Councils won't start assessing an application until it's valid, meaning everything they need is there. Missing information is the most common cause of delay, so it pays to get it right first time.
The essentials for almost every application
- The application form, with the correct ownership certificate (and notice to any other owners)
- The council's fee
- A location plan, normally at 1:1250 or 1:2500, with the site edged in red and any other land you own edged in blue
- A site plan or block plan, showing the proposal in relation to the boundaries and neighbouring buildings
- Existing and proposed drawings: floor plans and elevations, and roof plans and sections where relevant, at a recognised scale
Good drawings do more than tick a box. Clear, accurate plans and 3D views help the case officer and neighbours understand the scheme, which makes for fewer questions and fewer misunderstandings.
Supporting documents that are often needed
Which of these you need depends on the project and the site:
- Design and access statement: for some applications, including listed building consent and new homes in a conservation area
- Heritage statement: for listed buildings and conservation areas, explaining the building's significance and the effect of the work
- Ecology survey: where bats, newts or other protected species might be affected, such as in roof work or barn conversions
- Biodiversity net gain information, where it applies (see our guide)
- Tree survey: where trees are close to the work
- Flood risk assessment: for sites in flood zones 2 and 3, which includes parts of the Essex and Suffolk coast and river valleys
- Planning statement: explaining how the scheme meets policy, especially for new homes, changes of use and sensitive sites
- CIL form, where the council charges the Community Infrastructure Levy
Local validation lists
Each council publishes its own local validation list, setting out what it expects for different kinds of application. The lists for Tendring, Colchester, Braintree, Maldon, Babergh and Ipswich differ in places, so it's worth checking the right one.
How we can help
We survey the property with 3D LiDAR scanning, prepare all the drawings, arrange any reports needed, complete the forms and submit the application. Then we deal with the council through to a decision. See our planning applications page.
Book a free home visit
Ben will visit, look at what you'd like to do, and tell you exactly what your application will need, with a fixed quote for the work.
Every site is different. This guide is general information, not advice on your project. For a straight answer about your property, book a free home visit: Ben will come and look, with no obligation.
Who'll handle your project: Benjamin Plunkett, our Managing Director and Planning & Heritage Consultant, is your point of contact from the first site visit to the decision. Charlie Plunkett MCIAT produces the drawings.
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