Information Requirements for the Validation of Planning Applications

The Government is introducing a standard planning application form in England (1APP) which will replace all existing types of planning application forms (except minerals). From 6 April 2008, 1APP will become the only legal way of submitting a planning application (except in the case of minerals applications).

In association with the 1APP forms, the Government is also introducing new information requirements for the validation of planning applications. This will include a National List of mandatory information and any additional requirements contained in a Local List adopted by the planning authority from an approved Government schedule. The combined lists are intended to improve the quality and consistency of applications and lead to more informed decisions. For a planning application to be valid under the new arrangements it will need to meet all the relevant requirements from the national and local list, although the level of local information needed will depend on the nature and type of application

The National List is mandatory and will come into effect with 1APP on 6 April 2008. Within County Durham, the District Councils and County Council are hoping to have an agreed local list in place at the same time.

The County Council has produced a draft Validation Checklist document available below. Please take the opportunity to view this and provide any written comments by 7 March 2008 to Development Control .

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this information.

DCC Validation Checklist (draft).pdf (20 pages, 95kb)

A copy of the Government's guidance upon which the checklist is based can also be viewed here - Validation of Planning Applications - Guidance for Local Authorities.

Planning Development Control

Tel: 0191 3835698

Email: Development Control