Vertex Law

New national standard planning application form introduced

by Lee May

From 6 May 2008 all applications for planning permission must be made on a new National Standard Planning Application Form.

The former practice whereby each Local Planning Authority set its own standard form has been abolished in favour of a single national standard.  The government recognised that the existing system had led to a wide divergence of practice between Councils and caused uncertainty for developers – particularly those making applications to a number of different Local Planning Authorities.

From 6 April Local Planning Authorities can no longer insist that an application should be on their standard form and will be obliged to accept an application submitted on the new standard form issued by the Secretary of State.

During the transitional period (between 6 April and 6 May 2008) either the Council’s standard form or the new form can be used but from 6 May use of the new form will be mandatory for all applications.

The forms can be use for all types of planning application, including:

• Full Applications;
• Outline Applications;
• Applications for Reserved Matters Approval;
• Applications for Removal or Variation of conditions and
• Renewals of Planning Permission.

A standard application form should also be used for:

• Listed Buildings Applications;
• Applications for Conservation Area Consent and
• Applications for Advertisement Consent.

Whilst their use for obtaining consent under a Tree Preservation Order and for making Prior Approval Applications is recommended it is not mandatory at present.  The new form can not be used in respect of Mining Operations and Hazardous Substances Consents.

Further guidance on the use of the new forms is set out in the Department for Communities and Local Government Circular 02/08 which can be found at:

www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/circularstandardvalidation.pdf

The introduction of the standard form is part of the Government’s drive to streamline the planning system and increase the number of planning applications submitted on line.  With the increased use of on-line applications the key benefits for developers will be:

• A simpler more transparent planning process
• Only needing to be familiar with one form for all Councils
• Standardised requirements for information on applications
• The electronic form determines the correct planning consent required
• The use of a single form for multiple applications (e.g. where both planning permission and listed building consent is required)
• On-line calculation and payment of fees

The trap to be avoided is failing to use the new standard form after 6 May as this will lead to the rejection of your planning application.

Vertex Law LLP can assist you on all aspects of Planning Law.  For further advice or assistance call Lee May on 0870 084 4039.