What is 1APP?
1APP, the National Standard Planning Application Form (visit www.planningportal.gov.uk/1app) has been in use by every local authority in England since 6 April 2008. In advance of this legal obligation, Epsom and Ewell started to use the new forms on 29 February 2008.
1APP has been introduced by the Government as part of the move to streamline the planning system and supersedes all previous planning application forms (with the exception of minerals forms).
The Government has introduced a single set of standard forms for all Local Authorities in England which can not be amended. The new form provides a consistent format and set of questions, with the aim of helping to make the process of applying for planning permission more straightforward for applicants.
To ensure that you provide the information necessary for your application to be processed efficiently, different forms are provided for different types of application, these include:
| Householder applications |
Full planning permission |
| Outline planning permission, including approval of reserved matters |
Listed building consent |
| Conservation area consent |
Advertisement consent |
| Tree works (including trees protected by a TPO and trees in a conservation area) |
Certificate of lawfulness of existing and proposed use or development |
For the first time, if you need to apply for two consent types, e.g. planning permission and listed building consent, combined forms are available which include the questions for both application types. If you use one of these combined forms, even though you only have to complete one form, it will be treated as two applications and you will be advised of two application numbers, one for each type of consent.
The Planning Portal Online Applications service
Whilst you can still submit your applications on paper, there are distinct advantages to be gained by completing the form online and applying electronically. The intelligent nature of the forms means that it is quicker and easier for you to complete the forms online because it is clear which part of the forms you need to complete dependent on your earlier answers.
In addition to completing the form online, you can attach drawings and other files. The aim is to encourage new ways of working within the planning service that will support an almost paperless system.
Online application service
Planning Application Requirements
From 6 April 2008, for an application to be valid and processed by the local authority, applicants will have to submit a range of information known as Planning Application Requirements, with their form. By providing this information at the time of submission it should help reduce delays in processing applications.
Checklists indicating the information you may need to provide are also available.