You may need to submit extra information with your planning application. Our local checklists specify the information you need to provide for each type of project.
If you do not submit all the correct information with your application, it may take longer to get planning permission.
On this page:
If you are applying by post, we need two copies of plans, forms, certificates and supporting statements. They should be numbered so they can be referred to on the decision notice.
All plans should be named in a logical manner and must state the original paper size. You must submit plans that are Ordnance Survey based and up to date.
The site location plan should be at a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500, and the site block plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:100. When proposing new development, the plans must include a scale bar and key dimensions.
Your plans must also:
Before submitting an application, you are strongly advised to make use of the we offer. This will identify what our views are on what you propose, and what information will be required to support any application.
All applications we receive are inspected in detail. Requests for plans will be proportionate to the nature and scale of the proposal. Information will only be required that adds to an understanding of the proposal. An applicant or agent can advise as to why they feel their submission is adequate and reflects the matter to hand.
Where possible, when supporting documents are submitted with an application we request that any signatures etc. are redacted prior to submission to avoid any delays.
We are unable to offer informal advice as to the need for planning permission. If you need advice as to whether you require permission, submit a formal Certificate of Lawfulness Application via the Planning Portal.
We do offer 15-minutes free general advice and guidance with a Duty planner service via a phone appointment to support you if you are thinking about extending your home or carrying out minor works to your business's premises.
Almost all planning and related applications require the payment of a fee. Find out more about planning application fees.
A summary of the requirements by application type and a further downloadable document on what is required and when are available in the documents below, a web version of the checklist is also available.
Summary of Local Requirements by Application Type [84.35KB]
Local Requirements, what is required and when [198.53KB]
Our Local Information Requirements were reviewed and consulted on between 14 September 2020 and 28 October 2020 and approved by our Planning Committee on 11 November 2020.
The Planning Committee report can be read here:
The following is a list of mandatory national validation requirements for Planning Applications
The appropriate form published by the Secretary of State (or a form which is substantially the same);
A location plan that shows the application site in relation to the surrounding area. Typically, the scale for this is 1:1250 or 1:2500 and this should identify sufficient roads and buildings on land adjoining the application site to ensure the exact location of the site is clear. The application site should be edged clearly with a red line and include all land necessary to carry out the development including land required for access to the site from a public highway.
You can buy a suitable planning map, such as a location plan or site plan, from one of the Planning Portal's map suppliers
Such other plans, drawings and information necessary to describe the development which is the subject of the application are submitted, in most cases, this would comprise existing and proposed site (block) plans, floor plans and elevation plans if new buildings/extensions are proposed. Any plans or drawings must be drawn to an identified metric scale, and in the case of plans, must show the direction of north. Although not a requirement of legislation, the inclusion of a linear scale bar is also useful, particularly in the case of electronic submissions. Hand drawn location/site plans should be avoided as they may not be exactly to scale.
Further information on the requirements for plans and drawings can be found here.
This is a certificate which provides certain details about the ownership of the application site and confirms that an appropriate notice has been served on any other owners of the site (and any agricultural tenants).
Failure to provide a correct certificate could invalidate your application or lead to a challenge is planning permission were to be granted.
Lodging a cheque or making an electronic payment for the correct fee amount is taken as payment. If you are not sure of the fees the Planning Portal has a helpful fee calculator online.
The following is a Local list of additional information that must be submitted to us with certain types and scales of applications, or in particular locations. Further information on the specific application types and requirement for the information is found below. Most of these requirements will be dependent on the nature of the proposed development and/or location. Further information which may be of help is available on the planning portal website.
Householder Application Checklist [153.95KB]
Minor Applications (Full) Checklist [187.62KB]
Minor Application (Outline) Checklist [188.91KB]
Major Applications (Full) Checklist [196.43KB]
Major Applications (Outline) Checklist [196.32KB]
Listed Building Consent Checklist [152.17KB]
Telecommunications Application Checklist [144.35KB]
Rural Workers Dwelling Application Checklist [183.4KB]
In accordance with the NPPF and NPPG this applies to all applications proposing 10-units or more
The Council will require information concerning both the affordable housing and any open market housing. Such information shall include details of the number of residential units, the mix of units and the proposed tenure. If different levels or types of affordability or tenure are proposed for different units this should be clearly and fully explained.
Where the applicant considers the development will not support the level of affordable housing required under the Councils polices then a Viability Assessment will be required (see below).
A desk-based assessment will be required where an initial assessment indicates the proposed development affects an archaeologically sensitive area (including a Scheduled Ancient Monument or non-designated sites of archaeological interest).
