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Required information for applications

For a checklist of information required with each type of application select a link below.

Major Applications
Submission of Details on reserved matters pursuant to conditions
Changes of Use
Minor Redevelopment, Alterations and Extensions
Installation of or Alterations to Shopfronts
Listed Building Consent
Conservation Area Consent
Advertisement Consent
Installation of a Satellite Dish
Installation of Plant Equipment
Telecommunications

Major applications

Major applications may include schemes for redevelopment, substantial refurbishments, extensions or changes of use. Information required in addition to the completed Planning Application forms and application fee includes:

Multiple copies of all drawings and accompanying information. Contact the Department of Planning & Transportation to discuss the required number of copies. With a major application, often more than four copies of all information will be required for consultation purposes.
Site plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Plans, elevations and sections showing the existing building(s) or site conditions.
Details of existing and proposed uses.
Plans, elevations and sections showing the proposed development. Drawings should clearly indicate the differences in bulk, height and scale between the existing and proposed situations, the height of the proposed building and existing and proposed basement details with ordnance datum levels.
Drawings showing the proposals in context with neighbouring buildings and structures.
Typical details relating to the proposed façade treatment. Details must include entrances, cladding materials, fenestration, and finishes.
Details of plant enclosures, window cleaning arrangements, servicing and refuse facilities.
Plans should indicate any existing and proposed trees or landscaping on or around the site.
All proposals will require a Design and Access Statement (30kb)
A covering letter and plans detailing any areas of public highway that will require to be stopped up.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
Drawings show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.

In addition to the drawings, the following supporting documents may be required. Contact this department to discuss the required information, which will vary depending upon the proposed development:

Covering letter listing all documents and drawings comprising the submission.
Planning Statement - This is a written document which summarises the application proposals and assesses them against current planning policies. This statement would address any controversial elements of the scheme in detail.
Design and Access Statement - The Design Statement document uses illustrative and written material to explain the design of the scheme and its formulation in response to the site context and function. It should address any local or wider design issues and show how the scheme seeks to address those issues. An Access Statement identifies how the needs of disabled people have been taken into account in the proposal.
Models and other illustrative material - These are particularly useful for presentation to the public and to committees.
Local View Assessment - Most major applications will have an impact on local views. This assessment should take the form of a plan which identifies the viewing points, with corresponding photographs of each view and photomontages showing the proposed development. The location of the viewing points should normally be agreed with this department before being prepared. Verified Visual Montages (VVM) will be required to confirm the accuracy of montages.
London View Management Framework - Where the site lies within a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance, evidence will be needed demonstrating the impact of the proposal using the methods set out in the SPG. The methods to be used are Qualitative Visual Assessment and Geometric Definition.
Tower of London World Heritage Site Assessment - A statement should be provided if the proposal could have an impact on the unique characteristics of the World Heritage Site. The Tower of London World Heritage Site Management Plan (3.15mb) provides relevant information.
St. Paul’s Heights Grid Assessment - Certain views of St Paul's are protected by a grid of maximum building heights. Extracts from the grid map are available on request.
Download extract request form (105kb)
For further information, please refer to the Supplementary Planning Guidance: St. Paul's & Monument Views (540kb)
Archaeological Assessment This should be submitted where the proposals involve ground works or excavation on sites of archaeological potential. An Archaeological Evaluation may also be required and specific advice will be given on this.
For further information see Planning Advice Note 3, Archaeology in the City of London – Archaeology Guidance (2mb)

Other useful sites:
English Heritage
London and Middlesex Archaeology Society
Museum of London

