Checklists for planning applications
Non-householder checklist
Use this checklist for non-householder proposals (including changes of use, conversions, extensions or alterations to commercial and industrial premises, new residential development and the renewal of temporary planning permission).
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- information on a CD in addition to paper copies for major applications (10+ dwellings or 1,000+sqm floor space)
- plans and drawings, at an appropriate scale to be agreed, for major applications on very large sites
- the correct fee
- a completed Ownership Certificate and Agricultural Land Declaration
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- a Block Plan at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 or 1:500 identifying the position of the development. The plan should include written dimensions of the development to the site boundaries and other existing buildings, access arrangements, public rights of way, position of trees, hard surfacing and boundary treatments.
- existing and proposed floor plans (at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100) to show the internal arrangement
- existing and proposed elevations at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 to show the external changes
Applications may also require the following information:
- An Archaeological Assessment, if the proposal will have impact on archaeology
- An Ecological Impact Assessment report if the proposal will have an impact on wildlife and biodiversity. The Defra Biodiversity Metric should also be provided.
- A Community Infrastructure Levy Additional Information form for all applications for development of floor space (including residential extensions, for the creation of a new dwellings (of any size), or for the conversion of a new building no longer in use)
- A Community Involvement Statement for all major developments
- A Design and Access Statement for all major development and for development within a conservation area consisting of one or more dwellings or a building with floor space of 100 square metres or more
- An Environmental Statement in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
- A Flood Risk Assessment for all developments in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3 as defined by the Environment Agency, or any development of 1 hectare or over
- A Heritage Statement if the proposal affects heritage assets
- A Habitats Regulation Assessment - see guidance
- A Land Contamination Assessment if the site is known to be or suspected of being contaminated
- A Noise Impact Assessment for proposals that could affect noise sensitive properties and/or involve activities that may generate significant levels of noise
- An Infrastructure Requirements Statement for all applications for major development, applications for residential development between 11-14 units with a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing) and applications for residential development of between 6-10 units that is located in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing)
- A Retail Impact Assessment for all major retail development
- A Structural Survey where substantial demolition or excavation works are proposed
- A Town Centre Uses Impact Assessment for proposals for town centre uses to demonstrate accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework
- A Transport Assessment for all developments where there is likely to be significant transportation implications
- A Tree Survey and/or Arboricultural Statement if the proposal is likely to affect trees within the application site or on land adjacent to the site
Use this checklist for non-householder proposals (including changes of use, conversions, extensions or alterations to commercial and industrial premises, new residential development and the renewal of temporary planning permission) and where the dwelling is a listed building.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- information on a CD in addition to paper copies for major applications (10+ dwellings or 1,000+sqm floor space)
- plans and drawings, at an appropriate scale to be agreed, for major applications on very large sites
- the correct fee
- a completed Ownership Certificate and Agricultural Land Declaration
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- a Block Plan at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 or 1:500 identifying the position of the development. The plan should include written dimensions of the development to the site boundaries and other existing buildings, access arrangements, public rights of way, position of trees, hard surfacing and boundary treatments.
- existing and proposed floor plans (at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100) to show the internal arrangement and all relevant historical features
- existing and proposed elevations at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 to show the external changes indicating building materials, finish of doors and windows and relationship to adjoining buildings
- plans and details of any features such as shop fronts, doors, windows, panelling, fireplaces, plaster mounding or other decorative features that will be affected by the proposed development to an appropriate scale 1:20 or 1:50
- a Heritage Impact Assessment to provide detailed information on the affected part of the Listed Building, with an explanation of how the impact relates to the significance of the Listed Building as a whole
- a Structural Survey where appropriate
Applications may also require the following information:
- An Archaeological Assessment, if the proposal will have impact on archaeology
- An Ecological Impact Assessment report if the proposal will have an impact on wildlife and biodiversity. The Defra Biodiversity Metric should also be provided.
