception Form if the application:  
    • creates no additional dwellings or commercial units AND
    • does not provide a new lift AND
    • does not change external materials AND
    • does not change internal or external communal areas that support the evacuation strategy for the property
• Foul Sewage and Utilities Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Demonstrate that: the availability of drainage or sewerage infrastructure capacity has been properly examined the proposal would not result in undue stress on this infrastructure	Applications for development that involve connection to foul or storm water sewers.	To confirm that development would not cause an over demand on local sewers.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P67 London Plan 2021 Policy SI5	Relevant technical guidance is provided in Building Regulations Approved Document Part H (Drainage and waste disposal) (external website).

  Make sure you:

  • consult with the service provider before completing this assessment

• Flood Risk Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Set out flood mitigation measures and confirm actions to be taken before and during a flood event.	Applications for any new development in: Flood Zone 1 Flood Zones 2 and 3, for sites of more than 1 hectare Basement extensions Major applications in Critical Drainage Areas for surface water flooding	To ensure that development would not increase flood risk.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P68 London Plan 2021 Policy SI12	Check whether your site is in a Flood Risk Zone. Refer to the council's further information about flood risk and the government's guidance on when and how to complete an assessment (external website).

  Make sure you:

  • include all the relevant information required for your development type and location. The assessment must:
    • identify the risks of all forms of flooding to and from the development site
    • demonstrate how these flood risks would be managed, taking climate change into account
    • identify opportunities to reduce the probability and consequences of flooding
    • include the design of surface water management systems including Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs)
    • address the requirement for safe access to and from the development site in areas at risk of flooding
  • be aware that you will usually need to pay a flood risk specialist to carry out the flood risk assessment for you; you may be able to do it yourself for a simple, low risk development, such as a house extension
  • contact the Environment Agency for advice if you're unsure about any of the above
• Heritage Statement

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Submit an assessment of the significance of heritage assets and/or their settings affected by the development. Assess the impacts that the development might have on these assets.	Applications for: development within conservation areas development affecting the setting, appearance or character of a listed building, a historic park or garden, or a scheduled ancient monument	To ensure that heritage assets are protected and enhanced by development.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P13, P14, P15, P16, P17, P18, P19, P20, P21, P23, P24, P25, P26 London Plan 2021 Policies D1, D2, D4, HC1, HC2	Check whether your site is in a conservation area or is a listed building.   Refer to the council's Heritage SPD for further guidance and details of what you should include in the statement.

  Make sure you:

  • carefully follow the guidance on heritage statements set out in the Heritage SPD to make sure you include all the necessary information
  • note that development or alterations to a listed building will always require listed building consent in addition to planning permission
• Land Contamination Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide a report on a Phase 1 Desk Study and site reconnaissance.	Applications for development: on a brownfield site  where the application site is known to be contaminated	To ensure that proper guidelines are followed for development on contaminated land.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P64	The assessment should be carried out in accordance with established procedures such as: the British Standards Institute's BS10175 Investigation of potentially contaminated sites (external website) Code of Practice for the Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites (external website)

  Make sure you:

  • ensure the study includes:
    • site inspection scope
    • review of historical land use
    • review of the environmental setting
    • consultation with relevant regulatory authorities
    • qualitative environmental risk assessment
    • review of existing relevant reports
• Lighting Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide details of proposed external lighting.	applications where external lighting is proposed applications involving works to areas of public access	To ensure that external lighting will not harm the amenity of neighbouring residents or impact local ecology.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P55 and P66 London Plan 2021 Policy G6	Refer to Institution of Lighting Professionals guidance for the reduction of obtrusive light (external guidance).

  Make sure you:

  • ensure the assessment includes the following details:
    • layout plan with beam orientation
    • schedule of the equipment in the design
    • hours of operation
    • light levels and spillage
    • the size of the lights/light fittings
    • for projecting signs, mark the distance from the edge of the sign to the kerb edge

  Further guidance

  For development sites on or adjacent to a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation:

  • include evidence to show that consideration has been given to the effect of light from the proposed development on biodiversity
• Marketing Statement

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide evidence of an active marketing campaign: for a continuous period of at least 2 years immediately prior to any planning application whilst the premises were vacant which has shown to be unsuccessful	Applications proposing a loss of: retail in shops outside of protected shopping frontages and town and local centres employment in the CAZ, town centres, opportunity areas and individual development plots with Southwark Plan 2022 site allocations where employment re-provision is required pubs, community facilities, cultural facilities, and health facilities anywhere in the borough	To ensure that there is no future prospect of the land being used for the existing use. To ensure there's no unnecessary loss of use that is considered vital to Southwark's growth. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P30, P38, P42, P45, P46, P47 London Plan 2021 Policy SD4, E1, E2, E7, HC7	Check whether your site is in a relevant area. Refer to the council's further guidance on completing a marketing statement (download) (PDF, 1.2mb)