Environmental Statement This must be submitted where the proposal is likely to have a significant environmental impact. The Town & Country (Environmental Impact Assessment, England & Wales ) Regulations 1999 and DETR Circular 02/99 give advice on the need and process.
Transport Statement This must describe and analyse existing transport conditions, how the development would affect those conditions and any measures proposed to overcome any problems. It should cover public and private transport, pedestrian routes, servicing vehicles and parking arrangements.
Travel Plan A Travel Plan is a package of measures aimed at reducing car use and promoting a wider range of cleaner travel choices. For further information see the City of London of London Travel Plan Advice Note (621kb)
Servicing & Waste Management Statement This should give details of the proposed means of servicing the building.
Daylight/Sunlight Impact Study This should assess the impact of the development on the surrounding area under the Building Research Establishment report; Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight, a Guide to Good Practice.
Wind Tunnel Assessment This should demonstrate the affect of the building on the microclimate of the area.
Ecological Assessment demonstrating the impact on the ecological potential of the site and the surrounding area.
Noise and Pollution Report This should study the effects of noise and pollution on surrounding occupiers, identify any possible noise or other pollution associated with or caused by the development and address how these issues will be addressed.
Sustainability Statement This should show how sustainability principles will be met in terms of demolition, construction and long-term management.
Energy Statement This should show the predicted energy demand of the proposed development and the degree to which the development meets current energy efficiency standards.
Flood Risk Assessment A Flood Risk Assessment will be required for development in one hectare or over in Flood Risk Zone 1, for all new development in Zones 2 and 3 as designated by the Environment Agency and for certain other development. This should assess the risks f rom all forms of flooding and how those risks will be managed. See Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk .
Open Space Assessment Where existing open space is affected by development an assessment will be needed describing the significance of any loss or r eduction and how this will be compensated for.
Legal Agreements Planning, Highways or other legal agreements may be needed to deal with any issues which arise as a consequence of the development taking place. It will be useful to prepare draft heads of terms at an early stage in the process.
Other material may also beidentified as being needed to support the application.
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Submission of Details on reserved matters pursuant to conditions

These must be accompanied by the relevant forms.

Information required in addition to the completed application forms:

Three copies of all drawings, schedules and other documents.
Samples of clearly labelled materials.
Documentation clearly setting out the conditions or parts of conditions to be discharged.

Please note that:

All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
Where appropriate, drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.

On application forms:

Drawings showing large scale details should be accompanied by overall key plans or elevations.
All drawings must be annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.

All samples of materials must be clearly labelled to indicate what they are, where they are to be used and the address of the site.

Changes of use

Information required in addition to the completed planning application forms and application fee:

Four copies of all drawings and any other documents.
Site location plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Floor plans indicating the existing and proposed uses on a floor by floor basis. These plans should be at a scale large enough to clearly show the area of the proposed use(s) (eg 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100).
Proposals may require the submission of a Design and Access Statement (30kb)
A Planning Statement explaining the proposed change of use, particularly in relation to large developments or those contrary to policy.
Additional information to support the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.
Details of other uses within the building and in the immediate vicinity.
Details of servicing arrangements for complex or larger changes of use applications.

Drawings should include:

Details of arrangements for waste storage and collection.
Proposals should show how access for people with disabilities will be provided and an Access Statement may be required.
If changes to the external appearance or refuse arrangements are proposed please refer to guidance regarding the submission of a planning application for minor redevelopment, alterations and extensions or shopfronts if relevant.
Any proposed extracts, air handling equipment, or sound insulation that may be required as a consequence of the proposed change of use. In such cases, please refer to the guidance note regarding the submission of a planning application for plant.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
Drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
If the proposal includes alterations to a building the drawings must be annotated to show any proposed changes, materials and finishes.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.
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Minor redevelopment, alterations and extensions

Information required in addition to the completed planning application forms and application fee:

Four copies of all drawings and other documents.
Site plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Existing and proposed ground plans, floorplans, roof plans, elevations and sections, as appropriate. These drawings should be at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works (eg 1:50 or 1:100).
A Planning Statement may be needed to explain or justify the devepment.
If an extension is proposed at roof level within a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance, or within the St Paul's Heights Policy Area, evidence will be needed demonstrating the impact of the proposal using the methods set out in the SPG. The methods to be used are Qualitative Visual Assessment and Geometric Definition.
London View Management Framework - Where the site lies within a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance, evidence will be needed demonstrating the impact of the proposal using the methods set out in the SPG. The methods to be used are Qualitative Visual Assessment and Geometric Definition.
Tower of London World Heritage Site Assessment - A statement should be provided if the proposal could have an impact on the unique characteristics of the World Heritage Site. The Tower of London World Heritage Site Management Plan (3.15mb) provides relevant information.
An Archaeological Assessment should be submitted where the proposals involve any ground works or excavation on sites of archaeological potential. Archaeological Evaluation may also be required and specific advice will be given on this.
Where the proposed development affects any open space, public highway or a footway, a ground floor plan, or other drawings as appropriate, should be submitted clearly showing the impact of the proposed works. Examples of such works include construction of cross overs, projections over or under the highway, development on the highway and works to trees.
A covering letter and plans detailing any areas of public highway that may require to be stopped up.
All proposals will require a Design and Access Statement (30kb)
A Flood Risk Assessment will be required for all new development in Zones 2 and 3 as designated by the Environment Agency and for certain other development. This should assess the risks f rom all forms of flooding and how those risks will be managed. See Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk.
Where existing open space is affected by development an assessment will be needed describing the significance of any loss or reduction and how this will be compensated for.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
Drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.
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Installation of or alterations to shopfronts

Information required in addition to the completed planning application forms and application fee:

Four copies of all drawings and any other documents.
Site location plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Existing and proposed plans, elevations and sections showing where changes are proposed. All drawings should be at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works (eg 1:10, 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100).
Proposals will require a Design and Access Statement (30kb)
Additional information to support the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.

