Validation Guide: A guide to submitting Planning Applications (National and Local Requirements)

1.0 Validation

1.1 The validation checklists for all types of statutory planning applications have been updated having regard to Article 11(3)(c) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) (Order) 2015 and paragraph 44 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023).

1.2 There are two types of mandatory documents required: national and local. The national checklist sets out the essential documents required for all applications. The local list is set by the local planning authority and provides a list of additional documents which are required to be submitted alongside applications.

1.3 As set out in the National Planning Practice Guidance local planning authorities should take a proportionate approach to the information requested in support of applications. If the required information from the national and local list is not submitted with an application, then the application will be made invalid. It is important to submit a valid application as this will avoid unnecessary delays in the process.

1.4 If we consider your application to be invalid, we will set out our reasons in writing to the applicant/ agent and request the information is submitted. If the application remains invalid for a period of 28 days or greater, we will close the case and retain a portion of the application fee to cover the administrative costs incurred. Every attempt will be made to contact the applicant/ agent to ensure that validation can be completed within the 28 days period before the case is closed any charge is applied.

1.5 The following charges will be made for those applications that are not made valid within the 28 day period:

• Householder, advertisement and prior notification applications: £75
• Minor and similar applications: £120
• Major and similar complex applications: £250

1.6 Applications that are made valid are likely to contain sufficient information for a decision to be made. However, on occasion there may be circumstances where additional information is required and in line with our amendment protocol we reserve the right to request this information.

1.7 A paid for pre-application service is available for both householder and non-householder applications and further details of this can be found on our website.

• Householder pre-application advice Planning advice – homeowner | Central Bedfordshire Council
• Non-householder pre-application advice: Planning advice – non-homeowner | Central Bedfordshire Council

1.8 The pre-application advice will provide clarification on the required national/ local list documents and any additional information that may be required.