Full Planning Application

Please submit planning applications online at The Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.co.uk/apply

If your development affects land where the owners of the land are known, you'll need to serve an Article 13 Notice 1 on the owners or agricultural tenants
If your development affects land where some or all of the owners of the land are not known, you'll need to publish an Article 13 Notice 2 in a local newspaper
This list contains the minimum requirements for a planning application to be accepted as valid, but we may need to request further information during the life of the application to enable it to be decided.
For applications consisting of 10+ dwellings, see ‘Major Applications’

Required item	When it's required	Standard Expected
National requirements	All applications	Completed forms: All questions answered, appropriate ownership certificate and declaration signed and dated Application fee: link Location Plan: Scale 1:1250 or 1:2500 with the site outlined in red and other owned land in blue.
Location plan	All applications	Ordnance Survey based Scale 1:1250 or 1:2500 Site clearly outlined with a red line Any other land owned by the applicant outlined with a blue line Two named public roads and surrounding buildings North point A scale bar
Site Layout or Block plan	All applications	Scale 1:200 or 1:500 for larger sites North point All existing buildings on the site All proposed buildings or extensions Roof plan (where roof is being altered) Site access details Roads, footpaths, and / or any public rights of way crossing or adjoining the site Parking spaces Boundary treatments Extent of any hard landscaping and drainage provision Trees and significant landscaping features on or neighbouring land where the roots or canopy spread over the site area Unique drawing reference(s)
Full existing elevations and floor plans of property (Not required for: alterations to hardstanding, ramps, decking or dropped kerbs)	Where alterations and / or extensions to an existing building(s) are proposed. When a new dwelling or building(s) are proposed e.g. annexe* Where the development proposed is below ground level.	Scale 1:50 or 1:100 Scale bar Room labels Unique drawing reference(s) Green Belt development - full volume calculations of existing building(s) are required
Full proposed elevations and floor plans of property (Not required for: alterations to hardstanding, ramps, decking or dropped kerbs)	Where alterations and / or extensions to an existing building(s) are proposed. When a new dwelling or building(s) are proposed. Where the development proposed is below ground level.	Scale 1:50 or 1:100 Scale bar Room labels Unique drawing reference(s) Green Belt development - full volume calculations of proposed development are required
Existing and Proposed Section Plans (Required for: sloping sites, change in ground / floor levels such as roof development and basements, hidden elevations, Listed Building and Conservation Area consents)	When a new dwelling or building(s) are proposed New floors or roof alterations are proposed including below ground level Works to alter or replace existing features, or insert new features to listed buildings; or works would directly or indirectly affect a designated or non designated asset	Scale 1:50 or 1:100 Scale bar Unique drawing reference(s)
Street scene plan	New dwellings Main roof would be notably higher or lower Backland development Development could affect the character of a sensitive area (listed building or conservation area)	Scale 1:100 or 1:200 Scale bar Unique drawing reference(s)
Roof plan	Roof is being altered and the change cannot adequately be shown on elevation plans	Scale 1:100 or 1:200 Scale bar Unique drawing reference(s)
Photographs	All applications	Document of relevant photos of outside the property
CIL Forms Click here	All applications	Form 1 Form 2 where CIL is liable (indicated in Form 1)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Click here	All applications (developments exempt from BNG requirements)	BNG metric and condition assessment – click here Scaled site plan showing on-site habitat and any irreplaceable habitat Date of assessment Degradation statement (if applicable) Exempt development - formal justification statement with evidence where necessary (if not declared in application form or clear in plans / photos)
Correct Fee	All applications	Planning Portal Fee Calculator

Other documents

The following may be required where it would be relevant to determine the application:

Document	Where it is required
Planning / Supporting Statement	where justification for the development is required e.g. *outbuildings and annexes, or where “very special circumstances” needs to be demonstrated
Flood Risk Assessment	within flood zones 2 / 3 or at risk of surface water; more than 1 hectare (ha) in flood zone 1; less than 1 ha in flood zone 1, which includes a change of use in development type to a more vulnerable class, where they could be affected by flooding from any other source; within 20 metres of any watercourse; adjacent to or including, any flood bank or other flood control structure (link for more info)
Sustainable Drainage Plan (for flood zone 2 / 3	high risk flood zones 2 / 3; 10 or more dwellings, buildings over 1000 sqm; sites exceeding 1 ha
Sustainable Drainage Statement (for flood zone 2 / 3)	high risk flood zones 2 / 3; 10 or more dwellings, buildings over 1000 sqm; sites exceeding 1 ha
Schedule of development	detailed schedule of the number and types of residential units proposed – for complex or phased development
Transport / Travel Assessment	where larger / traffic sensitive development will impact local traffic, parking, and transport networks
Parking Assessment	justify change in parking provisions, development that deviates from minimum parking standards: surveys of parking capacity, occupancy levels in surrounding streets and parking areas; consideration of likely trip generation and parking accumulations with supporting evidence; details of how parking will be managed and mitigated. See The Essex Parking Guidance 2024 for further information
Ecology Assessment or Ecology Survey	where there may be an ecological impact from the development which needs to be assessed and / or mitigated
Arboricultural Impact Assessment	where the development may impact the health and longevity of trees, ensuring the preservation of the root network and canopy integrity
Design and Access Statement	applications for one or more new dwellings listed building consent, and / or in a designated area (e.g. World Heritage Site or a conservation area) or a building with a floor space of 100 sqm
Heritage Statement	where the proposal would have a detrimental impact on a ‘heritage asset’ or its setting
Daylight / Sunlight Assessment	where the development has the potential to significantly reduce natural light for existing neighbours or fail to provide adequate light for its own future occupants
Noise Impact Assessment	where the proposal introduces a new mechanical noise source near residential properties
bat survey declaration	where the development includes the modification, conversion, extension, demolition or removal of buildings and structures
Environmental Statement	all developments listed under Schedule 1 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 as amended development listed under Schedule 2 where the local planning authority consider it is likely to have significant effects on the environment
Retail Assessment	retail and leisure developments over 2500 square metres, or; smaller retail and leisure likely to have a significant impact on smaller centres, or; Applications for other main town centre uses when they are o outside of defined town centres; and o not in accordance with the development plan
Refuse and Recycling	indicates location and details of bin storage and enclosure for any single-family properties situated more than 25m from the highway, flats or commercial development.
Lighting Assessment	developments including floodlighting
Health Impact Assessment	For ‘Sui generis’ hot food takeaways - assess how the development affects health and wellbeing, including how it promotes healthy lifestyles, supports inclusivity and accessibility, and helps reduce health inequalities. It must also assess impacts on existing health services and facilities, and include recommendations to enhance positive outcomes and avoid or minimise negative ones.