Application forms and validation checklists

The Council works in partnership with the Planning Portal to provide a facility for the online completion of planning applications. The system allows planning applications to be completed online, for the relevant plans to be attached, the fee paid electronically and then for the whole package to be lodged without the need for document and plan printing by the applicant. The Planning Portal website provides detailed information about preparing and then submitting your application. If you would like to submit your application electronically, you can apply online via the button below.

Apply online

Advice on paper applications

Please read the following advice before you apply:

Application forms

If you are not able to submit your planning application electronically, you may download the appropriate form from the list below. Please read our Privacy Notice before submitting your form to us. In addition to the application forms, you will also find the relevant help files and validation checklists for each type of application. Please note that the Council may not be able to register your application if it is not accompanied by the items on the checklist. If you are unsure of the requirements, please call 01727 866100 and ask for Technical Support (Planning).

Please do provide us with your email address if you have one. This will enable us to contact you speedily if we need to throughout the application process. Your personal email address will not be published on the website.

Fees for Planning Applications

Please see our web page Fees for Planning Applications. These fees apply from 17 January 2018 onwards. You can Pay Online. Please ensure you enter the correct site address for reference. Alternatively you can send us a cheque made payable to St Albans District Council. Please note that there is no VAT payable on fees for planning applications.

Validation checklists

Different types and scale of application require different levels of information and supporting documentation. The Council has therefore produced a validation checklist tailored to each different type of application. The requirements specified by Local Planning Authorities comprise a national core list and additional items specified locally.

It is important that you supply all the information required or the Council will not be able to validate your application. Where an application is not accompanied by information required by the planning authority, applicants should provide a written justification with the application as to why it is not appropriate in the particular circumstances. If you have any questions regarding requirements in the validation checklist for your application, please call 01727 866100 and ask for Technical Support (Planning).

From 1 September 2020, if an application is made that fails to meet our validation requirements, an invalid application charge will be made. If the information required to make the application valid is not received within 14 days of a written request for further information, we will dispose of the application. We will also deduct a charge of £25 for householders, £75 for minor/other applications and £175 for major applications from the planning fee submitted before returning the balance.

Please note that the information supplied, including Planning Statements or Design and Access Statements, will be published on our website (with any signatures and personal telephone and email details redacted) as part of the Council’s planning register. Our processes are electronic, therefore hard copies of plans and reports are not kept for the lifetime of the application. If documents submitted are originals and you wish for them to be returned, please ensure a covering letter is supplied on submission of the documents to clearly state this.

If you include any sensitive personal data e.g. medical information or health details, details about your children, education details where a name identifies the child, details of any criminal convictions, in your statement or accompanying documents, this information WILL appear on the website. By submitting a statement with that sensitive personal data in it, you are giving CONSENT for this information to go into the public domain.

However, if you need to supply such information in support of your application, and you wish it to remain confidential, this should be supplied in a separate document clearly marked confidential, which we can withhold from publication.

For each application type the following information can be download below:

• Application form

• Help file (for guidance on filling in the form)

• Validation Checklist (for plans and additional information required by the Local Planning Authority)

Applications for Planning Permission, Listed Building Consent and Advertisement Consent

Householder Application for Planning Permission for works or extension to a dwelling (including applications within Conservation Areas). PLEASE NOTE: If the dwelling is a flat or maisonette, you will need the form for Planning Permission

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Householder

Application for listed building consent for alterations, extension or demolition of a listed building

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Listed Building Consent

Householder Application for Planning Permission for works or extension to a dwelling and listed building consent

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Householder and Listed Building Consent

Application for Planning Permission

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Full planning permission (minor)
• Validation Checklist - Full planning permission (major)
• Surface Water Drainage Statement (for major applications)

Application for Outline Planning Permission with some matters reserved

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Outline planning permission some matters reserved

Application for Outline Planning Permission with all matters reserved

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Outline planning permission all matters reserved

Application for approval of reserved matters following outline approval

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Approval of Reserved Matters

Application for planning permission for relevant demolition in a conservation area

• Application form
• Application help file
• When Planning Permission is Required for Demolition in a Conservation Area

Application for consent to display an advertisement(s)

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Advertisement Consent

Application for Planning Permission and listed building consent for alterations, extension or demolition of a listed building

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Full Planning Application and Listed Building Consent

Application for Planning Permission and consent to display advertisement(s)

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Planning Permission and Advertising Consent

Post-permission applications

Application for approval of details reserved by condition

• Application form
• Application help list 
• Validation Checklist - Approval of details reserved by condition

Application for removal or variation of a condition following grant of planning permission

• Application form
• Application help list
• Validation Checklist - Variation or Removal of Condition

Application for a non-material amendment following a grant of planning permission

• Application form
• Application help list
• Validation Checklist - Non-material amendment

Application to modify or discharge a Section 106 obligation

If you are proposing to modify or discharge an obligation of a legal agreement made under Section 106 of The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), you are required to submit an application with supporting evidence. Please complete the below form and email it to Planning.Applications@stalbans.gov.uk. The application will be reviewed by the Council and you will be notified if any additional information is required.  The Council will provide you with a decision on the application as soon as reasonably possible after all necessary information is received. 

• Application form

Prior Notification applications

Larger Home Extensions

• Application form

• Application help file

• Validation Checklist - Larger Home Extension

Application for prior notification of agricultural or forestry development – proposed building

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Prior Notification for Agricultural Building

Application for prior notification of proposed demolition

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Prior Notification for Demolition

Application for prior notification of proposed development by telecommunications code system operators

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Prior Notification for Telecoms

Other prior notification applications

• Please see the Planning Portal for application forms

Certificates of Lawfulness

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for an Existing use or operation or activity including those in breach of a planning condition:

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Lawful Development Certificate Existing

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed use or development:

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Lawful Development Certificate Proposed

Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works to a listed building:

• Application form
• Application help list
• Validation Checklist - Lawful Development Certificate for proposed works to a Listed Building

Trees and hedgerows

Application for tree works: works to trees subject to a preservation order (TPO)and or notification of proposed works to trees in conservation areas (CA):

• Application form
• Application help list
• Validation Checklist - Tree Works

Application for hedgerow removal notice:

• Application form
• Application help file
• Validation Checklist - Hedgerow Removal Notice