Incomplete planning applications

Since the introduction of the national planning application form and associated guidance in April last year, the number of incomplete applications the council has received (and had to return) has increased significantly.

Therefore the council is keen to work with applicants and agents to ensure that applications are submitted with all the relevant information in the first instance.

So if you are submitting a planning application, please ensure that your application includes the right plans and fee and the application forms and certificate have been correctly completed as follows.

1. Ensure that the application form is completed fully and accurately and that the information is consistent with your plans.
   
   
2. Ensure that the correct fee is submitted with your application.
   
   
3. Ensure that you submit the correct certificate with your application.  Remember that if any part of your development encroaches or overhangs a neighbouring property then you need to complete Certificate B and serve notice on your neighbour.
   
   
4. Make sure that you submit all the appropriate plans (the original plus three copies).  All plans must be to a suitable scale with dimensions clearly marked. Plans which state DO NOT SCALE will not be accepted by the council.
   
   
5. All applications should be accompanied by copies of a location plan.  This should be at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500.  Such plans should wherever possible show at least two named roads and surrounding buildings.  The plan must show the direction of north and the application site should be edged with a red line.  The red line should include all land necessary to carry out the proposed development eg. land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings.  A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant close to, or adjoining, the application site.
   
   
6. All applications should be accompanied by copies of a site plan drawn at a scale of 1:500 or 1:200 and should accurately show:

   the direction of north.

   the proposed development in relation to the site boundaries and other existing buildings on the site, with written dimensions including those to the boundaries.

   all the buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements.

   all public rights of way crossing or adjoining the site where relevant.

   the position of all trees on the site, and those on adjacent land that could influence or be affected by the development where relevant.

   the extent and type of any hard surfacing.

   the boundary treatment including walls or fencing where this is proposed.
   

7. All applications should be accompanied by copies of a block plan of the site, at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200, showing any site boundaries.  Copies of the plan should show the type and height of boundary treatment (walls, fences etc) and the position of any building or structure on the other side of such boundaries.
   
   
8. All applications should be accompanied by copies of existing and proposed elevations.  These should be drawn at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and show clearly the proposed works in relation to what is already there.  All sides of the proposed development must be shown and these should indicate, wherever possible, the proposed materials, style and finish of windows and doors.  Blank elevations should also be included.  Where a proposed elevation adjoins another building or is in close proximity, the drawings should clearly show the relationship between the buildings and detail the position of the openings on each property.
   
   
9. We will normally require copies of a roof plan, at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100, to show the shape of the roof with details of the roofing material.  The roof plan must be consistent with other plans submitted with the application.
   
   
10. We will normally require copies of the existing and proposed site sections and finished floor and site levels.  Such plans should be a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and show a cross section(s) through the proposed building(s).  In all cases where a proposal involves a change in ground levels, illustrative drawings should be submitted to show both existing and finished levels to include details of foundations and eaves and how encroachment onto adjoining land is to be avoided.  Full information should also be submitted to demonstrate how proposed buildings relate to existing site levels and neighbouring development.  Such plans should show existing site levels and finished floor levels (with levels related to a fixed datum point off site) and also show the proposals in relation to adjoining buildings.

If you need any further advice please check our guidance information and/or contact Planning on 020 8207 2277 or email planning@hertsmere.gov.uk

For general advice on planning matters, visit the government's Planning Portal