Update to Planning Local Validation Requirements

Wealden District Council would like to inform you of recent updates to the Planning Local Validation Requirements, which will apply to all planning applications submitted on or after 1 October 2025.

Since 2008 local planning authorities have been required to publish a list of information they require to “validate” the planning applications they receive. This is known as the local list which has 2 components:

• National requirements: This includes 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. Following a public consultation earlier this year, the proposed amendments have now been approved, and the updated list is available online.

The amendments are as follow:

• Biodiversity Net Gain – National and Local Validation Requirements have been added to reflect the latest legislative and policy updates.

• Fire Statement Form – Now included as a National Validation Requirement to support fire safety considerations in relevant applications.

• Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) – Updated to incorporate the SuDS Decision Support Tool, which provides guidance for small-scale developments.

• Application Type Checklists – Previously listed validation checklists by application type have been removed to streamline the process.

You can view the updated Local Validation List and further details here: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/application-forms/