Major applications
Major applications may include schemes for redevelopment, substantial refurbishments, extensions or changes of use. The information required in addition to the completed Planning Application forms and application fee is listed below.
- Multiple copies of all drawings and accompanying information to discuss the required number of copies. A major application will often require more than four copies of all information for consultation purposes.
- Location plan at a scale of 1:500 or 1:1250 showing the site and its surroundings. The site boundary must be clearly marked by bold black or red 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.
- Where the application is for planning permission and relevant demolition of an unlisted building in a conservation area existing plans, elevations and sections labelled, hatched or colour coded should 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. Drawings must be dimensioned, drawn to an accurate metric scale and include a scale bar.
- 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.
- Most proposals will require a Design and Access Statement
- A covering letter and plans detailing any areas of public highway that will require to be stopped up.
- Information to establish whether the development is liable for the Mayoral and City of London Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Please download and complete the Community Infrastructure Levy form on the Planning Portal.
Please note that additional supporting documentation may be required, which is listed below.
In addition to the drawings, the following supporting documents may be needed. Contact the Environment 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 that 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.
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. See Planning Advice Note 3: Archaeology in the City of London – Archaeology Guidance
Illustrative material: This is 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) may 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 London View Management Framework Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) 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
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. For more information, refer to the City of London Protected Views Supplementary Planning Document
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 at Historic Royal Palaces provides relevant information. Other useful sites include: English Heritage; London and Middlesex Archaeology Society; Museum of London.
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.
Ecological Assessment demonstrating the impact on the ecological potential of the site and the surrounding area.
Energy Statement: This should show the predicted energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions savings of the proposed development and the degree to which the development meets current energy efficiency standards and carbon dioxide emissions reduction targets. Please see the Greater London Authority's guidance on preparing energy assessments.
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 from all forms of flooding and how those risks will be managed. See Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk - Practice Guide
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 2011 gives advice on the need and process.
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. Draft heads of terms should accompany the planning application and be discussed at an early stage in the process
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.
Open Space Assessment: 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.
Servicing and Waste Management Statement: This should give details of the proposed means of servicing the building.
Sustainability Statement: This should show how the development is designed to make the fullest contribution to mitigating and adapting to climate change by adopting sustainable design and construction measures for demolition, construction and long-term management of the development. The statement should include a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) or Code for Sustainable Homes pre-assessment of the development.
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. Pedestrian counts should be undertaken in accordance with the advice given in, and the count data recorded in and submitted using the City of London pedestrian workbook (version 1.15 October 2010).
Travel Plan: A Travel Plan is a package of measures aimed at reducing car use and promoting a wider range of cleaner travel choices. See the City of London of London Travel Plan Advice Note
Wind Microclimate Assessment : This should demonstrate the effect of the building on the microclimate of the area. See the Guidelines
Other material may also be identified as being needed to support the application. An independent review of the assessment will normally be required.