Full planning permission (minor development)

The documents, and what each must show

Documents that are always needed come first. Each point is what the check looks for, with the article or guidance it rests on. The council’s local validation list can add to these.

1. Location plan

   Always needed

   A map that shows where the site is, with the site edged in red. Buy one from a Planning Portal-accredited map supplier: they're Ordnance Survey based, at 1:1250, and come with the red line drawn for you.

   Draw the red line around the whole property, including the garden and the drive up to the road. Edge any other land you own nearby in blue.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • The plan is based on an up-to-date map (normally an Ordnance Survey base bought from an accredited supplier), showing today's buildings and roads - including any recent extensions and new houses nearby.PPG Making an application, para. 024 (ID 14-024-20140306)
   • A recognised metric scale is stated, normally 1:1250 or 1:2500, together with the paper size it was drawn for (A4 or A3).PPG Making an application, para. 024 (ID 14-024-20140306)
   • A north point is shown.DMPO 2015 art. 7(2)
   • The whole site is edged clearly in red: for a house, the full property including front and back garden, not just the footprint of the works.PPG Making an application, para. 024 (ID 14-024-20140306)
   • The red line takes in all land needed for the works, including the connection to a public road (it normally reaches the edge of the road or pavement).PPG Making an application, para. 024 (ID 14-024-20140306)
   • Any other land you own next to or close to the site is edged in blue (only if you own any).PPG Making an application, para. 024 (ID 14-024-20140306)
   • Enough surrounding roads and buildings are shown, with at least two roads named, for the site to be found without doubt.PPG Making an application, para. 024 (ID 14-024-20140306)
   • A scale bar is shown, so the plan can still be measured if it is printed at a different size.PPG Making an application, para. 023 (ID 14-023-20140306)
   • The Ordnance Survey copyright and licence number are shown (a sign the map base was bought legitimately and is current).
   • It is a proper location plan, not a screenshot from an online map or satellite image with no scale.DMPO 2015 art. 7(2)
   Common mistakes

   • The red line only goes round the extension, not the whole property.
   • The red line stops short of the road, so the access isn't included.
   • A screenshot from an online map: no scale, no north point.
   • An old map that doesn't show recent extensions or new houses next door.

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(i)

2. Block plan (site plan)

   Always needed

   A plan of the property from above at a larger scale than the location plan, showing the works, the boundaries and the buildings next door.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • A metric scale is stated, normally 1:200 or 1:500 (1:100 is also fine for a small plot).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
   • A north point is shown.DMPO 2015 art. 7(2)
   • All the property boundaries are shown, with the type of boundary (fence, wall, hedge) where it matters.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • The proposed building, extension or change is clearly marked (hatched or coloured) in its exact position, with its outline matching the floor plans.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Distances from the works to the nearest boundaries are written on the plan.GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class A, para. A.1(i); council local validation lists
   • Neighbouring buildings next to the works are shown, ideally with their windows nearest the boundary.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • The road, the access and any parking spaces are shown where they are affected.Council local validation lists
   • Trees on or next to the site that could be affected are shown.Council local validation lists
   Common mistakes

   • No distances to the boundaries.
   • The extension on the block plan doesn't match the floor plans.
   • The neighbouring houses are left off.

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

3. Proposed floor plans

   Always needed

   Drawings of each floor as it will be after the works, with the new part clearly shown.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • Drawn to a stated metric scale, normally 1:50 or 1:100, and the paper size is given (or a scale bar is shown).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
   • Clearly titled 'proposed'.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Every floor the works affect is shown (for a loft conversion, the new loft floor and the floor below with the new staircase).DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Room uses are labelled.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • The overall external size of the new part is dimensioned (depth and width).DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • New work is told apart from what is there now (shaded, hatched or annotated).DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • The plans match the elevations and the block plan: same depth, same openings, same position.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

4. Application form with ownership certificate

   Always needed

   The full planning application form, with the ownership certificate and agricultural land declaration. If you're applying on the Planning Portal, save or download the PDF of your draft application and upload it here.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • It's the application for full planning permission, not the householder form.DMPO 2015 art. 2(1), "householder application"
   • The site address is given in full (house number or name, street, town and postcode) and is the same as the address of this application.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(b)
   • The description covers the whole development, including any demolition and any change of use with the use classes, consistent with the works in the application details.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(b)-(c)
   • The existing and proposed uses (and floor space by use) are given.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(b)
   • Exactly one ownership certificate (A, B, C or D) is completed, signed and dated.DMPO 2015 art. 14(1)
   • With certificate B or C, each other owner is named with their address and the date notice was served, no earlier than 21 days before the date of the application.DMPO 2015 art. 13(7)
   • The agricultural land declaration is completed.PPG Making an application, para. 028 (ID 14-028-20140306)
   • The biodiversity net gain section says whether the condition applies; if not, it names the exemption and gives reasons.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1A)(b)

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(a)

5. Existing floor plans and elevations

   Depends on the proposal

   Drawings of the building as it is now: the floors and elevations that the works will change.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • Drawn to a stated metric scale, normally 1:50 or 1:100, and the paper size is given (or a scale bar is shown).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
   • Clearly titled 'existing', so the drawings can't be confused with the proposed ones.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Floor plans of every floor the works affect, with room uses labelled.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Every elevation the works affect is drawn (front, rear and sides as relevant), labelled by side or compass direction.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Any earlier extensions or outbuildings are shown, so the original house can be told apart.GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class A, para. A.1(ja)
   • The existing roof is shown, including ridge and eaves heights, where the works touch the roof or come close to its height.GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class A, para. A.1(c)
   Common mistakes

   • Existing and proposed drawings on one sheet without clear titles.
   • Only the rear elevation, when the extension also shows on the side.

