The planning process is becoming harder before an application is even registered. The issue is validation. In England and Wales, local planning authorities require not just the application form and plans, but a range of supporting documents.

What does validation entail?

In practice, this means applicants now often face a more document-heavy front end to the planning process. Councils may expect supporting material on matters such as design, heritage, transport, or other technical topics.

What happens if the council does not valudate the application?

If the required information is missing, the application will not be validated and the applicant will lose time.

You need advice

Early advice matters more than ever. Although national policy says councils should only ask for information that is relevant, necessary and material many unnecessary demand are being made.

Contact Planning Direct now for help

Planning Direct wil quickly get your application validated. Whether the proposal is a householder scheme, change of use, rural development, commercial project or more complex application, getting validation right at the start can save weeks of avoidable delay.

FAQ

What is planning validation?

Planning validation is the stage where the local planning authority checks whether an application includes the form, plans, fee and supporting information needed before it can be formally registered and processed. 

Why do planning validation requirements seem harder now?

They often feel harder because many councils operate detailed local validation lists in addition to national requirements. Those lists can call for a wide range of topic-specific reports depending the proposal. National policy also expects the right information to be provided up front to avoid delay. 

The negative request issue

All councils now ask for negative test documentation. You must fill a form out or provide documents demonstrating an issue is not relevant. Topics include flooding, air quality, biodiversity and the list is getting longer.

Can a council ask for any document it wants?

No. National policy and planning practice guidance say requests should be proportionate. Information should only be required where it is relevant, necessary and material to the decision. Guidance also says local requirements only affect validation if they are on an up-to-date published local list. 

What happens if an application is invalid?

Usually the council will tell the applicant what is missing and the application will not move forward properly until the required information has been supplied.  

Can applicants challenge unreasonable validation requests?

Yes. Planning practice guidance refers to the procedure for resolving disputes about information requested at validation stage, and Article 12 of the DMPO deals with validation disputes. 

How can Planning Direct help with validation?

Planning Direct can help identify likely validation requirements early and advise on the right supporting documents. We will prepare the material needed to give the application the best chance of being registered without delay.

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Source links

National Planning Policy Framework, decision-making and information requirements. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67aafe8f3b41f783cca46251/NPPF_December_2024.pdf

Planning Practice Guidance: Making an application, including local information requirements and validation disputes. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-an-application

Planning Portal: what to submit with a planning application. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/how-to-apply/what-to-submit

Planning Portal: how applications are processed and validation timing. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/the-decision-making-process/how-applications-are-processed

Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/595/contents