Planning Application Validation: What You Need to Know

When submitting a householder planning application—whether for an extension, loft conversion, or outbuilding—it’s important to understand what documents are required before the council can even consider your proposal. This is known as the validation stage.

At BetterLivingSpace Ltd, our standard services ensure your application meets all national validation requirements, and we guide you through any local requirements that may apply depending on your council and advise on additional fees.

What Is the Validation Stage?

Validation is the initial check carried out by the local authority to make sure your application is complete. If anything is missing, your application is deemed invalid and won’t progress until the required documents are submitted.

National Requirements (Covered in Our Standard Fee)

We prepare and submit all documents required under national planning regulations, including:

• Completed application form (via Planning Portal)

• Correct application fee

• Location plan (usually at 1:1250 scale)

• Site plan (typically at 1:500) showing the site boundaries

• Existing and proposed floorplans and elevations

• Ownership certificate and agricultural land declaration

• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) form

These documents form the core submission, and without them, an application cannot be validated.

Local Requirements: What Councils Typically Ask For

Local authorities have the power to request additional documents tailored to the site or type of proposal. These vary by council, but commonly include:

• Planning statement – a summary explaining the scope of works and relevant policies

• Photos of the site – to show existing conditions and context

• Design and access statement – sometimes required, especially in conservation areas

• Green Belt calculations – if your site is in a protected zone, showing volume or floor space changes

• Tree or arboricultural report – if nearby trees could be affected

• Flood risk assessment – if the site lies within a flood zone

• Heritage statement – for listed buildings or works in or near historic areas

• Landscaping details – for proposals that include or impact garden or amenity areas

We advise on which local documents are required for your project based on planning history, location, and relevant policies—and coordinate additional reports if necessary.

How BetterLivingSpace Makes It Simple

Our role is to take the stress out of planning applications by:

• Meeting all national validation requirements within our standard service

• Highlighting any local documents needed for your project

• Preparing planning statements and drawings in-house

• Liaising with external specialists (such as arboriculturists or heritage consultants) where required

We’ll ensure everything’s ready for a smooth submission and avoid delays due to invalid or incomplete applications.

Need help with your application? Contact BetterLivingSpace Ltd at www.betterlivinspace.co.uk or call 03301 757 601. We’ll guide you through every step.