  Make sure you:

  • closely follow the council's further guidance document to make sure you provide all the required details 

• Navigational Risk Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Contact the Port of London Authority District Harbour Master who is responsible for determining if: an impact on navigation exists a Navigational Risk Assessment is required	Applications that may impact the navigation of vessels along the tidal Thames, or interact with vessels such as a pier or jetty.	To ensure development does not negatively impact on the navigation of vessels on the Thames. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P25	Contact the Harbour Master on 0207 743 7906 or email HMU2@pla.co.uk

• Noise Impact Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide an assessment prepared by a suitably qualified acoustician, detailing: noise Exposure Categories associated impact and mitigation measures layout, design and insulation	Applications for noise-sensitive developments that are likely to be affected by an existing source of noise. This includes noise-intensive uses (including gyms, nightclubs, and social venues) and the installation of any plant or other equipment which might generate significant noise.	To ensure that development does not cause harm to the amenity of local residents due to excessive noise. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P55 London Plan 2021 Policy D14	Refer to further guidance from the government on what you should include in a noise assessment (external website). Refer to the IOA’s professional practice guidance on Planning and Noise (external website). Full details of noise policy and expected technical standards are set out in the council's technical guidance for noise.

• Photographs

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Submit photographs of the existing building and the entire application site.	applications involving the setting, character or appearance of a listed building or conservation area applications proposing the demolition of an existing building major applications	To provide greater detail on the context of the application site.	External photographs should: show each elevation of the building include any outbuildings and trees on the site include the property boundaries

  Make sure you:

  • submit site photographs with all applications
  • show where each photograph was taken and the direction the photograph is aimed towards 
• Parking Provision Statement

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Set out existing and proposed car parking details, including: total number of car parking spaces wheelchair parking spaces electric vehicle charging points	Applications where: existing car parking is lost new car parking is proposed the proposed development is likely to result in an increase in demand for on-street parking	To assess the impact of a development on the demand for on-street parking.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P54 London Plan 2021 Policies T4 and T6	Check car parking provision at and around the application site.

  Make sure you:

  • provide a table that sets out the existing and proposed car parking spaces and confirms the net difference in the number of spaces
  • include car parking spaces on existing and proposed site plans
• Schedule of Accommodation 

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Set out the number of homes by tenure, type and housing mix and identify which of these homes meet M4 of the Building Regulations.   Where M4(2) (Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings) cannot be achieved for reason of viability or practicality you must provide evidence to support this.	applications proposing one or more new residential units, including changing a house to flats major and strategic applications	To assess whether the proposed development meets the requirements of our housing policies.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P1, P2, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P55 London Plan 2021 Policies D7, H4, H5, H6, H10, H11, H12, H13, H15, H16, T6	Refer to the council's Residential Design Standards SPD. Refer to Approved Document M (Buildings Regulations) (external website).

  Make sure you:

  • submit a table of each unit (with a unique reference number), the total floorspace of each proposed residential unit, the floorspace of each room, and amenity space
  • confirm whether each unit and room meets the minimum required standards set out in the councils' Residential Design Standards SPD
  • show dimensions in GIA and GEA for any commercial or other uses
  • ensure floor plans identify the unit reference number for each proposed unit with tenure
  • ensure floor plans make clear which units meet M4 of the Building Regulations
  • submit a site plan which clearly labels all disabled car parking spaces on site
• Servicing and Refuse Management Plan

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Set out a Management Plan to explain how waste will be stored on-site. Confirm that the council's guidance for waste collection has been followed.	All applications for proposals that would generate residential or commercial waste.	To ensure the proper management of waste on and off-site. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2021 policy P61 London Plan 2021 SI7	See further information on waste storage in new residential developments See further guidance on waste management (download) (PDF, 204kb) See further guidance on residential amenity (download) (PDF, 160kb).

  Make sure you:

  • read the further guidance

  • ensure all relevant information is included in the Management Plan and shown on submitted plans and drawings

  • show storage clearly labelled on proposed plans. Include the size and number of bins

  • include a calculation to confirm that the residential waste requirements would be met on site

  • ensure the Management Plan:

    • shows the sufficient capacity for on site waste and recycling storage

    • demonstrates how loading and unloading requirements (including taxis for hotels) would be managed

    • details of accessibility for waste vehicles and other servicing traffic. Include a plan showing step-free access from the public highway to the waste storage area. For larger developments, include a vehicle tracking plan for refuse vehicles showing accessibility to every roadway

    • measures to mitigate fire risks and amenity impacts relating to the storage of waste (for example, noise, odour, pests)

  • ensure that dropped kerbs are labelled

  • confirm that reversing and pulling distances from the bins to the public highway is within the acceptable limits

• Sport and Leisure Facilities Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Take into account the local need for open space, sports and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision.	Developments where existing sports and leisure facilities are proposed to be redeveloped for different use.	To protect important sports and leisure facilities.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan policy P45	Refer to guidance from Sport England (external website).   The council's Playing Pitch Strategy provides an up to date analysis of supply and demand for playing pitches in the borough.