Drawings should include:

Existing and proposed floor plans. These should show any proposed changes in level and the opening direction of the doors.
Existing and proposed elevations. The plans should show the shopfront in the context of the surrounding building and architectural features as well as the adjoining building.
Existing and proposed sections to include a typical bay of the shopfront and shop window and through the entrance doors. These should show the shopfront in the context of the surrounding building and architectural features.
Typical sections through shopfront frame, fascia, stall-riser and glazing bars.
Proposed materials and finishes.

Please note that:

All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Drawings must include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be numbered, titled and annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.
Advertisements cannot be considered as part of a planning application. Where consent is required for adverts, this must form the subject of a separate application under the Advertisement Regulations (15kb)

Listed building consent application

Please note that an application for listed building consent may need to be accompanied by an application for full planning permission and/or advertisement consent.

Download the forms here:
Listed building consent pdf (23kb)
Planning permission pdf (27kb)
Advertisement consent pdf (15kb)

Information required in addition to the completed application forms:

Four copies of all drawings and other documents. These are in addition to drawings submitted for any linked planning application.
Site location plan at 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Existing and proposed plans, elevations and sections annotated to show where changes are proposed. All drawings should be at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works (eg 1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100).
A written ‘Schedule of Works’ listing all proposed demolition, alterations and repairs. The schedule should refer to the submitted plans and should include method statements where appropriate.
Proposals involving external works will require a Design and Access Statement (30kb)
Proposals involving internal works will require a Design Statement. Please refer to Planning Advice Note 6, Improving Access to Listed Buildings (2.7mb).
Where significant historic fabric is proposed to be totally or substantially demolished, a statement of justification will be required in accordance with Planning Policy Guidance Note 15, paragraphs 3.16 to 3.19.
Where any removal of building fabric is proposed, existing elevations, plans and sections should be hatched to indicate the fabric to be removed and referenced to a schedule of works.
Additional information to support and justify the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.
Drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.
Additional information may be required, depending on the character of the building and the nature of the proposal.
Exploratory opening up, to provide additional information about the building or the impact of the proposed works may be required. Separate listed building consent may be required for such works.
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Conservation Area Consent Application

Please note that an application for conservation area consent would usually be accompanied by an application for full planning permission to show the replacement works.

Download the forms here:
Conservation area consent pdf (23kb)
Planning permission pdf (27kb)

Information required in addition to the conservation area consent completed application forms:

Four copies of drawings and any other documents. These should be provided in addition to the drawings submitted with a linked planning application.
Site location plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Existing plans, elevations and sections labelled, hatched or colour coded to show the extent of demolition. All drawings should be at a scale of 1:10, 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100 or at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works.
A statement justifying demolition will be required in accordance with Planning Policy Guidance Note 15, paragraphs 3.16 to 3.19 and 4.25 to 4.29 (272kb)
Additional information to support the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.
Drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be titled to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.

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Advertisement consent application

Information required in addition to the completed advertisement consent application forms and application fee:

Three copies of all drawings and all other documents
Site location plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Existing and proposed plans, elevations and sections showing where changes are proposed. All drawings should be at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works (eg 1:10, 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100).
Additional information to support the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.

Drawings should show:

Features and details of the surrounding building and/or environment, including existing adverts on the premises and neighbouring buildings.
The method and details of fixing of each proposed advert, a section showing the extent of projection from the face of the building, distance from kerb edge and height above footway.
Proposed materials and finishes.
Method of illumination, size and appearance of any proposed light fittings, intensity of illumination and degree of translucency of proposed signage materials.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Drawings must include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be titled and annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.

When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.

