Why it matters: The Draft Local Validation List aims to reduce delays and streamline the planning process by clearly setting out what information must be included with applications.
The Executive Committee is set to approve the consultation at its meeting today, Tuesday, 5 August. If approved, the consultation will run throughout August 2025.
The big picture: The Local Validation List is reviewed every two years and serves as a vital tool for ensuring planning applications are complete and ready for assessment by planning officers. By clearly outlining both national and local requirements, it helps reduce common issues that lead to invalid submissions.
What's new: The 2025 draft includes several key changes:
Clearer distinction between national and local validation requirements
Emphasis on accurate development descriptions to avoid delays
Guidance on correct fee payments using the Planning Portal calculator
Encouragement of best practice documentation to reduce pre-commencement conditions
The updates reflect recent changes in planning legislation, including updates to the National Planning Policy Framework published in December 2024.
What they're saying: Councillor Carole Jones, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums, said: "This consultation is an important step in maintaining a high-quality, responsive planning service. We want to ensure that our validation requirements are clear, up-to-date, and reflect the needs of our community and planning professionals."
How to get involved: The consultation will follow the council's Statement of Community Involvement 2025. People can view and comment on the draft list via the council's website. There will also be direct communication with registered consultees, hard copies available at key public locations, and notices in the local press.
What's next: Following the consultation, feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into a final version, which will be presented to the Executive and Full Council for formal adoption.
The bottom line: This consultation offers residents and stakeholders an important opportunity to help shape Ipswich's planning process and ensure the validation requirements meet community needs.