Information and advice on the content of reports is available either through Hampshire County Council Archaeological Service or the following Chartered Institute for Archaeologists website:-
http://www.archaeologists.net/codes/ifa
A field evaluation may be required where necessary, together with foundation details (indicative may be acceptable).
New housing development within or adjoining AQMA. All development which an Environmental Impact Assessment or a Transport Assessment (all development likely to result in significant increase in traffic volume/congestion/speed/composition). All development having an effect on sensitive areas such as ecological sites or areas previously defined as having poor air quality.
Application proposals that impact upon air quality or are potential pollutants should be supported by an air quality assessment.
Confirmation to Air Quality Monitoring contribution for all new residential development
As per government advice included on:- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/air-quality--3
Applications that propose the loss of 20 hectares or more of best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land https://www.gov.uk/guidance/natural- environment#brownfield-land-soils-and-agricultural-land
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ agricultural-land-assess-proposals-for- development/guide-to-assessing- development-proposals-on-agricultural-land
Major Development
The statement sets out how you involved the community during the design process, issues the community identified and how you responded in your final design. If you couldn't change your design, you need to give reasons why.
All new residential development
Statement confirming how connection will be delivered prior to first occupation
With planning applications for new development over 100 sq metres gross, or one or more dwellings
An Energy Statement should include evidence to demonstrate the predicted regulated energy use of the proposed development and the energy generation achieved through the proposed renewable/low carbon measures. For outline planning applications, the Energy Statement need not provide full details, but should set out an explanation in broad terms.
Supporting ecological information may be required for any development from small householder applications to large strategic projects depending on the nature and value of the site. The Biodiversity Checklist provides a guide to help ascertain what information may be required to support an application for a given project.
All developments in or adjacent to :
Any development where there is potential for protected or notable species to be impacted e.g. bats, birds, reptiles, badger, amphibians (particularly great crested newt), otters, white-clawed crayfish and dormice.
The NFDC Biodiversity Checklist is to be completed for all applications. If further ecological considerations are shown to be required then a PEA or EcIA (supported by appropriate survey effort) should be submitted to support the application.
There are two checklists available, one for householder applications and one for full applications, both are available as Word and pdf documents.
Biodiversity Checklist for householders [203.47KB] or 
Biodiversity Checklist for householders [47.48KB]
Biodiversity Checklist full applications [255.69KB] or
Biodiversity Checklist full applications [48.02KB]
In general terms all ecological information will need to be prepared and presented in such a way that it is fit to inform the decision-making process and to serve as BNG baseline. It should include:-
The level of information required will be proportionate to the scale of development proposed and the likely impact on biodiversity. In most cases a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) produced in line with CIEEM Guidance should be provided and inform further survey requirements. Where a proposal is likely to affect protected species, the applicant must submit a Protected Species Survey and Assessment.
Any survey should be undertaken and prepared by competent persons with suitable qualifications and experience and must be carried out at an appropriate time and month of year, in suitable weather conditions, over a sufficient period of time and using nationally recognised survey guidelines/methods where available and as appropriate.
For development where potentially significant ecological effects are likely to arise from proposals, an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) will be required. Typically, the EcIA report prepared for planning submission will collate the baseline information gathered during the PEA and/or other detailed surveys. It will value existing ecological features, consider the potential effects of development and assess any residual ecological impacts after mitigation (both adverse and beneficial). The Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment published by CIEEM should be adhered to.
Ecological Information should:
Any ecological report must identify and describe potential development impacts likely to harm designated sites, priority habitats, other biodiversity and geological features, protected/notable species and/or their habitats identified by the survey. These should include both direct and indirect effects both during construction and afterwards. Where harm is likely, evidence should be submitted to show:
how alternative designs or locations have been considered;
In addition, an ecological report will need to include information on proposed works that will enhance, restore or add to designated sites, priority habitats and features or habitats used by protected species. The Assessment should also give an indication of likely changes to habitats and/or how species numbers may be affected, if at all, after development, e.g. whether there will be a net loss or gain.
For 'major' applications
'Minor' applications, defined as residential development of nine units or less, or commercial development of less than 1000 m2 of floor space or on a site of less than 1 ha are not exempt from providing biodiversity net gains but use of the Defra Biodiversity Metric will not be required. Householder development (such as extensions), and change of use of an existing building fall within the definition of 'minor development'.
Defra Metric Net Gain Calculations (Biodiversity Report) - Biodiversity report to include full details of the ecological baseline including detailed justifications for the choice of habitat types, distinctiveness and condition. Any assumptions made should be presented and likewise justified.
