Local planning authorities are required to publish a list of their information requirements for applications which should be proportionate to the nature and scale of development proposals and reviewed every two years.
The Local Requirements List was approved and came into effect on Monday 12th December 2022. Some minor corrective updates, mainly to links providing further information, were made on 3.4.2023.
A consultation is running for for six weeks from 28 October to 9 December 2024 for changes to the Local Requirements List.
The full version of the Local List Consultation 2024 can be found here:
Local List Consultation 28 October - 9 December 2024
(Note: minor revision introduced relating to BNG and self build exemptions [page 9])
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Introducing a new requirement for the submission of documents relating to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) (see pages 8, 9 and 10).
Why are we asking for this?
Biodiversity Net Gain became mandatory from 12 February 2024 under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021). Developers must deliver a BNG of 10%.
Havant Borough Council are seeking to regularise the provision of documents relating to BNG, particularly regarding the need to provide evidence to support exemptions, including Householder and De Minimis exemptions.
Biodiversity/Ecological Assessment
Introducing a new requirement for the submission of a Biodiversity Checklist with all applications (see pages 7 and 8), and updating the guidance for ecological assessments.
Why are we asking for this?
The Biodiversity Checklists are there as an initial due diligence check and should result in the appointment of an ecologist where further work is flagged.
Block/Site plans - dimensions
Formerly optional, the requirement to provide written dimensions to boundaries is now required.
Why are we asking for this?
Written dimensions are required to assist with the understanding of the development and its relationship to neighbouring properties.
Interested parties are largely using online services to access plans and documents and a visual aid to changes within the site, including distances to the boundaries, has become of greater importance to the public.
If you wish to comment on the consultation, please email us at planning.development@havant.gov.uk with the subject reference Local List Consultation 2024.
The Local Information Requirements document above highlights the submission requirements that apply to planning applications.
It is worth highlighting that a few key issues emerge repeatedly as potential showstoppers to development, if not addressed correctly. Some of these are matters of law, others are matters of strict national and local policy.
Applicants are advised to engage with these matters early on in developing their scheme before an application is made.
Further guidance on these matters is set out at: