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What documents to I need to make a planning application?
Your planning application must be made up of:
- The necessary plans of the site
- The required supporting documentation
- The completed form
- The correct fee.
The local planning authority will not be able to process your application unless the mandatory supporting documentation has been provided. You can also attach any other relevant documentation which you think will help the local authority determine the application.
What supporting documentation must be provided depends on the application type, development type and local planning authority.
There are two levels of mandatory documents, national and local. If you’re applying online, the service will tell you what mandatory documentation you need to provide and allows you to attach the relevant documents. Most applications will require you to provide a location plan and a site plan.
In addition to the national list, your LPA may produce a list which details any specific documentation that is required to accompany the application. The requirements may vary according to the type of application, i.e. household, full, outline, etc. If you are applying online, this list is available from the supporting documents screen or your local planning authority’s website.
For more information around what to submit visit the how to apply section on Planning Portal.
Common Questions
Adding an internal wall will not require planning permission or building control approval in most cases. If the building is listed, then you may require listed building consent to make a major alteration to the house.
Any work completed should adhere to building regulations, ensuring fire routes, electrics and ventilation are considered.
You can put one flagpole up to 4.6 metres high in your garden without needing to apply for planning permission. If it is higher than this or you live in a protected area such as a Conservation Area or listed building then consent will be required.
Certain flags can be flown without needing consent, such as national flags.
Read government guidance on flying flags for more information.
Whether raising the height of an external door requires planning permission depends on the location of the door, location of the property and how drastic the height change will be.
For smaller changes to the side and rear of the property, permitted development rights may apply, meaning no application or planning permission is required.
Where the height change will be substantial and have a significant impact on the building’s appearance, planning permission is likely to be required. Especially in cases where the door to be heightened is on the principal elevation of the property.
Principle elevation - The most visible or prominent side of a structure, typically facing a street or public area. While often considered the 'front' of the building, it may not always contain the main entrance.
In designated areas such as conservation areas, or on listed buildings you may require additional approvals such as listed building consent.
If you believe permitted development rights apply to a small change, you can apply for a lawful development certificate to ensure this is the case.
Building regulations
Building regulations approval will likely be required where the change impacts the structure of a building, this primarily occurs when an opening is widened. When altering walls you may want to consult a structural engineer.
Changing from a commercial use (use class E) to residential(use class C3) falls under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required.
To use the permitted development right you must meet the rules and regulations set out in legislation, this includes submitting an application for prior approval to the local planning authority. The full list of conditions is available on the government website, or our online application form will tell you whether you are eligible.
If you are not eligible for the permitted development right, you will have to submit an application for full planning permission.
Climbing frames are classed as ‘outbuildings’ meaning they are classed as permitted development, not requiring an application provided they meet the limits set out in legislation. One of these limits is that they cannot be in front of the house.
The key restrictions for a climbing frame will be the height; how close it can be to the properties boundaries and where it can be located.
A full list of limits and conditions can be found on our outbuildings common projects.
If the climbing frame exceeds any of the limits set out in legislation an application for planning permission is required.
