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Before you get started
Making sure your Planning Application is Valid
Chapters in this topic
Before you get started
The Government sets out which documents must be provided with every planning application. These are known as national requirements. There are also local requirements, specific to:
- either Swale or Maidstone borough councils
- both Swale and Maidstone borough councils
Local requirements for Maidstone and Swale borough councils will be different depending on the type of planning application.
File sizes and types
When making electronic submissions, individual files should have a file size no larger than 10 megabytes (MB).
When you submit plans or documents, use the PDF (.pdf) file format. We require certain file formats for photographs too.
Photographs
For photographs, use one of the following image formats:
- JPG (.jpg)
- JPEG (.jpeg)
- TIF (.tif)
- TIFF (.tiff)
- PDF (.pdf)
Plan submissions
You should follow these guidelines when submitting plans with your application.
Please do not submit plans or documents in booklet forms.
If illustrative material is provided, please indicate clearly on a schedule of drawings, those which form part of the application and those which are illustrative.
Paper size
When submitting plans our preferred size is A1. This format provides the greatest level of readability.
As much information as is reasonably possible should be contained on the one sheet.
Titles
All drawings should be accurately titled, include:
- drawings numbers (where relevant a revision number identifying the change and date)
- scale and scale bars (to allow for measuring digitally)
Please do not say the following if the plans you have submitted are intended to be formally determined as part of your planning application:
- preliminary
- illustrative
- draft
- for information only
Scale
Please do not say 'do not scale' (unless “do not scale” is followed by “for planning purposes only”).
Correct Application Fee
All applications and associated consents will require the correct application fee to be paid.
As part of the validation process the fee will not be deemed received until it is in the authorities' bank account.
Please note the Planning Portal does not automatically calculate fees for ‘hybrid’ applications, so such applications should be accompanied by a fee calculation note.
Local requirements
The local requirements consist of two parts:
- part A requirements, which are needed for all applications
- part B, which are recommended to be submitted at application stage
If you don't included the necessary requirements with your application, a case officer may ask for them where necessary before the determination of the application. Alternatively, a case officer may refuse your application.
Part A and B requirements apply equally to Maidstone and Swale borough councils, unless stated otherwise.
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