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

6. Proposed elevations

   Depends on the proposal

   Drawings of each side of the building as it will look after the works, with heights and materials.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • Drawn to a stated metric scale, normally 1:50 or 1:100, and the paper size is given (or a scale bar is shown).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
   • Clearly titled 'proposed', with each elevation labelled (front, rear, side, or by compass direction).DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Every elevation that changes is drawn, including the side facing a neighbour.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • The new part is drawn together with the existing building, so its height can be compared with the existing roof and eaves.GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class A, para. A.1(c)
   • Heights are dimensioned from ground level: ridge or top of the roof, and eaves (or parapet for a flat roof).GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class A, para. A.1(d)
   • External materials are written on the drawing (walls, roof, windows, doors), or a materials schedule is referred to.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • New windows, doors and rooflights are shown, with side-facing upper-floor windows marked as obscure-glazed where that's proposed.GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class A, para. A.3(b)
   • The elevations match the floor plans and the block plan.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   Common mistakes

   • The side elevation facing the neighbour is missing.
   • No heights, or heights not measured from ground level.
   • Materials not stated.

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

7. Roof plan

   Depends on the proposal

   A drawing of the roof from above, showing its shape and any dormers or rooflights.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • Drawn to a stated metric scale, normally 1:50, 1:100 or 1:200, and the paper size is given (or a scale bar is shown).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
   • The roof shape is shown: ridges, hips, valleys and the direction of slopes, with flat roofs marked.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Dormers, rooflights, solar panels and chimneys are shown in position.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Dormers are dimensioned from the eaves, the ridge and the edges of the roof slope (and the party wall on a semi or terrace).GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class B, para. B.2(b)(i)(bb)
   • Roof materials are noted.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

8. Site sections and street scene

   Depends on the proposal

   For new buildings: sections through the site showing levels, and an elevation of the new building next to its neighbours in the street. Most councils ask for these on their local list.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • Drawn to a stated metric scale, normally 1:100 or 1:200, and the paper size is given (or a scale bar is shown).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
   • Existing and proposed ground levels are shown, and finished floor levels.Council local validation lists
   • The new building is shown next to the neighbouring buildings, at the correct relative height.Council local validation lists

   Required by Council local validation lists; DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

9. Design and Access Statement

   Recommended

   Required for new homes in a conservation area or World Heritage Site, and for buildings creating 100 m² or more of floor space there. Not needed for a change of use.

   What it must show

   • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
   • Explains the design principles and concepts applied (layout, scale, appearance, landscaping).DMPO 2015 art. 9(3)(a)
   • Shows the steps taken to assess the context and how the design responds to it.DMPO 2015 art. 9(3)(b)
   • Explains the access policy adopted and how local plan access policies were taken into account.DMPO 2015 art. 9(3)(c)
   • Says what consultation on access was done, if any, and what came of it.DMPO 2015 art. 9(3)(d)
   • Is proportionate to the proposal and concise.PPG Making an application, para. 029 (ID 14-029-20140306)

   Required by DMPO 2015 art. 9(1)(b)

10. Heritage statement

    Depends on the proposal

    A short report that explains what is special about the listed building or conservation area and how your works affect it. For a modest extension a page or two with photographs is usually enough.

    Keep it proportionate: name the asset, say what matters about it, and explain why your design doesn't harm it (or why any harm is outweighed).

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • Names the heritage assets affected: the listed building and/or the conservation area, and any nearby listed building whose setting the works affect.NPPF (2026) policy HE5(1)
    • Describes what makes them significant, including any contribution made by their setting.NPPF (2026) policy HE5(1)
    • Says the Historic Environment Record (and the list entry for a listed building) has been consulted.NPPF (2026) policy HE5(1)
    • Assesses the effect of the works on that significance: positive, no effect, or harm, and how much harm.NPPF (2026) policy HE5(2)
    • Explains how harm has been avoided or reduced: design, scale, materials, keeping historic fabric.NPPF (2026) policy HE5-HE6
    • Includes photographs of the parts of the building or area affected.Council local validation lists
    Common mistakes

    • Describes the works but not the significance of the building or area.
    • No assessment of the effect: 'the works are sympathetic' without saying why.