Installation of a satellite dish

Information required in addition to the completed planning application forms and application fee:

Four copies of all drawings and any other documents.
Site location plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Existing and proposed plans, elevations and sections showing where changes are proposed. All drawings should be at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works (eg 1:10, 1:20 or 1:50 /1:100).
Specifications for the dish, stand, support and fixings, including finishes.
If equipment is proposed at roof level within a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance or with the St Paul's Heights Policy Area, the existing and proposed spot heights (AOD) should be shown on the drawings. Where the development has an impact on a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance, evidence will be needed demonstrating the impact of the proposal using the methods set out in the SPG. The methods to be used are Qualitative Visual Assessment and Geometric Definition.
Additional information to support the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.
All proposals will require a Design and Access Statement (30kb)

Drawings should include:

Existing and proposed roof plans. These should show spot heights and existing roof features, including roof pitches, chimney stacks and other dishes.
Existing and proposed elevations and sections indicating the proposed equipment in relation to adjacent structures and/or detailed photographs clearly marked to indicate the positioning and appearance of the proposed dish or dishes.
Large scale details of the proposed dish and any associated fixings.
Any associated works, including enclosures, screening and guardrails.
Proposed materials and finishes.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
Drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.
All drawings must be annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.

For further information and guidance on the installation of satellite dishes, please refer to Planning Advice Note 4, The Installation of Satellite Dishes

Please also see the advice on making planning applications for telecommunications equipment.

Installation of plant equipment

Information required in addition to the completed planning application forms and application fee:

Four copies of all drawings and any other documents.
Site location plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Existing and proposed plans, elevations and sections showing where changes are proposed. All drawings should be at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works (eg 1:20 or 1:50 ).
If equipment is proposed at roof level within a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance or with the St Paul's Heights Policy Area, the existing and proposed spot heights (AOD) should be shown on the drawings. Where the development has an impact on a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance, evidence will be needed demonstrating the impact of the proposal using the methods set out in the SPG. The methods to be used are Qualitative Visual Assessment and Geometric Definition.
Manufacturers’ specifications of the plant, supporting structure, fixings and finishes.
Details of measurements to mitigate noise and/or fume emissions and vibration. Where adjoining occupiers might be affected by noise, an acoustic report is likely to be required.
Additional information to support the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.
All proposals will require a Design and Access Statement (30kb)

Drawings should include:

Existing and proposed plans. These should show the location of the proposed plant in the context of the building and the surrounding area. If the plant is proposed at roof level, please indicate spot heights and existing roof features, including roof pitches, chimney stacks and other plant.
Existing and proposed sections. These should show the proposed plant in the context of the surrounding buildings and should indicate the location of neighbouring windows.
Large scale details of the proposed plant and any associated fixings, cabling, trunking and service runs, including the relationship to roof mounted window cleaning tracks.
Any associated works, including acoustic enclosures and/or screening.
Proposed materials and finishes.
Details of where any existing plant is to be removed.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
Drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.

Telecommunications

Information required in addition to the consultation letter or the completed planning application forms and application fee.

Four copies of all drawings and any other documents
Site plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 scale showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black outline or hatching.
Block plan if appropriate to show the location of the works within the building.
Existing and proposed plans, elevations and sections showing the proposed equipment. All drawings should be at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 or at a scale large enough to clearly show the proposed works.
If equipment is proposed at roof level within a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance or with the St Paul's Heights Policy Area, the existing and proposed spot heights (AOD) should be shown on the drawings. Where the development has an impact on a Designated View as set out in the London Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance, evidence will be needed demonstrating the impact of the proposal using the methods set out in the SPG. The methods to be used are Qualitative Visual Assessment and Geometric Definition.
Manufacturers’ specifications for the proposed equipment.
Where Code Operators’ telecommunications antennae are proposed, please supply a valid ICNRP certificate.
Details of any consultations carried out by the Code Operators with regard to the Code of Best Practice 10 Commitments.
Details and copies of any consultations carried out under the Traffic Light Rating System.
Additional information to support the application, such as a covering letter and photographs.
All proposals will require a Design and Access Statement (30kb)

Drawings should include:

Existing and proposed roof plans. These should show spot heights and existing roof features, including roof pitches, chimney stacks and other dishes.
Existing and proposed elevations of the building indicating the proposed equipment.
Existing and proposed cross sections through the building indicating the proposed equipment.
Large scale details of the external appearance of the proposed equipment and any associated fixings, ductwork or access ways.
Any associated works, including enclosures or screening.
Proposed materials and finishes to be applied.
A montage showing the effect of the proposed equipment on any significant views.

Please note that:

All drawings must be numbered.
All drawings must be dimensioned and drawn to an accurate metric scale.
Each drawing must be labelled to indicate what is shown.
Drawings must show the surrounding context and adjoining buildings and include orientation points such as street names and north points.
All drawings must be annotated to show the proposed changes, materials and finishes.
When highlighting features and areas please use tone, varied line thickness or bold primary colours as drawings are normally only scanned in black and white.

For further information and guidance on the installation of satellite dishes, please refer to Planning Advice Note 4, The Installation of Satellite Dishes (16kb)

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