- A Community Infrastructure Levy Additional Information form for all applications for development of floor space (including residential extensions, for the creation of a new dwellings (of any size), or for the conversion of a new building no longer in use)
- A Community Involvement Statement for all major developments
- A Design and Access Statement for all major development and for development within a conservation area consisting of one or more dwellings or a building with floor space of 100 square metres or more
- An Environmental Statement in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
- A Flood Risk Assessment for all developments in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3 as defined by the Environment Agency, or any development of 1 hectare or over
- A Heritage Statement if the proposal affects heritage assets
- A Habitats Regulation Assessment - see guidance
- A Land Contamination Assessment if the site is known to be or suspected of being contaminated
- A Noise Impact Assessment for proposals that could affect noise sensitive properties and/or involve activities that may generate significant levels of noise
- An Infrastructure Requirements Statement for all applications for major development, applications for residential development between 11-14 units with a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing) and applications for residential development of between 6-10 units that is located in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing)
- A Retail Impact Assessment for all major retail development
- A Structural Survey where substantial demolition or excavation works are proposed
- A Town Centre Uses Impact Assessment for proposals for town centre uses to demonstrate accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework
- A Transport Assessment for all developments where there is likely to be significant transportation implications
- A Tree Survey and/or Arboricultural Statement if the proposal is likely to affect trees within the application site or on land adjacent to the site
Use this checklist for Outline Planning Applications where some details are being confirmed.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- information on a CD in addition to paper copies for major applications (10+ dwellings or 1,000+sqm floor space)
- plans and drawings, at an appropriate scale to be agreed, for major applications on very large sites
- the correct fee
- a completed Ownership Certificate and Agricultural Land Declaration
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- a Block Plan at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 or 1:500 identifying the position of the development. The plan should include written dimensions of the development to the site boundaries and other existing buildings, access arrangements, public rights of way, position of trees, hard surfacing and boundary treatments.
- details of the Reserved Matters (access, appearance, landscaping, layout, scale) for which approval is being sought
Applications may also require the following information:
- An Archaeological Assessment, if the proposal will have impact on archaeology
- An Ecological Impact Assessment report if the proposal will have an impact on wildlife and biodiversity. The Defra Biodiversity Metric should also be provided.
- A Community Infrastructure Levy Additional Information form for all applications for development of floor space (including residential extensions, for the creation of a new dwellings (of any size), or for the conversion of a new building no longer in use)
- A Community Involvement Statement for all major developments
- A Design and Access Statement for all major development and for development within a conservation area consisting of one or more dwellings or a building with floor space of 100 square metres or more
- An Environmental Statement in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
- A Flood Risk Assessment for all developments in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3 as defined by the Environment Agency, or any development of 1 hectare or over
- A Heritage Statement if the proposal affects heritage assets
- A Habitats Regulation Assessment - see guidance
- A Land Contamination Assessment if the site is known to be or suspected of being contaminated
- A Noise Impact Assessment for proposals that could affect noise sensitive properties and/or involve activities that may generate significant levels of noise
- An Infrastructure Requirements Statement for all applications for major development, applications for residential development between 11-14 units with a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing) and applications for residential development of between 6-10 units that is located in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing)
- A Retail Impact Assessment for all major retail development
- A Structural Survey where substantial demolition or excavation works are proposed
- A Town Centre Uses Impact Assessment for proposals for town centre uses to demonstrate accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework
- A Transport Assessment for all developments where there is likely to be significant transportation implications
- A Tree Survey and/or Arboricultural Statement if the proposal is likely to affect trees within the application site or on land adjacent to the site
Use this checklist for Outline Planning Applications where all details are being confirmed.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- information on a CD in addition to paper copies for major applications (10+ dwellings or 1,000+sqm floor space)
- plans and drawings, at an appropriate scale to be agreed, for major applications on very large sites
- the correct fee
- a completed Ownership Certificate and Agricultural Land Declaration
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- a Block Plan at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 or 1:500 identifying the position of the development. The plan should include written dimensions of the development to the site boundaries and other existing buildings, access arrangements, public rights of way, position of trees, hard surfacing and boundary treatments.
