Decision details

To make the changes to the Local Validation Checklist for Planning Applications shown in the attachment.

A delegated decision was taken in July 2024 to adopt a Local Validation Checklist. The purpose of a Local Validation Checklist is to supplement the minimum requirements (set nationally) for what is required to validate a planning application.

The national Planning Practice Guidance advises that Local Planning Authorities should publish a list of their information requirements for applications for planning permission. These should be kept to the minimum needed to make decisions and should only request information that is relevant, necessary and material to the application in question.

Officers undertook a review of the Checklist 6 months after its formal introduction in August 2024. The review was considered to be prudent given the advancement of good practice around Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and taking on board feedback from customers and officers in relation to the inevitable ‘snagging issues’ that come with introducing such a process for the first time.

Examples of the issues addressed by the review include:

- Including minimum physical development thresholds when requiring some technical reports with for major development applications;
- Clarifying the thresholds for when design codes and masterplans need to be submitted as part of a planning application;
- Clarifying the stages at which a Design Review is required prior to validation; and
- Clarifying the arrangements for securing the self and custom build status of an application prior to validation, as this affects the requirements in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain.

All of the proposed amendments were highlighted in red in the version of the draft updated Checklist that was the subject of a 28 day public consultation, which expired on 25 March 2025.

A summary of the consultation responses is provided within the Consultation Statement appended to this decision. Where appropriate, the draft Validation Checklist has been amended in line with the comments received.

An Agent’s Forum was held on 27 March 2025 where the matter was discussed but no comments were made that departed from those made during the 28 consultation period.

Not to amend the adopted Checklist. This approach has been rejected because it would not respond to the constructive feedback that the Planning Service has received in relation to the proportionality of some of the requirements as set out in the original version of the Checklist. This approach would likely lead to a more drawn out and cumbersome process for applicants and officers when dealing with planning applications.