You will need to send a planning statement with your planning application for many types of proposed development.
The information below provides further details about:
- when a planning statement is required
- what information this document should include
- how to submit it to us
- where further information can be found.
When is a planning statement required?
A planning statement should be sent with applications for:
What information should be included in a planning statement?
The information that should be included in a planning statement depends on:
- the nature of the proposed development
- the type of application that will be submitted.
All major developments
For all major developments, planning statements should include the following information:
- an explanation of the principles behind (and justification for) the proposed development
- an explanation of how the proposed development fits with the policies and supplementary planning documentation. This is as outlined in our Local Development Framework
- details of any pre-application consultation activities that have been undertaken
back to top
Developments that involve carrying out work on a listed building
For these developments, planning statements should include the following information:
- an explanation of the principles behind (and justification for) the proposed development
- an explanation of how the proposed development fits with the policies and supplementary planning documentation. This is as outlined in our Local Development Framework
- details of any pre-application consultation activities that have been undertaken
back to top
Developments that involve a change of use from commercial to a residential property
For these developments, planning statements should include the following information:
- evidence that there is no demand to use the property for an alternative business use
- evidence that alternative uses and layouts have been considered
- evidence that the property has been marketed at a realistic price for a period of at least two years
back to top
Developments that involve the operation of a mini-cab office
For these developments, planning statements should include the following information:
- details of whether drivers are remote or office based.
- where remote based, information should be provided about how drivers are contacted
- where office based, information should be provided stating how many mini-cabs will be operating
back to top
Developments that involve the operation of a place of worship or community facility
For these developments, planning statements should include the following information:
- a list of activities that will be carried out and the likely number of people that will attend
- for example, services of worship, clubs or meetings
back to top
Lawful Development Certificates
For applications for Lawful Development Certificates, planning statements should include the following information:
- one or more sworn statements from a person with personal knowledge of the existing use or works carried out. These should relate specifically to the areas shown on any floor plans
- records such as:
- rent books
- evidence of Council tax and utility bills being paid
- builders receipts for works
- bank details
- advertisements relating to a business
- invoices, tax returns and dated photographs
back to top
Alterations to previously approved applications
For these alterations, planning statements should include:
- a description of how the proposed alteration differs from what has previously been approved. This can be provided in the format of a schedule.
- justification of why the alteration is required, for example, to extend the opening hours of a restaurant.
Examples are variation of a condition or a minor material or non-material amendment.
back to top
How do I submit a planning statement?
If you apply for planning permission online using the Planning Portal, you can upload your planning statement. This is after you have completed the relevant application forms.
Before uploading any files, please read our guidance notes for submitting electronic files with planning applications (PDF).
If you choose to submit a paper-based application instead, you will need to provide:
- four copies of your planning statement
- along with four copies of the relevant application forms.
Where can I find out further information?
For further information on preparing and submitting a planning statement, please contact the duty planner