A plan should clearly illustrate the areas covered by each of the existing habitat types and the area/length in hectares/km of each habitat type.
A proposed habitats plan, for example taken from the site layout plan, illustrative masterplan, green infrastructure plan or landscape plan should also be included. The plan should detail what existing habitats are to be retained and enhanced, and any new habitat types that will be created. The plan should ensure that each habitat type is identified and the area/length of each habitat type should be quantified in hectares/km.
With all applications for:
In addition, under Policy D2 of the Hythe and Dibden Neighbourhood plan there is a requirements for all applications for new development to be accompanied by a design and access statement.
A design and access statement must—
(a) explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development;
(b) demonstrate the steps taken to appraise the context of the development and how the design of the development takes that context into account;
(c) explain the policy adopted as to access, and how policies relating to access in relevant local development documents have been taken into account;
(d) state what, if any, consultation has been undertaken on issues relating to access to the development and what account has been taken of the outcome of any such consultation; and
(e) explain how any specific issues which might affect access to the development have been addressed
For more information on Design and Access Statements refer to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-an-application#Design-and- Access-Statement and https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/asset/document/design-and-access-statements.pdf
Development and significant infrastructure projects which fall within Schedule 1 &2 of the Regulations 2017 and have been screened as requiring an Environmental Statement
Environmental Statement
In line with footnote 50, page 47 of the NPPF, a site-specific flood risk assessment should be provided for all development in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
In Flood Zone 1, an assessment should accompany all proposals involving: sites of 1 hectare or more; land which has been identified by the Environment Agency as having critical drainage problems; land identified in a strategic flood risk assessment as being at increased flood risk in future; or land that may be subject to other sources of flooding, where its development would introduce a more vulnerable use.
Information on identified flood zones (including areas of risk of flooding from rivers and seas AND areas at risk of flooding from surface water) are included on the following webpage:- http://apps.environment- agency.gov.uk/wiyby/37837.aspx and on our interactive local plan map.
Alternatively, the council can provide information on whether a piece of land is identified as being at flood risk.
For guidance on preparing a flood risk assessment please refer to:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessment-standing- advice
You need to do a sequential test if both of the following apply:
contact the Council to find out if a test has already been carried out for the site.
For guidance on undertaking a sequential test please refer to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk- assessment-the-sequential-test-for-applicants
Development that affects or impacts on the openness of the Green Belt.
Further information is available on the Government's website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/green-belt
Chapter 13 of the NPPF also explains the green belt in further details
Landscape impact assessment. The assessment should inlcude the following factors:
The assessment will need to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected by the proposed development. The level of detail necessary will vary according to an asset's importance and the nature of the development/works proposed.
Heritage assets should be assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary.
Historic England have helpful information on their website which can provide further information.
Applicants are advised to undertake a pre- application enquiry with the Council before any application is made.
Further national advice on heritage significance is provided on the following web- page https://www.gov.uk/guidance/conserving-and- enhancing-the-historic-environment
The Council has produced a number of Conservation Area Appraisals as well as guidance notes relating to heritage issues. These may be useful in preparing heritage statements and can be accessed through the following web-page: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1236/Conservation-areas
All applications where
For all applications proposing new buildings where:
General guidance is provided on the following website:-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/land-affected-by-contamination
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will be required, depending on the nature and type of the proposed development. Such an assessment will be required for applications proposing:-
You can find out if your application is in one of these areas by using our interactive local plan map.
The assessment should identify the different elements that give a place its unique character -landform, woodlands and specimen trees, hedgerows, land use, historic artifacts, building styles and settlement patterns. From this assessment, it should be demonstrated to what extent the proposed development may alter the fabric, quality and character of the landscape.
Reference should be made to the character Assessments on the Council's web site: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1236/Conservation-areas#character
The assessment should also identify where the proposed development can be seen from (and record this information on a map with accompanying photographs/photomontages from the various viewpoints) the extent to which those views would be occupied by the proposed development (degree of visual intrusion), the distance of the viewpoint from the site and whether views would focus on the proposed development due to proximity or whether the proposed development would form one element in a panoramic view. Consideration should be given to seasonal differences arising from the degree of vegetative screening and filtering of views that will arise in summer/winter; and also to any cumulative effect of the proposals. From this assessment the change in the character of the landscape resulting from the proposed development and the change in views/visual amenity may be determined. The assessment should also clearly set out mitigation measures to address any adverse landscape and/or visual effects identified.
