What is the Local Validation List?
The adopted Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List sets out all the information that Ipswich Borough Council require to be submitted prior to a planning application being validated. The Local Validation List comprises a list of documents and guidance that explains when each document is required to ensure that planning applications and other applications are supported by sufficient detailed information.
The checklist is divided into two sections, which are the national validation requirements and the local validation requirements:
- The national requirements are set by Government and are consistent across all local planning authorities in England
- The local requirements (or ‘local validation list’) must be prepared by each local planning authority and should be tailored to reflect the material planning considerations that are relevant for that area
The level of information required varies depending on the nature and scale of a development proposal.
If you intend to apply for planning permission or other consents, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Local Validation List to ensure that your application contain all the information required. If any of the required information is missing from an application it will not be validated.
Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List (Adopted January 2026) (PDF)
Public Consultation
The Council undertook a public consultation on the draft Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List between 18 August 2025 and 15 September 2025.
The comments the Council received are reproduced in the Consultation Statement together with the officer's response indicating how the points raised have been addressed.
Adoption documents
The Local Validation List and supporting documents are available to view below:
- Notice of Adoption of the Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List 26 March 2026 (PDF)
- Representations on the Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List and the Council’s Response (PDF)
- Equality Impact Assessment of the Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List (PDF)
- Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Statement (under Regulation 9 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004) for the Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List (PDF)
- Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report for the Ipswich Borough Council Local Validation List (PDF)
The documents listed above are also available for inspection at the following locations:
- Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX (Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm);
- Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich (Mon, Weds, Thurs 9am to 6pm; Tues, Fri 9am to 7pm; Saturdays 8.30am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm); and
- Grafton House Reception, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich (Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5pm) – by appointment only (see arrangements below).
To view the documents at Grafton House please call 01473 432019 or email planningpolicy@ipswich.gov.uk to arrange viewing.
Validation Process
On receipt of an application, the Council will firstly check the application to determine whether it’s complete.
A valid application comprises:
- Information requested on the standard Application Form;
- Mandatory national information requirements, including a Design and Access Statement if one is required; and
- Information specified on the Local Validation List.
Once an application has been received, accompanied by all the necessary information, it will normally be validated within two working days. Notification will be given to the applicant in writing. The Council will then start the determination process.
Once an application has been received the application is given an application number. Once the application has been validated it will be placed on the planning register.
Normally, most minor and small-scale applications should be validated within three to five working days from the date of receipt. Major applications should be validated within ten working days.
Invalid applications
If an application is deemed invalid, the Council will notify the applicant of their reasons in writing.
Application Types
The table below sets out documents that could be required to validate your planning application. Not all the items listed under an application heading will apply in every case. The adopted Local Validation List includes guidance which sets out the circumstances in which you will need to submit specific information.
Local Validation List
Full Planning Permission (Major)
Full Planning Permission (Minor)
Householder Planning Consent
Householder Planning Consent in a Conservation Area
Listed Building Consent
| Item | Validation Requirement |
| Application Form (PDF) | Required |
| Ownership Certificates (A, B, C or D as applicable) & Agricultural Land Declaration (PDF) | Required |
| Location Plan (PDF) | Required |
| Design and Access Statement (PDF) | Required |
| Block Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Elevation Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Floor Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Roof Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Site Sections (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Street Scene (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Joinery Details (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Archaeological Assessment / Desk Based Assessment (PDF) | May be required |
| Heritage Statement (PDF) | Required |
| Lighting Assessment (PDF) | May be required |
| Structural Survey and Method Statement (PDF) | May be required |
Lawful Development Certificate
| Item | Validation Requirement |
| Application Form (PDF) | Required |
| Ownership Certificates (A, B, C or D as applicable) & Agricultural Land Declaration (PDF) | Required |
| Application Fee (PDF) | Required |
| Location Plan (PDF) | Required |
| Block Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Elevation Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Floor Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Roof Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
Prior Approval
| Item | Validation Requirement |
| Application Form (PDF) | Required |
| Ownership Certificates (A, B, C or D as applicable) & Agricultural Land Declaration (PDF) | Required |
| