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Planning application checklist
We’re committed to helping our customers get a timely planning decision that benefits the city. To help achieve this, we want to make sure that planning applications are supported by the right information at the start of the process.
Having all the relevant information from the outset enables us to assess applications properly. If supporting information is missing, it can lead to delays or could even result in refusal of your application.
Our Application Checklist advises customers on what information they need to provide with their planning application.
Application Checklist – phase three of new information requirements
From 1 September 2021, we apply the application checklist to the following planning applications:
- all applications for Major development
- all applications for Local development except the following:
- Householder applications (e.g. domestic extensions, conservatories, garages, outbuildings and satellite dishes)
- Advertisement Consent applications
We have also introduced new information requirements in relation to outline planning applications, employability and skills, Section 76 planning agreements, telecommunications proposals and structural surveys. In addition, we have improved the existing guidance for Air Quality Assessments, Construction Environmental Management Plans, Contaminated Land Reports, Lighting Assessments, Noise and Vibration Impact Assessments and Odour Impact Assessments.
You can find links to our application checklist on this page. If you would like a PDF copy please email planning@belfastcity.gov.uk.
Application Checklist
Our guide to the planning application process provides guidance on the information that you need to submit with your planning application.
- Appendix 1 – Information Checklist
- Appendix 2 – Basic requirements
- Appendix 3 – Other supporting information
The information will fall into one of the two categories:
- Basic requirements
This information is required by law and we cannot process your application without it. - Other supporting information
Additional information we need to fully assess your application, which will give you a better chance of getting permission.
Information checklist
Our Information Checklist is a useful tool to help you identify what information you need to provide with your application. We ask that you complete it in all cases and submit it with your application as missing information can lead to delays or could even result in refusal of your application.
You can cross reference with our basic requirements (Appendix 2) and other supporting information (Appendix 3) to help you.
Read the information checklist (Appendix 1)
Basic requirements
Planning legislation sets out the minimum information that you must submit when making a planning application (see Appendix 2).
Without this information, your application is not valid and we cannot legally deal with it.
The following table provides a summary of the types of basic information that may be required with your application.
| Basic requirements (Appendix 2) |
|---|
| Application form (link opens in new window) |
| Outline applications – confirmation of reserved matters (outline applications only) |
| Ownership certificate |
| Site location plan |
| Plans and drawings |
| Pre-application Community Consultation Report |
| Design and Access Statement |
| Fee |
In most cases you will need to use a standard application form, available on the Planning Portal (link opens in a new window) to submit your application.
Basic requirements (Appendix 2) of the Application Checklist provides detailed guidance on what basic information you will need to submit. This includes a description of each of the basic requirements and which are needed by type of application.
Read the basic requirements (Appendix 2)
If the basic information is missing when you submit your application, we will write to tell you. Please note that we cannot deal with your application until the basic information is provided.
Other supporting information (applications before 1 September 2021)
In addition to the basic requirements, we often require other supporting information to fully assess planning applications.
The level of supporting information will depend on the specific circumstances of the proposal including its scale, use and location.
The following table lists the types of other supporting information you may need to provide with your application.
| Other supporting information | |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Impact Assessment | Lighting Assessment |
| Archaeological Assessment | Market Testing Report |
| Archaeological Field Evaluation | Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment |
| Biodiversity Checklist | Odour Abatement Strategy |
| Biodiversity Survey | Parking Strategy |
| Concept Statement or Concept Masterplan | Phasing Plan |
| Construction Environmental Management Plan | Planning Agreement (Heads of Terms for) |
| Contamination Land Report | Planning Statement |
| Contextual Design Information | Retail Impact Assessment |
| Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing Assessment | Sequential Test (Main Town Centre Uses) |
| Demolition Justification Report | Structural Survey |
| Drainage Assessment | Student Accommodation Need Statement |
| Economic Statement | Telecommunications Supporting Statement |
| Employability and Skills Profile | Transport Assessment |
| Environmental Statement (EIA) | Travel Plan |
| Event Management Plan | Tree Survey |
| Flood Risk Assessment | Viability Appraisal |
| Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment | Waste Management Plan |
Other supporting information (Appendix 3) of the Application Checklist provides detailed guidance on what is required and when.
Read other supporting information (Appendix 3)
We will take a proportionate approach to requests for other supporting information. We will only ask for it where it is reasonable and necessary to enable us to assess your application.
If we believe any information in the table is necessary and you have not provided it with the application, we will write to you and ask you to submit it within 14 days.
If you are unable to provide the information in time, we will arrange for the application to be returned (including the fee) so that you can submit it again when all the information we need is ready.
If you choose to ask for your application to be decided without the necessary information, then there is a risk that it will be refused and we will not return your fee.
Pre-Application Discussions
We offer a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) service so you can discuss your proposals with a planning officer before submitting a planning application. This helps to identity any issues at an early stage. As part of this process, you can clarify what information you need to submit with your application.
Find out more about our Pre-Application Discussion service
How do I submit an application?
You can submit applications using the Planning Portal.
Go to Planning Portal (link opens in new window)
You can also post planning applications to Belfast Planning Service, Ground Floor, Cecil Ward Building, 4-10 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BP. However, please be aware that postal applications are taking longer to process.
Learn more about submitting an application
Amended plans and supporting information
If you are submitting amended plans and supporting information, please explain in a covering letter what the changes are and why you are making them.
We recommend you label the drawing with a revision number (for example, Revision A, B, C, D, and so on) and include a revision schedule on the drawing that shows:
- the revision number
- description of the change, and
- the date it was made.
Feedback
We are very keen to hear your feedback on our Application Checklist. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by contacting planning@belfastcity.gov.uk or writing to us at the following address:
Belfast Planning Service
Ground Floor
Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP
Planning application process
For further guidance on how we deal with planning applications please see our guide to processing planning applications.