This is the householder validation checklist which explains what information you need to submit when making a householder planning application (like an extension or outbuilding).
This webpage replaces the previous pdf format and is designed to make it easier for homeowners to use. If you want to make any comments or suggestions on its usability then please email us at myharlow@harlow.gov.uk.
You can submit a planning application online using the Planning Portal.
When creating an application on the portal, you need to fill in details about your application and, where needed, upload supporting documents.
The portal will guide you through this process, including creating a location plan for your application by using the portal’s dedicated mapping tool. Paper forms are available on the portal.
You must ensure plans and drawings show both the existing situation and what is proposed by your application. They must also be at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100, use metric measurements and include:
- title and drawing number (including revision number)
- north arrow
- scale (including the paper size the scale applies to)
- scale bar
You must provide a site plan (also known as a block plan) which shows:
- your proposal in relation to your site’s boundaries (shown in red) and other existing buildings on site
- dimensions of existing and proposed buildings, including dimensions between buildings and the site boundaries
- the following, unless they would not influence or be affected by the proposed development:
- all buildings, roads and footpaths on land adjoining the site including access arrangements
- all public rights of way crossing or adjoining the site
- trees on the site and on adjacent land
- extent and type of hard surfacing
- boundary treatment including walls or fencing
If your proposal changes the layout of any floors or creates additional floors in your house, you must provide floor plans for each affected floor. For example expanding existing floors , creating additional floors through a loft conversion or adding more rooms to certain floors.
These need to show the all of the rooms on that floor and their use, and other features such as walls, windows and doors.
If your proposal will change the appearance, shape or position of your roof, you must provide roof plans which show all features of the roof, including any windows, roof lights, valleys and chimneys.
For each external elevation of your house that will be changed by your proposal, you must provide elevation drawings which show:
- fittings such as doors or windows
- dimensions
- any additional features
For houses on large slopes, or for proposals where there is a change in ground level such as creating steps, you must provide section drawings and a site levels plan which must show:
- a cut through of the key new parts of the development such as stairs
- how the proposed works relate to neighbouring buildings and plots
- floor levels of the building
You must provide details about external materials, as advised on the Planning Portal.
In addition, for applications involving listed buildings, locally listed buildings, or in conservation areas, you must submit a materials statement which details:
- why the materials are appropriate
- how they relate to the character of the area
- what efforts have been made to match or complement existing materials
You must provide details about trees and hedges, as advised on the Planning Portal.
In addition, you must submit a supporting trees and hedges report which details:
- the species of the trees and hedges on site
- any effect of the proposal on biodiversity related to affected trees and hedges
- operations that could pose threats to the trees and hedges during construction works or arising from the completed development
- how the trees and hedges will be protected
- the locations (on a scaled plan) of any new trees and hedges
You may need the assistance of a qualified arboriculturist.
You must provide details about the risk of flooding, as advised on the Planning Portal. In addition, if your proposal includes a domestic extension within flood zones 2 or 3, you must provide a flood risk assessment which details:
- whether the land is in flood zone 2 or 3
- whether the land is in a critical drainage area (and if so, which one)
- whether the proposal increases flood risk (and if so, how)
- where relevant, how increased flood risk will be mitigated against and prevented
Flood zone information for a property can be found on GOV.UK.
Critical drainage information for a property can be found on the Essex County Council website.
For proposals within conservation areas or involving listed buildings or locally listed buildings, you must provide a heritage statement which details:
- how your proposal complements or mitigates any harm towards the historic character and architectural interest of affected buildings or their setting
- the significance of the heritage assets affected, the contribution of the settings to that significance and the impact of the proposal on the significance (the amount of detail must be proportionate to the importance of the asset)
The amount of detail provided should be proportionate to the importance of the asset. The extent of the proposal’s impact on the significance of any heritage assets affected must be adequately understood from the application and supporting documents. Photographs may be helpful in support of applications affecting conservation areas and listed buildings.
For proposals within conservation areas, you must provide a planning statement which details how you have considered any relevant character appraisals and accorded with any relevant management plans.
A planning statement identifies the context and need for a proposed development and includes an assessment of how the proposed development accords with relevant national, regional and local planning policies. The level of detail should be proportionate to the development proposal.