Why Applications are invalid...

If an application is submitted without the necessary information required to allow officers to assess your proposals, then your application will be made 'invalid'. This means it will be placed on hold until the necessary amendments or documents have been received. If no response is received or the required information is not received within 21 days then your application will be returned by post, and the following administration fees will be deducted from the planning fee refund:

  • Householder £28
  • Minor and Other Applications £57
  • Major Applications £170

Below are some of the most common reasons why applications are made invalid by the Planning Support Team. You should always check the Validation Requirements (Jan 2022) (PDF) before submitting your application.

  • Application form not signed and/or dated correctly, application forms include a declaration near the end that must be signed and dated
  • The certificate of ownership is not signed and/or dated or the incorrect certificate has been completed. The guidance notes that accompany each form, provide advice on which certificate to complete and more guidance can be found in the National Planning Policy Guidance (external link)
  • Incorrect fee or no fee paid. You can calculate the fee due using the Planning Portal Fee Calculator (external link)
  • Drawings not labelled clearly, correctly or at all. All drawings should be clearly titled and numbered, for example 'Existing First Floor Plan'
  • Inaccurate or incomplete plans or elevations
  • Plan, elevation and/or section drawings that do not match
  • Drawings not to a recognised scale
  • No red line drawn around the application site on the location plan or the red line is not drawn to an adopted highway. More guidance can be found in the National Planning Policy Guidance (external link)
  • Design and Access and/or Heritage Statement not submitted when required