The timetable for the rollout of a standard planning application form for use across all English planning authorities has been announced by the Department of Communities & Local Government (DCLG).
From October 2007, the National Standard Planning Application Form (1APP) will become the only official method of submitting a planning application for most types of consent (except for Minerals consent and building control applications) for all Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) in England.
1APP is a key part in DCLG's commitment to make the planning system simpler, faster and easier to use. As well as speeding up the planning process, the introduction of the Standard Application Form will also enable planning services to be provided online and give applicants certainty about the information they need to provide
At present each LPA produces its own planning application forms which differ in style, content and the information which is required. This inconsistency can lead to confusion for planning professionals and citizens.
The phased implementation between February 2007 and September 2007 will help to ensure that the migration to 1APP is achieved smoothly, while a secure test platform will allow LPAs to:
* Trial the new application service
* Identify how the new form differs from current online and paper-based forms
* Clarify the business processes required to implement the change
To help LPAs promote the new service to local planning agents, the Planning Portal will be introducing the new Standard Planning Application Form at regional workshops across the country.
In addition, copies of the migration toolkit for the Standard Planning Application Project will be distributed to LPAs across England shortly. The notes provide authorities with a clear plan to facilitate the step change from the current Planning Portal application service to 1APP.
