Validation of Applications

Different types and scale of applications require different levels of information to be submitted with them.  The requirements for validating applications consist of two parts, namely National Requirements and Local Requirements.  National Requirements comprise the statutory information that applications for planning permission must contain and are the requirements set out in the Town & Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995.  They apply throughout the country. 

Local Requirements are drawn up by Local Planning Authorities and set out additional information which the Local Planning Authority considers may be necessary to properly assess planning and other applications.  National Requirements are generally summarized towards the end of the application forms.  They are also included, together with potentially relevant Local Requirements, on Validation Checklists which are based on a Kent-wide model. 

There is a separate checklist for each application type.  While everything on the National List is required in order for an application to be valid, this is not necessarily the case with the Local Lists. For example, many of the checklists highlight the prospective need for Flood Risk Assessments or Biodiversity Surveys.  This does not mean that they are both automatically needed in all cases.  However, depending on the nature, location and scale of the development of works, they may be required.  The onus is on the applicant/agent to use the appropriate checklist and determine whether particular requirements need to be met.  Advice Notes have also been prepared to assist this process.  The checklists and notes can also be used as a basis for pre-application discussion.  You are encouraged to submit completed checklists with formal applications.  To make sure that your application includes all the required information when submitted download The Advice Note - Validation of Planning Applications.

If an application is submitted, but is lacking certain information to meet a National or Local Requirement, it will be declared invalid and you will be informed of the reason(s).  If the information is determined to be required after an application has been validated (e.g. a Flood Risk Assessment has not been submitted or requested, but turns out subsequently to be required) you will be so informed.  At this stage, the original validation date will be disregarded and the application will be revalidated (i.e. a new 8, 13 or 16 week determination period will commence) upon receipt of the information.

If you are submitting hard copy applications, there is a statutory requirement for a total of four copies (one original plus three).  As previously, a fifth copy would assist.  We may require further copies in some circumstances.

The Local Checklists will be subject to consultation and may change as a result of this.  Details of the consultation process will be posted on the website.

Click here for 1APP forms, checklists and help notes.