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National Standard Application Form

What is 1APP?

The National Standard Planning Application Form, or 1APP as it is known, is the latest step in the Government’s campaign to streamline the planning system. To make life easier for applicants the Government is introducing a single set of standard forms for England. Local authorities will not be able to amend the forms.

1APP will supersede all existing planning application forms from 6th April 2008 when it will become the only method of applying for planning permission in England. The new form will provide a consistent format and set of questions and help to make the process of applying for planning permission more straightforward for applicants.

The new form will be used for most types of planning applications and will help to deliver greater transparency, consistency and efficiency in the planning system. 1APP will take in a wide variety of planning consent procedures, including:

• 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

Building Control and Minerals applications are not included in the current implementation of 1APP.

The Planning Portal Online Applications Service

There will still be an option to complete and submit paper copies of an application form but there will be distinct advantages to be gained by completing the form online and applying electronically. The intelligent nature of the forms should mean it is quicker and easier for applicants to complete the forms online because they will only be asked questions which are relevant to their application.

The new online service will use Adobe forms. Plans and drawings submitted electronically through the Portal will have the measuring facility within pdfs enabled.

The aim is to encourage new ways of working within the planning service which will support an almost paperless system.

When will it be introduced?

The standard form is being developed and implemented in partnership with the Government’s online resource, the Planning Portal. The form is being phased in across the country between now and 6th April 2008. We will be introducing 1APP from November 2007.

The National Standard Planning Application form will become the only legal method of submitting a planning and related application for all types of consent except for Minerals and Building Control.