Applications may also require the following information:
- An Archaeological Assessment, if the proposal will have impact on archaeology
- An Ecological Impact Assessment report if the proposal will have an impact on wildlife and biodiversity. The Defra Biodiversity Metric should also be provided.
- A Community Infrastructure Levy Additional Information form for all applications for development of floor space (including residential extensions, for the creation of a new dwellings (of any size), or for the conversion of a new building no longer in use)
- A Community Involvement Statement for all major developments
- A Design and Access Statement for all major development and for development within a conservation area consisting of one or more dwellings or a building with floor space of 100 square metres or more
- An Environmental Statement in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
- A Flood Risk Assessment for all developments in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3 as defined by the Environment Agency, or any development of 1 hectare or over
- A Heritage Statement if the proposal affects heritage assets
- A Habitats Regulation Assessment - see guidance
- A Land Contamination Assessment if the site is known to be or suspected of being contaminated
- A Noise Impact Assessment for proposals that could affect noise sensitive properties and/or involve activities that may generate significant levels of noise
- An Infrastructure Requirements Statement for all applications for major development, applications for residential development between 11-14 units with a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing) and applications for residential development of between 6-10 units that is located in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing)
- A Retail Impact Assessment for all major retail development
- A Structural Survey where substantial demolition or excavation works are proposed
- A Town Centre Uses Impact Assessment for proposals for town centre uses to demonstrate accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework
- A Transport Assessment for all developments where there is likely to be significant transportation implications
- A Tree Survey and/or Arboricultural Statement if the proposal is likely to affect trees within the application site or on land adjacent to the site
Use this checklist for an application of approval of reserved matters following an outline planning approval.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- information on a CD in addition to paper copies for major applications (10+ dwellings or 1,000+sqm floor space)
- plans and drawings, at an appropriate scale to be agreed, for major applications on very large sites
- the correct fee
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- a Block Plan at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 or 1:500 identifying the position of the development. The plan should include written dimensions of the development to the site boundaries and other existing buildings, access arrangements, public rights of way, position of trees, hard surfacing and boundary treatments.
- details of the Reserved Matters (access, appearance, landscaping, layout, scale) for which approval is being sought
Applications may also require the following information:
- An Archaeological Assessment, if the proposal will have impact on archaeology
- An Ecological Impact Assessment report if the proposal will have an impact on wildlife and biodiversity. The Defra Biodiversity Metric should also be provided.
- A Community Infrastructure Levy Additional Information form for all applications for development of floor space (including residential extensions, for the creation of a new dwellings (of any size), or for the conversion of a new building no longer in use)
- A Community Involvement Statement for all major developments
- A Design and Access Statement for all major development and for development within a conservation area consisting of one or more dwellings or a building with floor space of 100 square metres or more
- An Environmental Statement in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
- A Flood Risk Assessment for all developments in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3 as defined by the Environment Agency, or any development of 1 hectare or over
- A Heritage Statement if the proposal affects heritage assets
- A Habitats Regulation Assessment - see guidance
- A Land Contamination Assessment if the site is known to be or suspected of being contaminated
- A Noise Impact Assessment for proposals that could affect noise sensitive properties and/or involve activities that may generate significant levels of noise
- An Infrastructure Requirements Statement for all applications for major development, applications for residential development between 11-14 units with a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing) and applications for residential development of between 6-10 units that is located in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in a site area of greater than 0.5ha (as these trigger affordable housing)
- A Retail Impact Assessment for all major retail development
- A Structural Survey where substantial demolition or excavation works are proposed
- A Town Centre Uses Impact Assessment for proposals for town centre uses to demonstrate accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework
- A Transport Assessment for all developments where there is likely to be significant transportation implications
- A Tree Survey and/or Arboricultural Statement if the proposal is likely to affect trees within the application site or on land adjacent to the site
Use this checklist for approval of details reserved by condition under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- the correct fee
- a completed application form. If you submit the application in paper form, we require 3 copies of all forms, plans and documents.