    Required by NPPF (2026) policy HE5(1)

11. Flood risk assessment

    Depends on the proposal

    A site-specific flood risk assessment, needed for development in Flood Zones 2 and 3 (and some sites in Zone 1). For a small extension it can be short and follow the Environment Agency's standing advice.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • States the flood zone from the Flood Map for Planning.NPPF (2026) policy F4(1)
    • Considers flood risk from all sources that apply: rivers and sea, surface water, groundwater.NPPF (2026) policy F4(2)(c)
    • Gives finished floor levels of the new part compared with the existing building (and with flood levels where known).Environment Agency standing advice for minor extensions
    • Describes flood resistance and resilience measures (raised sockets, solid floors, flood doors) where floor levels can't be raised.Environment Agency standing advice for minor extensions
    • Is proportionate to the development (a householder extension can use the standing advice form; new homes need a full assessment, with the sequential test where it applies).NPPF (2026) policy F4(3)

    Required by NPPF (2026) policy F4(1)

12. Biodiversity net gain information

    Depends on the proposal

    When biodiversity net gain applies: the statutory biodiversity metric for the site as it is now, and a plan of the habitats.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • The completed statutory biodiversity metric calculation tool is included.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1A)(c)(i)
    • The pre-development biodiversity value of the site is stated.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1A)(c)(ii)
    • The publication date (version) of the metric used is stated.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1A)(c)(iii)
    • It says whether any habitat was lost or degraded before the application, and if so gives the date and evidence.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1A)(c)(v)(aa)
    • Any irreplaceable habitat on the site is described (or it says there is none).DMPO 2015 art. 7(1A)(c)(vi)
    • A habitat plan to an identified scale, with a north point, shows the existing onsite habitats.PPG Biodiversity net gain (submitting a planning application)

    Required by DMPO 2015 art. 7(1A)(c)(i)

13. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) form

    Depends on the proposal

    Only if your council charges CIL. Councils that charge CIL need this form to work out whether you have to pay: for new homes, and for buildings or extensions adding 100 m² or more.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • The 'CIL Form 1: Additional Information' (or the council's own CIL questions) is completed.PPG Making an application, para. 021 (ID 14-021-20140306)
    • The gross internal area of new floor space is given, and of any existing floor space to be demolished or changed.CIL Regulations 2010, reg. 42(1)
    • It says whether existing buildings have been in lawful use for 6 continuous months in the last 3 years (this can reduce the charge).
    • If you claim an exemption or relief (for example self-build), the claim form is included.

    Required by PPG Making an application, para. 021 (ID 14-021-20140306)

14. Parking and access details

    Depends on the proposal

    Where you create or change an access or parking: a plan of the access, parking spaces, cycle parking and bin storage. Larger schemes may need a transport statement.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • Drawn to a stated metric scale, normally 1:100 or 1:200, and the paper size is given (or a scale bar is shown).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
    • Shows the access to the road with its width, and visibility splays where the council asks for them.PPG Making an application, para. 024 (ID 14-024-20140306)
    • Shows the number and size of car parking spaces.Council parking standards (local plan)
    • Shows cycle parking and bin storage for new homes.Council local validation lists
    • Includes a transport statement if the scale of the development calls for one.NPPF (2026) Annex C, TR6

    Required by NPPF (2026) Annex C, TR6

15. Tree survey and arboricultural report

    Depends on the proposal

    A tree survey and short report from an arboriculturist, needed when protected trees (or large trees near the works) could be affected.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • A tree survey to BS 5837:2012, by an arboriculturist, listing each tree with species, size and category.BS 5837:2012; council local validation lists
    • A tree constraints plan on which the root protection area of each tree is drawn as its own area (a circle or shaded area, usually larger than the crown and shown in the key as the RPA) against the proposed works. The crown spread, a table of RPA radii or a caption saying RPAs are shown is not enough.BS 5837:2012
    • An arboricultural impact assessment saying which trees would be removed or pruned and why.BS 5837:2012
    • A tree protection plan or method statement where works come within a root protection area.BS 5837:2012

    Required by Council local validation lists; NPPF (2026) Annex C, N2

16. Drainage statement

    Depends on the proposal

    How surface water and foul water will be drained. Councils ask for this for new homes and where the development could affect drainage.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • Explains how the national SuDS standards are met (for example permeable paving, soakaways, water butts).NPPF (2026) Annex C, F8
    • Says how foul water will be disposed of (mains sewer, or a package treatment plant if there's no sewer).Council local validation lists

    Required by NPPF (2026) Annex C, F8

17. Planning statement

    Recommended

    A short statement explaining how the proposal accords with the local plan and national policy. Optional for small schemes, but it helps the officer.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • Explains how the proposal is consistent with the development plan and national decision-making policies.NPPF (2026) Annex C, DM1
    • Describes any pre-application advice and how the proposal changed in response.NPPF (2026) Annex C, DM1

    Required by NPPF (2026) Annex C, DM1

18. Photographs of the site

    Recommended

    Recent photos of the building and the area where the works will go. Not required nationally, but some councils ask for them and they speed up the officer's assessment.

    What it must show

    • The file opens and can be read: not password-protected, not corrupted, and text and dimensions are legible when zoomed in.
    • The photos show the parts of the building and site where the works will go, and the neighbouring property next to them.Council local validation lists
    • The photos are recent and show the site as it is now.Council local validation lists

    Required by Council local validation lists