How to prepare a valid planning application
These webpages form our validation checklist. This is a list of all the different forms, drawings and supporting documents you might need to submit with your planning application to make it valid.
The government also offers general guidance on making a valid application (external website).
What is a valid planning application?
A valid planning application has all the information we need to assess it. If any information is missing or wrong, your application will be made 'invalid' until you make the necessary updates. This slows down the application process, so it's best to carefully check what you need to submit so that you can get your application right the first time.
What do you need to submit with your planning application?
Planning applications are made up of three types of documents:
- Forms - which are needed for all applications
- Plans and drawings - which are needed for most applications
- Supporting documents - which are needed for some applications
What are the most common reasons for invalid applications?
These are the most common errors we see in planning applications:
- There is no location plan or it is missing a scale bar, north arrow or red line boundary
- Plans and drawings are missing a scale bar, north arrow or reference number
- There is no fire safety support document
- The application fee is wrong
You can avoid making these mistakes by reading all of our guidance before you submit your planning application.
Do you need more guidance?
If you want help from a planning officer in preparing your application, use our pre-application advice service.
View our planning FAQs and planning glossary for help understanding the planning process.
You can also read more about how to apply for planning permission.
Page last updated: 14 February 2023
