On Tuesday 27 January 2026, Cabinet approved the adoption and publication of National and Local Validation List Requirements. This guidance will provide clarity to applicants at the beginning of the planning process by ensuring that all the information needed to assess an application is provided up front – and decisions can be made more quickly.
At present, a significant number of planning applications are refused or withdrawn late due to insufficient information. The publication of the National and Local Validation Requirements will make it clearer to applicants what additional is required to assess and determine an application – such as bat surveys, biodiversity assessments and flood risk assessments.
The publication of this guidance forms part of broader work to improve and transform the council’s planning service - aiming to streamline the planning process – ensuring the planning process is transparent, measurable and streamlined.
The Local Validation List will be implemented within the Royal Borough from 24 February 2026. The requirements have been drafted following a public consultation with residents and businesses with improvements made to accessibility and clarity of the guidance following public feedback.
Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Planning & Governance, Cllr Adam Bermange, said: “Adopting these validation requirements is a key milestone in our wider work to modernise and strengthen the planning service. Clearer guidance at the outset means applicants will know exactly what is needed, reducing avoidable delays and helping us make well informed decisions more quickly.
“This will support better outcomes for residents, businesses and our environment by ensuring applications are complete, consistent and aligned with national and local expectations.”
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