Provide a written description of the proposed development, and provide contact details for the developer. This must include a postal address, email address and phone number.
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Planning checklists - prior approval application
The government automatically grants planning permission for some types of development. These works are known as ‘permitted development’.
The government automatically grants planning permission for some types of development. In this case you do not need to submit a planning application.
These works are known as ‘permitted development’.
Even if they don’t need full planning permission, some types of permitted development still need prior approval from us before you begin the works.
There are different types of prior approval applications. The checklist below includes the standard requirements. But, you should seek advice or check The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. Make sure you have sent all the details needed by law for the type of prior approval works you are applying for.
Submit all the details necessary for us to decide if your proposal counts as permitted development. This includes any:
- plans
- drawings
- other supporting information
Prior approval applications: what must be included
Description of the proposed development and the developer's contact details
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) additional questions form
The CIL is a charge on development set by us. We use the money to deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in Southwark. You must submit CIL information for all application types.
Make sure you:
- complete and submit the CIL additional information requirement form 1
- complete and submit all other CIL related requirements if relevant
- include colour-coded plans and additional CIL forms if relevant, which are listed in our further guidance on what to submit for CIL
Refer to the Planning Portal guidance on what CIL forms to submit.
Location plan
Submit a plan of the site showing the application site and its surrounding area.
Make sure you:
- scale plans at 1:1,250 or 1:2,500 and include a scale bar on each plan, on A4 or A3 paper size
- use an up-to-date base map
- show roads or buildings on land adjoining the application site (labelling at least 2 roads)
- outline the application site clearly in red: this must include all land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings
- outline any additional land under the ownership of the applicant in blue if it immediately adjoins the proposed area
Site plan
Submit a site plan showing the development, its boundaries and on-site buildings.
Make sure you:
- scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 and include a scale bar on each plan, on A4 or A3 paper size
- include an arrow to show the direction of north
- clearly label and number all immediately adjoining buildings and all main roads surrounding the site
- outline in red the property and all land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings
- outline in blue any other land within your control that is close to or adjoining the application site
Prior approval applications: what may be needed
Fire safety strategy (new dwelling houses)
Submit a fire safety strategy if you are building:
- new houses on detached blocks of flats
- new houses on detached buildings in a commercial or mixed-use
- on existing building that is 18m or more in height
Check guidance by the Greater London Authority on the requirements of a fire safety strategy. Your strategy should include:
- name and title of who wrote and approved the planning application's fire safety information, with a statement describing their competence, qualifications and experience
- information under each part of London Plan Policy D12 (A); this should be specific and relevant to the proposed development
- the relevant safety design codes and standards and how these make sure the proposed development achieves the highest standards of fire safety proportionate to the size and nature of the development
ICNIRP certificate (telecommunications development)
The ICNIRP guidelines are a set of international recognised radiation levels. They are used as the maximum recommended levels of radiation for base stations. We need this certificate to ensure that these levels have been met.
Supporting documents (larger homes extensions)
If you are building a house extension, you must send us:
- photographs showing the development site and its relationship with neighbouring properties
- drawings showing the proposed floor plans, elevations and roof plan
- details of how you intend to reduce the impact your building will have on your neighbours (air quality, noise, light)
- details of actions to reduce disturbance due to substantial excavation or demolition works, construction works, and prevent damage to trees
Supporting documents (demolition)
If you are demolishing a building you must also send us:
- a demolition method statement
- photographs of the existing building
Tree survey (for works that impact trees)
Submit a tree survey or arboricultural impacts assessment for applications:
- involving the pruning or removal of existing trees
- where a tree is on or close to where you are developing
- where you are excavating the foundations of a building and a tree is close by
- where you are installing service utility runs close to trees
You'll need to appraise the quality of existing trees on the site. You also need to identify protection measures during construction. Read more about how we protect trees in Southwark.
The assessment must be prepared by a named project arboricultural consultant, and it should:
- provide tree retention and removal plans
- identify root protection areas on proposed layout plans
ensure the assessment complies with the British Standards BS5837, BS3998 and BS8545, and Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) guidance.