The National Standard Planning Application Form - 1APP

A new National Standard Planning Application Form - 1APP, will be officially introduced as the method of submitting your planning application from 6th April 2008 in England.

The Standard Planning Application Form is part of Governments commitment to make the planning system simpler, faster and easier to use. As well as speeding up the planning process, the introduction to the form will also enable more planning services to be provided online and give applicants certainty about the information they need to provide.

The 1APP form will replace the paper copies, which each Local Planning Authority (LPA) holds. The new application forms can be downloaded or completed online by visiting www.planningportal.gov.uk (Opens new window to external site)from the 12th November 2007. You can also download pdf copies via our - Planning Application Forms page

How will it work?

The standard Planning Application form is an electronic application form hosted by the Planning Portal (or through any authority's own website).

Once logged onto the website, the applicant or agent is asked as series of questions to help determine which application form to complete. A detailed form specific to the proposal will be generated once this procedure is completed.

The Standard Planning Application Form will cover a range of application types including - Householder, Listed Building consent, Tree applications, Advertisement consent. Along with the electronic planning application form, supporting plans and documents are also submitted electronically as part of the online application process.

Will I still be able to obtain a paper copy of an application form?

Paper copies of most common types of application forms will still be available to potential applicants after 6th April 2008. Not all planning applications will have to be submitted electronically after this date, as it is recognised that many applicants will still prefer to submit paper versions.

Benefits

At present, most authorities produce their own planning application forms, which can differ in style, content and the information which is required. This inconsistency can sometimes lead to confusion for planning professionals and the public alike.

If you're a planning professional:

You will benefit from

• A simpler, streamlined application process
• Familiarising yourself with just one form for all your applications
• Saving standard information (e.g. your address and contact information) so you needn't re-enter it for every application

If you're a member of the general public:

You will benefit from

• A simpler more transparent planning process
• Clear online guidance where and when you need it during the application process
• A better chance of submitting a valid planning application

Where can I find out more information?

Please go to Planning Portal or the Communities and Local Government websites for more information.

• www.planningportal.gov.uk
• www.communities.gov.uk