- drawings and details by identified conditions
If you have any queries regarding the above requirements, you can contact the Validation Team either by phone on 01793 466247 or by email at validation@swindon.gov.uk
Use this checklist for an application to remove or vary condition(s) following grant of a planning permission.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- the correct fee
- a completed application form. If you submit the application in paper form, we require 3 copies of all forms, plans and documents.
- a completed Ownership Certificate and Agricultural Land Declaration
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- information to describe the reason for the removal or variation of the condition(s)
- a Deed of Variation if a Section 106 agreement was completed to secure planning obligations for the original planning permission
Use this checklist for an application for works to Trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and/or Notification of Proposed Works to Trees in Conservation Areas.
For works to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order include:
- a completed application form
- a site plan showing the location of all tree(s) and relevant site features
- a full and clear specification of the works to be carried out
- a statement of reasons for the proposed work
- evidence in support of the statement of reasons; a report by an Arboriculturist if your reasons relate to the health and/or safety of the tree(s); a report by a Structural Engineer together with a report from an Arboriculturist if you are alleging subsidence damage
For works to trees in Conservation Areas include:
- a completed application form
- a site plan showing the location of all tree(s) and relevant site features
- a full and clear specification of the works to be carried out
- any other relevant information including photographs or previous tree management
Use this checklist to make an application for a new planning permission to replace an extant planning permission, where the applicant is seeking to extend the time limit for implementation. It should also be used where an extant listed building consent or conservation area consent is associated with the planning permission, and the applicant wishes to extend the time limit for implementation for that consent also.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- the correct fee
- a completed Ownership Certificate and Agricultural Land Declaration
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- all plans and details, as included in the original submission, for extensions of time for Listed Building Consents or Conservation Area Consents
- a Deed of Variation if a Section 106 agreement was completed to secure planning obligations for the original planning permission
Use this checklist to make an application for a non-material amendment (or amendments) to an existing planning permission.
You should include:
- plans and drawings which must show a North point, give a paper size (for example, A1, A3), and provide an appropriate Scale Bar indicating a minimum of 0-10 metres.
- the correct fee
- a Site Location Plan identifying the land to which the application relates. It should be based on an up-to-date map at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500. The site should be edged in red and sufficient roads and buildings should be identified. It must include all land necessary to carry out the development including access from a public highway, landscaping, car parking and open areas. Other land owned or controlled by the applicant should be edged in blue.
- a Block Plan at a scale of 1:100 or 1:200 or 1:500 identifying the position of the development. The plan should include written dimensions of the development to the site boundaries and other existing buildings, access arrangements, public rights of way, position of trees, hard surfacing and boundary treatments.
- proposed floor plans and/or elevations clearly identifying the amendment (at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100)
Use this checklist if you are proposing to remove a hedgerow, or part of a hedgerow.
You should include:
- a completed application form. If you submit the application in paper form, we require 3 copies of all forms, plans and documents.
- a plan at an appropriate scale 1:2500 showing the location and length of the hedgerow (s) to be removed
- evidence of the date of planting
- full ecological assessment including mitigation measures
- a Tree Survey (Woody species) and Arboricultural Implications report
- an assessment of the impact on the landscape character
- an archaeological assessment and an assessment of significance of heritage assets
If you have any queries relating to trees, you can contact the council’s Arboricultural Officer by phone on 01793 466318.
Further information
If you have any queries relating to the Listed Building, you can contact the council’s Conservation Officer by email at conservation@swindon.gov.uk.
If you have any queries regarding the above requirements, you can contact the Validation Team either by email at validation@swindon.gov.uk.
When you are sure that you have all the relevant information and drawings required, you are ready to apply for planning permission.
Under the Planning Guarantee, applicants can request a refund of their planning fee where no decision has been made within 26 weeks for major applications or 16 weeks for non-majors, unless a longer period has been agreed in writing between the applicant and the local planning authority. With regard to non-majors this only applies to applications submitted on or after 6 December 2023.