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Have your say on draft changes to the Local Validation Checklist
A new consultation is now open seeking your views on the amendments to our Local Validation Checklist.
Since 2008 local planning authorities have been required to publish a list of information they require to “validate” the planning applications they receive. A validation list has 2 components:
- the national requirements, such as the application form, fee and certificates
- specific local validation requirements known as the “Local List”
The government requires local planning authorities to review the “Local List” every 2 years. In addition, there continues to be a significant number of changes to national planning legislation and policy and guidance. As a result, an updated Local Validation Checklist has been produced.
We're seeking your views on draft changes to the Local Validation Checklist during a consultation period running from 9am Monday 12 December 2025 to 5pm Monday 5 January 2025. Comments received will be considered when drafting the final version.
Summary of proposed changes
The proposed updates are summarised in the table below. Once adopted, the new Local Validation Checklist will replace the 2023 Local Validation Checklist.
Changes to the Local Validation Checklist
| Section | Proposed amendments |
|
Section 3 Design Documents |
Addition of need for Compliance Statements |
|
Section 4 Coal Mining Assessments |
Alterations to reflect change of name from Coal Authority to Mining Remediation Authority |
|
Section 6 Custom and Self Build Assessments |
Addition of need to provide information on the proforma setting out how the dwellings comply to being custom and self-build |
|
Section 7 Ecology Survey |
Addition of condition assessment sheets where necessary |
|
Section 13 Heritage Statements and Archaeological Assessments |
Addition of details on when Structural Surveys are required |
|
Section 15 Noise Assessments |
Addition of requirements for assessments for air source heat pumps |
|
Section 21 – Viability Assessments |
New addition |
|
Biodiversity Appendix |
Updates to reflect latest national guidance |
Read and comment on the changes
The revised documents below contain links to the Draft Local Validations Checklist and Biodiversity Appendix. The changes to the Draft Local Validations Checklist are shown in the document in red.
You can fill in our comments form to leave your feedback.
Comments must be received by 5pm on Monday 5 January 2026.
After we receive your feedback
Your views are welcomed and will be considered in preparing the final draft of the documents for adoption. You can read about what you can expect when we collect and process your personal information in our privacy policy. We'll produce and publish a document summarising the comments made. We will not publish your personal information.