A Standard Planning Application Form (1APP) is being introduced across England. It will replace all existing types of planning application forms, except for mineral workings. From 6th April 2008 only 1APP forms can be accepted by local planning authorities.
1APP will consist of three parts: the Appropriate Form, the National Planning Application Requirements, and the Local Planning Application Requirements. These Requirements are often referred to as the ‘Validation Checklist’. The Requirements document specifies the documentation and supporting information that will have to be submitted with an application before it can be registered. Failure to supply all the appropriate information render an application invalid.
Changes to Planning Application Forms
Benefits
At present, most authorities produce their own planning application forms which can differ in style, content and the information which is required. This inconsistency can sometimes lead to confusion for planning professionals and the public alike.
The Standard Planning Application Form is part of the Governments commitment to make the planning system simpler, faster and easier to use. As well as speeding up the planning process, the introduction of the form will also enable more planning services to be provided online and give applicants certainty about the information they need to provide.
If you're a planning professional:
You will benefit from:
- a simpler, streamlined application process
- familiarising yourself with just one form for all your applications
- saving standard information (e.g your address and contact information) so you needn't re-enter it for every application
If you're a member of the general public:
You will benefit from:
- a simpler more transparent planning process
- clear online guidance where and when you need it during the application process
- a better chance of submitting a valid planning application
How will it work?
The Standard Planning Application Form is an electronic application form hosted by the Planning Portal (or through an authority’s own website). Once logged onto the website, the applicant or agent is asked a series of questions to help determine which application form to complete. A detailed form specific to the proposal will be generated once this procedure is completed.
The Standard Planning Application Form will cover a range of application types including Householder, Planning Permission, Listed Building consent, Conservation Area consent, Tree Applications (inc. Tree Preservation Orders and Trees in Conservation Areas), and Advertisement consent.
Along with the electronic planning application form, supporting plans and documents are also submitted electronically as part of the online application process.
Will I still be able to obtain a paper copy of an application form?
The real benefits and efficiency gains come from the submission of electronic applications; however, paper copies of most common types of application forms will still be available after 6thApril 2008. Applicants are welcome to continue to submit paper applications after this date if they wish, as it is recognised that many applicants will still prefer paper versions.
