Standard Planning Application Form (1APP)

From 6th April 2008, the Standard Planning Application Form became the only official method of submitting a planning application and is expected to lead to a significant increase in the number of applications submitted online.

Applications submitted on existing/old style forms after this mandatory deadline set by central government cannot be accepted by the local authorities although there will be a transition for forms already in process under the existing system. 1APP forms combine many of the forms which were previously available as separate forms e.g. Householder and Listed Building Consent, Planning Permission and Conservation Area Consent.

Richmond Borough Council introduced the paper versions of the new 1APP forms from 2 January 2008. These forms have been designed by the Planning Portal and replace all existing planning application forms.

1APP in its online form will intelligently determine the planning consent type required, and specify the LPAs additional information requirements, significantly increasing the chances of a valid application being submitted first time. This benefits both the applicant and the LPA staff who process the application, potentially resulting in a faster decision.

Benefits

Until now, 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.

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 of the form will also enable more planning services to be provided online and give applicants certainty about the information they need to provide.

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

How does it work?

The Standard Planning Application Form is an electronic application form hosted by the Planning Portal (or through an authority’s own website). Once logged onto the website, the applicant or agent is asked a 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 covers a range of application types including Householder, Planning Permission, Listed Building consent, Conservation Area consent, Tree Applications (including Tree Preservation Orders and Trees in Conservation Areas) and 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.

How the form affects planning consent procedures

The new form will take in a wide variety of planning consent procedures, including:

• Householder
• Listed building consent
• Conservation area consent
• Full planning permission
• Outline planning permission, including approval of reserved matters
• Advertisement consent
• Protected Tree works (including Tree Preservation Orders) and trees in conservation areas
• Certificate of lawfulness of existing and proposed use or development prior approval

Where can I find out more information?

You can find further information on the Planning Portal website.

A copy of an information leaflet published by the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding 1APP can be obtained from Planning Services Reception

2nd Floor Civic Centre,
44 York Street,
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ

Email: envprotection@richmond.gov.uk

Read the 1APP information leaflet(pdf, 241KB)

View the new planning application forms.