All applications proposing:
A nutrient budget and nutrient mitigation strategy for the development covering both foul drainage and surface runoff. Currently required for nitrogen in the Solent catchments, and for phosphate in most of the Avon catchment. Development that connects to Christchurch WWTW via the sewer network is currently exempted.
The calculators, links to natural England guidance and the (forthcoming) NFDC Nutrient Neutrality guidance can be found here https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1206/Nutrient-Neutral-Development
All large scale applications.
All allocated strategic site applications where minerals safeguarding are issues identified.
Other sites within minerals safeguarding areas
A statement to demonstrate the level and type of minerals resource on the site.
This will involve a phase I survey of the site and identification of the likely impact of the development as well as mitigation measures to safeguard future minerals resources on the site.
The detailed Minerals Safeguarding Assessment should include any measures that are to be taken to recover minerals from the site.
Applications that propose development including artificial external lighting that may:-
All planning application proposing floodlighting.
The Lighting Assessment should include:-
details of lighting levels and assessment on how the proposed lighting may affect local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes, natural conservation and highway/railway safety (or as appropriate)
The Institution of Lighting Engineers 'Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light' 2011 provides lighting designers, planners and environmental health officers with recognised technical limitations on stray light. Limits are provided for each environmental zone for each of the main sources of nuisance light pollution: sky glow, glare, spill and building illuminance.
All applications proposing:
Including:-
Noise sensitive developmentwill include residential properties, hostels and hotels. Applications for noise sensitive development adjacent to major road/transport infrastructure and other significant sources of noise;
Any noise assessment shall need to have regard to the advice contained in the Planning Practice
Guidance Noise assessments will need to establish the observed effect levels relevant to the proposed development and where appropriate set out proposed mitigation measures to address noise issues. This may include details of sound insulation.
Required for applications within or affecting open space, including the loss of open space, playing fields, bowling green etc. plans should show any areas of existing or proposed open space within or adjoining the application site and demonstrate through an independent assessment that the land or buildings are surplus to local requirements. Proposals introducing new open space will need to be supported by a long term Maintenance and Management Plan
An assessment will need to show the impact of the proposed development on the need for recreational facilities and open space in the area of the application site.
The recommended methodology is set out in Fields in Trust, Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play.
Required for all applications where new dwellings and/or floorspace is proposed or where a loss of existing car parking is involved.
All (non-householder) applications will be required to provide details of existing and proposed parking provision, including cycle parking, and to justify the level of provision. For major applications, applicants will be required to justify proposals which exceed the Council's maximum/required parking standards set out in the SPD: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/media/759/ParkingStandards/pdf/Parking_Standards.pdf?m=637298154628700000
Details of electric charging infrastructure
Planning Statement setting out comments in support of proposals can be submitted with any planning application. However a statement will be required for
Planning statements should include all comments the applicants want the Council to consider in support of the proposal. In particular statements should:-
Planning statements may also usefully include additional information, such as suggested planning conditions and expand on information provided on the application form. It would also be helpful for such documents to include an explanation as to why it is considered the proposal represents sustainable development, having regard to the advice in the National Planning Policy Framework.
Sites providing 50 or more homes, the threshold for on-site provision of ANRG (alternative natural recreational greenspace) to mitigate recreational visits to the New Forest European Sites
For sites of less than 50 homes, mitigation is secured by a financial contribution
All residential development within 5.6km of the Solent coast. Mitigation is secured by a financial contribution
A demonstration with accompanying layout plans, commentary and a land budget to demonstrate that on-site ANRG provision will be both quantitatively sufficient for the number and size of dwellings proposed, of sufficient quality and character to be effective and attractive for recreational use as an alternative to visiting the New Forest European sites.
A recreational mitigation land requirement calculator is available here http://forms.newforest.gov.uk/ufs/ufsmain?for mid=POS_ANRG&ebz=1_1598465693608&e bd=0&ebz=1_1598465693608
The Mitigation Strategy For European Sites SPD provides qualitative and design guidance for the layout of recreational mitigation land https://www.newforest.gov.uk/media/757/Mitigation-strategy-for-European-Sites/pdf/Mitigation_Strategy_SPD.pdf?m=63 7298154069500000
Retail development of over 1,000sqm gross internal area (GIA) outside of town centre boundaries needs a Retail Impact Assessment. In villages and locations outside defined built up areas retail developments of over 500sqm GIA will need a retail impact assessment
Retail Impact Assessments will need to include evidence/information to show the impact of the proposal on town centre vitality and viability, including local consumer choice and trade in the town centre and wider area, up to five years from the time the application is made.