• Structural Survey

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?
  Fully assess the impact of the proposal on structural stability, including potential impacts on adjacent/nearby properties.	Applications involving substantial structural works.   Applications, including the construction of a basement or other works to the building's foundations.	To demonstrate that the structural stability of properties on and near the site would not be affected by the proposal.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policy P17

  Make sure you:

  • ensure the assessment has been prepared and self-certified by a suitably qualified chartered engineer, who is a member of a relevant professional body

• Transport Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Identify the impact of the proposal on local transport infrastructure including road capacity, public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure.	applications where the proposed development is likely to create an impact on transport major applications	To ensure the development promotes sustainable forms of transport and does not have a harmful impact on car parking and public transport availability.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P12, P35, P36, P45, P48, P49, P50, P51, P52, P53, P54, P55 London Plan 2021 Policies T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7	Check further details on transport provisions at and around the application site.   Refer to Transport for London (TfL) guidance on what to include in a transport assessment (external website).

  Make sure you:

  • include a parking survey where the following criteria apply:

    • developments in areas with a low Public transport accessibility level (PTAL) and not covered by a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)

    • developments surrounding train stations and not covered by a CPZ

    • developments within areas not covered by a CPZ and in close proximity to Town Centres

  • clearly show the location and type of cycle parking on relevant plans

  • label wheelchair accessible car parking spaces on relevant plans

  • for changes of use that will require servicing, provide details on deliveries and collections from the site

  Further guidance:

  • for minor applications, please also outline the transport aspects of the application including:

    • any change to car parking and cycle parking spaces

    • details on accessibility to the site by all modes of transport

    • likely modal splits of journeys to and from the site provided

    • explore the needs of all users (including people with a disability)

  • for major applications, in addition to all of the above, please also:

    • consider appropriate baseline data, alongside cumulative effects of existing and potential development in the area

    • provide a Travel Plan and a car and cycle parking provision statement. Include consideration of sustainable modes of transport in accordance with the London Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

• Tree survey or Arboricultural Impacts Assessment

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide an appraisal of the quality of existing trees on site. Identify protection measures to be implemented during construction and potential management measures.	Applications involving the pruning or removal of existing trees. Applications carrying out works (including the excavation of foundations and service/utility runs) that may affect trees on site or on adjoining land.	To ensure that all retained trees are not harmed by development.   Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P59 and P61 London Plan 2021 Policy G7	Refer to BS5837:2012 - trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - recommendations (external website).   Refer to BS3998:2010 - tree works - recommendations (external website).   For guidance on species selection, refer to 'Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure' - Trees and Design Action Group (external website).   View further information about works to trees.

  Make sure you:

  • make sure the assessment is prepared by a named project arboricultural consultant
  • provide tree retention and removal plans
  • identify Root Protection Areas on proposed layout plans
  • ensure the assessment complies with the British Standards BS5837 and BS8545, and Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) guidance
• Ventilation or Extraction Statement

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Provide details of the position and design of ventilation and extraction equipment. Include odour abatement techniques and acoustic noise characteristics.	Applications for non-residential development where ventilation or extraction equipment is proposed or will be required.	To ensure that installed ventilation and extraction equipment will not cause any harmful impacts to amenity. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P34, P47, P55, P64, P65, P68	The assessment should be carried out in line with the British Standard BS4142 (Method for Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas) (external website). You can access practical guidance on meeting the British Standard BS4142 (external website). Refer to the council's technical guidance on amenity.

  Make sure you:

  • demonstrate that where mechanical ventilation is proposed:
    • it is necessary
    • options for passive design/ventilation have been considered
• Waste Management Statement

  What you need to do	When is it needed?	Why is it needed?	Further guidance
  Demonstrate that provision has been made for the storage and collection of waste and recycling materials.	Minor applications that create one or more new residential unit or commercial unit Major applications	To ensure the provision of appropriate recycling and waste management facilities for new residential and commercial development. Relevant planning policy: Southwark Plan 2022 policies P13, P56, P62	Refer to the council's further guidance on waste storage   Refer to British Standard BS5906:2005 (waste management in buildings) (external website)

  Make sure you:

  • clearly label waste and recycling storage on proposed plans

  • include the size and number of bins, accompanied by a calculation to confirm that the residential waste requirements would be met on site 

  • show that the waste storage area would be easily accessible for waste collection. Include a plan showing step-free access from the public highway to the waste storage area. For larger developments, include a vehicle tracking plan for refuse vehicles showing accessibility to every roadway

  • clearly mark roads that are private or not being adopted by Southwark Council 

  • confirm the pull distance for crews and residents 

Page last updated: 24 July 2023