Changes to the Submission of Planning Applications from 6 April 2008

Planning

Changes to the Submission of Planning Applications from 6 April 2008

On 6 April 2008, the Government introduced the new mandatory 1 APP Standard Application Form for all applications (except minerals applications) for planning permission made under the Town and Country Planning system. This includes applications made to Devon County Council. This standardisation will make the planning system clearer and more efficient for planning professionals and the public alike.

If you are a planning professional, you will benefit from:

• A simpler, more streamlined application process

• The need to familiarise yourself with just one form for all your applications

• The ability to save standard information (e.g. your address and contact information) so you need not re-enter it for every application

If you are a member of the general public, you will benefit from:

• A simpler and more transparent planning process

• Clear online guidance where and when you need it during the application process

• A better chance of submitting a valid planning application

To support the use of this standard application form, the Government has introduced new requirements for supporting information, referred to as National and Local Validation Lists. You should be aware that the National List requirements apply to all applications including Minerals Applications. These lists will enable the County Council to register and process your application. Summaries of the information required and a checklist to use in conjunction with the Validation Requirements for Planning Applications to Devon County Council (925KB - pdf help) are available.

The County Council has the right to return any invalid application. However, we do provide applicants with the opportunity to rectify their application. In addition to this, if the initial check of the application suggests it is acceptable but is then subsequently found to be substandard we can de-register the application at a later date to allow it to be corrected.

If the County Council declares an application invalid, we will set out our reasons in writing to the applicant as soon as possible and request any further information. If the required information has not been provided to us within 28 days the application will be returned. All monies for invalid applications will be returned.

Under the new fee requirements, an additional fee is payable for each request for the discharge of planning conditions. It is therefore in your interest to submit as much information and as many schemes as possible in the original application to reduce the need for the payment of further fees after permission is granted. In addition, as the fee is payable for each request for the discharge of conditions, you should aim to include as many conditions as possible in your request.

For information on new fee arrangements see Guidance Note - Fees April 2008 (31KB - pdf help)