Householder planning permission

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 extension or building 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. Application form with ownership certificate

   Always needed

   Your householder application form, including the ownership certificate. If you're applying on the Planning Portal, save a draft or download the PDF of your application before you submit 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 householder application form, not the full planning or prior approval 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 names every part of the works given in the application details (for example the extension, a dormer, rooflights, an outbuilding or a fence), with none left out.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(b)-(c)
   • Exactly one ownership certificate (A, B, C or D) is completed.DMPO 2015 art. 14(1)
   • Certificate A is only used if you are the sole owner (freehold, or a lease with at least 7 years left) of all the land inside the red line.PPG Making an application, para. 026 (ID 14-026-20140306)
   • With certificate B or C, each other owner is named with their address and the date notice was served, and notice was served no earlier than 21 days before the date of the application.DMPO 2015 art. 13(7)
   • The certificate is signed and dated (a typed name is fine online).PPG Making an application, para. 026 (ID 14-026-20140306)
   • Where the form asks about agricultural tenants, the question is answered (for a house and garden the answer is normally that there are none).DMPO 2015 art. 13(9)
   • The biodiversity net gain section confirms the householder exemption.PPG Biodiversity net gain (submitting a planning application, scenario 2)
   Common mistakes

   • Certificate A ticked although the red line includes a shared drive or a neighbour's land.
   • Certificate B without the date notice was served.
   • The description leaves out part of the works.

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

4. 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)

5. Proposed floor plans

   Depends on the proposal

   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)

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. Sections

   Recommended

   A cut through the building or site. Useful where ground levels change, for basements and for loft conversions; some councils ask for them 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 1:50 or 1:100, and the paper size is given (or a scale bar is shown).DMPO 2015 art. 7(2); council local validation lists
   • Ground levels are shown, including any change in level across the site or with the neighbour.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)
   • Floor-to-ceiling heights and overall heights are dimensioned.DMPO 2015 art. 7(1)(c)(ii)

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

9. 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)

10. Design and Access Statement

    Recommended

    Needed for a householder application only if the property is in a conservation area or World Heritage Site and the works create 100 m² or more of floor space. A short statement explaining the design and how it fits its surroundings.

    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 (scale, form, materials).DMPO 2015 art. 9(3)(a)
    • Shows how the site and its context were assessed and how the design responds to them.DMPO 2015 art. 9(3)(b)
    • Explains the approach to access, and how local plan access policies have been taken into account.DMPO 2015 art. 9(3)(c)
    • Is proportionate: concise and focused on this proposal.PPG Making an application, para. 029 (ID 14-029-20140306)

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

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. 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

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. Driveway and access plan

    Depends on the proposal

    A plan of the new driveway and dropped kerb: needed when you form a new access onto a classified road or where planning permission is otherwise needed for it. You'll also need separate consent from the highway authority to drop the kerb.

    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 width of the new access and of the dropped kerb at the road edge.Highway authority dropped kerb policies; council local validation lists
    • Shows the parking space(s) with dimensions, so a car fits without overhanging the pavement.Highway authority dropped kerb policies
    • Shows street trees, lamp posts, utility covers and junctions near the access.Highway authority dropped kerb policies
    • States the surface material and how rainwater drains (porous surface, or run-off to a lawn or border).GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 1 Class F, para. F.2

    Required by GPDO 2015 Sch. 2 Pt 2 Class B

15. 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