Further information and guidance on these assessments is included as part of the Planning Practice Guidance see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ensuring- the-vitality-of-town-centres
Where an application is made for a dwelling in a rural location and justified by its association with an agricultural/forestry or other rural business need.
For a permanent dwelling, the document should include:-
For a temporary dwelling on a new rural enterprise, the document should include evidence to show compliance with economic and functional tests and no appropriate accommodation available in the locality.
A structural survey is required with:-
The survey document shall accurately describe the structural condition of the building to be demolished/converted. For applications proposing demolition of the building (be it listed, locally
listed or building to be replaced) the survey shall set out an explanation as to why repairs works or alterations could not be carried out to address any structural problems.
For applications seeking permission for conversion of rural buildings a full schedule of works (with plans) will be required to clearly explain and illustrate the works required to carry out the proposed conversion.
All planning applications for new residential, mixed use, commercial, retail,
A Sustainability Statement is a comprehensive document that covers all aspects of the environmental impact of a proposed development. The following are examples of what a Statement can include,
Statement of design measures that improve resource efficiency and Climate Change Resilience
Applicants are advised to undertake a pre- application enquiry with the Council which will provide advice on what should be covered in a Sustainability Statement in respect of the proposed development.
This applies to all applications proposing 10 or more residential units (and sites over 0.5ha), or 1000 sq. gross floorspace or more.
In addition to any requirement for a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), the following information with regard to surface water drainage must be submitted:
Outline Planning Application
Any outline application for a development falling within the definition of 'major' shall be accompanied by a drainage strategy. Information to include:
Full Planning Application
In addition to details required for an Outline application (listed above) the following shall be provided:
Hampshire County Council have information regarding surface water drainage and seeking preapplication advice on their website.
All applications proposing telecommunications development, including applications for prior approval under part 16 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order) 2015.
In line with the policy drivers, planning applications should be accompanied by a range of supplementary information including:-
To support this evidence, details of the operational requirements of the telecommunications networks and the technical limitations of the technology should be provided.
In determining whether a Transport Assessment or Statement will be needed for a proposed development the local planning authority will take into account the following considerations:
Where required the TA should illustrate accessibility to the site by all modes of transport, for example cycle, foot or car, as well as giving details of measures which will
a) improve public transport; b) reduce the need for parking; and, c) mitigate transport impact
Hampshire County Council's Highways planning team can be contacted via their website.
For developments with anticipated limited transport impacts.
Transport Statements similar to a TA but are a 'lighter-touch' evaluation to be used where
this would be more proportionate to the potential impact of the development.
In determining whether a Travel Plan will be needed for a proposed development the local planning authority will take into account the following considerations:
A Travel Plan is also required with all Transport Assessments.
A travel plan should set out measures to reduce the demand for travel by private cars and encourage cycling, walking and public transport use through agreed targets and monitoring arrangements.
For town centre development applications, draft travel plans will need to show that the needs of alternative powered vehicles have been considered.
Further advice is included on the following webpages:- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-plans- transport-assessments-and-statements
An arboricultural report must be submitted where there are trees within a proposed application site, or on land adjacent to an application site (including trees in neighbouring gardens and street trees), that could influence or be affected by the development, including works such as site access, service routes and site compounds. Information will be required on which trees are to be removed and retained, the means of protecting those to be retained during demolition and construction works and compensatory planting for removed trees.
An arboricultural statement should show how the tree constraints on and adjacent to the site have been correctly incorporated into the design and how these trees are to be retained without damage during construction and future occupancy. The statement must be produced in line with the guidelines set out within BS5837:2012 and shall include:
Required for major development of 1- or more units where the applicant is proposing that they can not provide the full range of S106 requirements, which includes affordable hosing due to financial viability issues.
The NPPF and accompanying NPPG require that all viability assessments must be published for public scrutiny. Financial viability appraisals/assessments must be completed in accordance with the standards set out in the NPPG.
The Financial Viability Appraisal must be accompanied by an agreement that the applicant will pay for the reasonable costs of an independent appraisal of the submitted viability assessment.
RICS Guide to Planning Viability Appendix C details what a viability assessment should comprise.
All applications where extraction equipment for the preparation of cooked food is to be installed (excluding alterations to existing dwellings and proposals for new dwellings).
A statement will be required with all applications for new restaurants, hot food takeaways and bars/pubs which sell hot food where they are proposed next to residential property, including flats.
Statements should include:
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