Planning Documentation Support

Every planning application requires a set of documents and drawings shaped to the proposal, property type, site context, application type, and local planning authority requirements. What is needed varies significantly between applications — scope and document requirements are confirmed individually.

Documentation needs vary by project type, local authority requirements, site constraints, proposal scope, supporting evidence, and agreed advisory scope.

Required for most applications

Location Plans

OS-based location plans showing the application site boundary in its wider context, at the scale required by the local planning authority.

Required for most applications

Site Plans

Site plans showing the existing and proposed layout, neighbouring properties, access, boundaries, hard and soft landscaping, and key measurements.

Required for most applications

Planning Drawings

Floor plans, elevations, sections, and roof plans prepared or coordinated to planning application standard — showing existing and proposed conditions.

Where required

Design Rationale

Written design rationale setting out how the proposal responds to planning policy, site context, design guidance, and the character of the area.

Where required

Supporting Planning Note

A planning supporting note identifying the relevant policies, addressing likely planning considerations, and setting out the case for the proposal.

For larger / complex applications

Design & Access Statement

Design and access statement where required by the local planning authority — explaining the design process and how the proposal addresses access requirements.

Required for all applications

Application Forms & Certificates

Completion of application forms, ownership certificates, and CIL exemption forms as required for the specific application type and local authority.

Where required

Specialist Report Coordination

Identifying and coordinating specialist reports including ecology surveys, heritage statements, transport assessments, drainage assessments, and flood risk assessments.

During application process

Revision Management

Managing drawing and document revisions in response to local authority requests for further information, officer queries, or pre-determination design changes.

Documentation Checklist

This is a general reference checklist. Specific requirements depend on the local authority, application type, and proposal. Requirements should be checked against the local authority's validation requirements before submission.

Drawings

  • Location plan (OS-based, red line boundary)
  • Site plan / block plan
  • Existing floor plans
  • Proposed floor plans
  • Existing elevations (all affected sides)
  • Proposed elevations (all affected sides)
  • Roof plan (where relevant)
  • Sections (where required)

Documents & Forms

  • Application form
  • Ownership certificate
  • Agricultural holdings certificate
  • CIL additional information form
  • Supporting planning statement
  • Design and access statement (if required)
  • Specialist reports (if required)
  • Pre-application advice letter (if obtained)

Documentation requirements vary by local authority, application type, site context, and proposal. This checklist is for general guidance only. Always check your local authority's validation checklist before submission.

Documentation needs vary by project type, local authority requirements, site constraints, proposal scope, supporting evidence, and agreed advisory scope. Local authority validation requirements may differ from the above and can change. Third-party specialist reports, surveys, and technical assessments may be required.

Planning Transparency & Important Notes

Planning Outcomes Cannot Be Guaranteed

Planning outcomes, local authority decisions, timescales, objections, permitted development status, appeal outcomes, and approvals cannot be guaranteed. Each local planning authority has independent discretion in determining applications in accordance with planning policy, material considerations, and the specifics of each proposal.

Recommendations Depend on Property Context

Planning consultancy recommendations depend on property details, site context, planning history, constraints, local authority requirements, supporting documents, third-party input, and agreed advisory scope. Scope and recommendations are confirmed individually before work begins.

Specialist Advice

Legal, surveying, structural engineering, building control, party wall, ecology, heritage, highways, drainage, fire safety, and specialist planning advice should be obtained from appropriate qualified specialists where required. Contour Planning Consultants Ltd does not provide these specialist advisory services.

Client Responsibilities

Client responsibility includes providing accurate property information, drawings, title details, planning history, access, permissions, constraints, neighbour information, and relevant documentation. Recommendations depend on the accuracy and completeness of information provided.

Third-Party Input & Local Authority Requirements

Many planning applications and permitted development assessments require input from third parties including statutory consultees, specialist report authors, highway engineers, drainage engineers, heritage consultants, ecologists, and other specialists. Local authority requirements vary and may change. Third-party reports, surveys, and specialist input may add cost and time to the project.

Prepare Your Planning Documentation

Tell us about your project, application type, and the documentation you need. We will review and confirm the scope of documentation support.

Recommendations depend on property details, site context, planning history, constraints, and agreed advisory scope.