Planning documentation checklist for minor residential development.
Core Submission Requirements
Always required:- Location plan (1:1250 or 1:2500)
- Site/block plan (1:200 or 1:500)
- Floor plans — existing & proposed (1:50 or 1:100)
- Elevations — existing & proposed (1:50 or 1:100)
- Design & Access Statement
- Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment
- BNG summary report
- Habitat map (existing/proposed)
- 30-year management plan (confirm LPA position — see 04 Pre App Strategy)
Portal requirements:- Application form (via Planning Portal)
- CIL form / exemption statement
- Fee payment
- Ownership certificates (A, B, C, or D)
- Agricultural holdings declaration
Conditional Requirements
Include if site-specific triggers apply:| Document | Trigger |
|---|---|
| Tree Survey (BS 5837) | Trees present or affected |
| Arboricultural Impact Assessment | Trees affected by development |
| Preliminary Ecological Appraisal | Ecological interest beyond BNG |
| Flood Risk Assessment | Flood zones 2 or 3 |
| Air Quality Assessment | Near Clean Air Zone |
| Heritage Impact Assessment | Heritage assets affected |
| Ground Contamination Assessment | Brownfield / former industrial |
| Parking Management Plan | Shared parking proposed |
| Construction Management Plan | Access constraints / neighbour concerns |
| Transport Statement | If parking standards not met |
Conservation Area Additional Requirements
If site is within a Conservation Area:
- Heritage statement — Addressing character and appearance
- Materials schedule — With contextual analysis
- Enhanced Design & Access Statement
Design & Access Statement Contents
For minor development, the D&A can be concise but should include:
- Site analysis — Context, constraints, opportunities
- Design rationale — Why this layout/form
- Policy compliance — Key policies addressed (can incorporate "Planning Statement")
- Residential standards — NDSS, Part M4(2), outdoor amenity (can incorporate "Residential Standards Statement")
Tip: Combining Planning Statement and Residential Standards Statement into the D&A reduces document count without losing content.
Not Required for Minor Development
Unless specifically requested by LPA:
Transport Assessment(Transport Statement may suffice)Energy StatementDaylight/Sunlight AssessmentCAD modelsStatement of Community InvolvementHealth Impact AssessmentEnvironmental Impact Assessment
Reference: These are typically required for major development (10+ units or 0.5+ hectares). See Appendix B Lpa Variations for thresholds.
Quality Assurance Checklist
Before submission:- Site area confirmed under 0.5 hectares
- Unit count under 10 dwellings
- All drawings consistently referenced and dated
- Drawing scales clearly noted
- North point on all plans
- SSM BNG assessment completed
- Local design guide compliance demonstrated
- Neighbourhood amenity impacts assessed
- Parking provision complies with local standards
- Access arrangements confirmed suitable
- Fee calculation verified
Post-Submission
Target timescales:- Validation: 1-2 weeks
- Determination: 8 weeks (minor development)
- Validation confirmation received
- Case officer contact established
- Neighbour consultation responses tracked
- Additional information requests managed promptly
Cross-References
- 02 Site Information — Survey requirements feeding into submission
- 04 Pre App Strategy — Pre-app queries to resolve before submission
- Appendix B Lpa Variations — LPA-specific requirements