Planning · Drawings · Process
Planning Drawings Validation Checklist for London Homes
A practical validation checklist so applications start the determination clock on the first submission — grounded in published borough requirements such as Southwark’s householder checklist.
Validation is not a formality
A planning application that is invalid is not assessed on its design merits. The statutory householder target (around eight weeks) only runs once the package is complete. Many “slow” applications are incomplete packages. This checklist covers typical London householder requirements; always confirm the borough’s live validation list for your application type.
Our fixed-fee packages
Design fees, inc. VAT — separate from the council fees above
| Package | Fixed fee |
|---|---|
| Planning Route ReviewA paid route check before drawings or applications. | £395 inc. VAT |
| Standard Planning Drawings PackageFor straightforward householder schemes. | from £1,450–£1,950 inc. VAT |
| Full Householder Planning PackageDrawings plus application preparation and submission. | from £2,250–£3,250 inc. VAT |
| Licence to Alter / Flat Refurbishment Drawing PackLeasehold flat alterations and freeholder consent drawings. | from £1,500–£2,750 inc. VAT |
| Building Regulations / Technical Drawing PackageTechnical drawings once the planning route is clear. | from £2,750–£4,950 inc. VAT |
| Listed / Conservation Planning PackHeritage-led drawings and consent strategy. | Quoted after review |
Fixed fees quoted before you commit, credited from the £395 route review if you proceed. Larger, listed or complex projects are quoted after a paid review rather than sold at a fixed price. See all packages or find your package.
Core items almost every householder package needs
Application form (householder consent for a single house; full application for flats). Correct ownership certificate (A–D as applicable) and notices where required. Correct fee. Location plan with the site edged in red (and blue for other land in the applicant’s control where relevant). Site/block plan. Existing and proposed floor plans. Existing and proposed elevations.
Southwark’s published householder checklist is a clear public example of this core set, and also lists CIL additional information forms and London Plan Policy D12 fire safety information or a Reasonable Exception form — check whether your borough requires the same.
When sections, roof plans and levels are required
Sections are commonly required when changing roof or ceiling heights, doing basements, adding roof extensions, or changing ground levels. Roof plans are needed when altering roofs, adding rooflights or outbuildings. Levels/gradient plans are needed when ground levels change relative to neighbours. Label ceiling heights on lofts and basements where headroom is tight.
Conditional documents that delay incomplete cases
Design and access statements in conservation areas (and sometimes CA edges). Heritage statements for listed buildings. Daylight and sunlight assessments where neighbour amenity is sensitive. Tree surveys where trees are affected. Archaeological assessments in archaeological priority areas or for extensive groundworks. Basement impact assessments for new or extended basements (Southwark’s checklist requires a BIA prepared by a suitably qualified engineer/geologist who is a member of a relevant professional body).
Camden basements add independent BIA audit culture; RBKC adds basement policy limits and Basements SPD evidence — see Camden vs RBKC basements.
Drawing quality that survives validation
Existing and proposed sheets must describe one building. Scales, scale bars, north arrows and written dimensions on extensions should be consistent. Descriptions of development must match the drawings. Flat-site sections on sloping plots are a common technical weakness even when forms are complete.
Use planning drawings prepared for validation, not a single proposed plan. Tools such as what drawings do I need help frame the stage before production.
Borough hubs for local process
Process packs on our Camden, Westminster, RBKC, Wandsworth, H&F and Southwark pages summarise local sequences and link official sources. Always re-check the live council checklist for your application date.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my planning application made invalid?
Do flats use householder application forms?
Do I always need section drawings?
When is a basement impact assessment required?
Are planning drawings enough to build?
What should I prepare before commissioning drawings?
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