Before you start
Our validation checklist tells you what we need to register your application. It will help you to make sure you give us all the information we need.
If:
- the application form is not completed correctly
- any necessary application fee is not paid
- you do not supply sufficiently detailed plans or other supporting information
we will not be able to register your application. We will check your application and let you know if we need anything to make it valid.
If we do not hear back from you within 21 days of contacting you, your application will be closed, and application fee paid will be refunded, this will not include the Planning Portal service charge. You will need to reapply and make a new application.
Before you submit you should
- check the validation checklist adopted 1 October 2022, V14 updated 2 April 2024
- view the current application list requirement matrix
- use the fee calculator on the planning portal to work out what it will cost (in most, but not all cases there is a fee). Please also note, planning fees are due to increase from 6 December 2023, for more information read a letter about the planning fees increase (14 November 2023) at publishing.service.gov.uk
- view our guidance on amendments to planning applications
There are a range of constraints that may need to be considered when developing in Dorset. DorsetExplorer provides an overview of the information that can be a helpful start
For Householder and Listed Building applications only, consider using validation advice surgery. This is a pre bookable service which provides a 30 minute virtual or telephone appointment with an experienced planning technical support officer. This service costs £100 (inc. VAT). Please choose validation advice when submitting your pre application request. You will need to provide a location plan with the site clearly outlined in red
You should also:
- You should also complete a biodiversity checklist to find out what Ecological information you need to include with your application. See Biodiversity web pages to find out more information.
- for development proposals within the catchments of internationally protected habitats sites. See our Nutrient Neutrality page.
- for applications in northern Dorset view the:
- information on Phosphates on the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site
- Somerset West and Taunton Council, Natural England and the Environment Agency advice note. Considering Package Treatment Plants and Septic Tanks as part of nutrients mitigation in Somerset
- if your application relates to a use of land or building being carried out as "permitted development" view our advice note. It explains the requirements of Regulations 75 to 77 of the Conservation of Habitats Regulations 2017
- planning for climate change, the requirement to submit the sustainability checklist and any necessary statement has come into effect from 15 January 2024. Before completing the check list please read the guidance on our planning for climate change page.
Biodiversity net gain
From 12 February 2024 the delivery of minimum 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) will become a mandatory requirement under the Environment Act for most major planning applications and from the 2 April 2024 this requirement will include small sites. Full validation requirements for BNG are set out in our validation checklist. If BNG applies to your proposal the local list requirement includes the need to submit a BNG statement with your application at validation. Read more about biodiversity net gain.
We have produced a Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance Note for Applicants and Agents which summarises the background to biodiversity net gain and how it should be delivered. The document will be updated regularly as further government guidance on BNG is produced.
Documentation submitted
Copying or using electronic versions or paper copies of the plans or drawings and information without permission of the plan drawer/architect is likely to be a copyright infringement. Protected under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 (Section 47, 1988 Act). Please make sure that you have the permission to use any plans or drawings before submitting them as part of your application. The council is unable to accept drawings when there appears to be a copyright infringement, and this may result in a delay in registering your application.
We will publish documentation submitted in support of an application on our website to facilitate the planning process. This will include applicant name and address and, where an agent is acting, the name and address of that agent. For more information about how we process personal data, please see our privacy notice.
We will redact personal data in accordance with our data protection policies. If you are providing information that is confidential, reference this in the file name or mark it clearly for our attention.
We will contact you if confidentiality would affect the transparency of the planning process. For example certain viability information.