Major planning applications - pre-application checklist

The following information is required before a major planning application is submitted:

Ownership

Explain the status of the applicant in relation to the site, for example owner, prospective owner, etc.

Planning history of the site (applications, appeals etc); details of existing lawful use(s); schedule of existing floor areas broken down by existing use.
Whether the building is listed or situated in a conservation area.
Whether the site is subject to any planning policy designations or other statutory designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Whether the site is in an area liable to flooding or has a history of contamination.

Provide a description of the proposal with a schedule of the proposed floor areas broken down by use.
Produce sketch drawings and/or photographs giving details of the proposal. These should include floor plans with sketch elevations showing initial architectural approach and proposed materials. The drawings/photographs should show adjacent buildings to identify the context of the scheme.
Identify the proposed access and number of parking spaces along with any significant infrastructure requirements such as surface water attenuation.

Does the proposed use(s) accord with the policies in the development plan? If not, what is the justification for departing from the policy?
Does the proposal accord with national planning policies (new window)?

Is there any residential accommodation or other sensitive land use such as a school or hospital that may be affected by the development?
Is the proposal likely to have an effect on nearby residents? (e.g. effects on sunlight, daylight, privacy, noise disturbance, air quality).
If the proposal is for residential development or other sensitive land use, is there an adjoining land use that will have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of future residents, such as a factory, car workshop or main road? How do you intend to mitigate any adverse impact?

A site assessment should be submitted indicating the context within which the development proposal is coming forward, showing an appropriate built form, historic street pattern or landscape context, massing and architecture and materials of any new buildings, views into and out of the site, accessibility or permeability. Sketch illustrations of proposed elevations in the context of adjoining buildings should be provided indicating architectural style and a palette of materials.
Details should be provided of the likely environmental effects of the proposed development together with a scheme for achieving a sustainable development.
Proposals for recycling, refuse disposal, sustainable drainage and renewable energy facilities should be submitted.If a historic building is involved, you should assess how the works would affect the architectural or historic interest of the building.
For developments in a conservation area, you should indicate how the new development would fit in with its historic setting and how it would affect the character and appearance of the area having regard to any conservation area appraisal published by the Council.
In areas of archaeological interest, an initial assessment should be made of the potential archaeological implications of the proposed development.

Give details of how the site is to be accessed and serviced. If off-site provision is proposed, this should be explained and justified.
Show details of any existing or proposed car parking with justification if the level varies from the Council’s adopted maximum standards.
Describe the measures that are being considered to encourage access by public transport and the facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
Describe how access and facilities are being provided for those with disabilities.
Indicate the likely impact of the development on the local transport infrastructure (by way of a traffic impact assessment when large volumes of traffic will be generated) and what measures, for example a green travel plan, would mitigate any adverse impact.
Indicate whether any part of an existing highway or public right of way would have to be stopped up or diverted to implement the development.

Give details of any infrastructure or provisions required by planning policy that would need to be addressed in a legal agreement. Such provision might include affordable housing, education contributions, highway improvements, public open space/sports/play equipment. It would be beneficial and save time later if these issues are clarified prior to any formal submission that can then be accompanied by draft heads of a legal agreement.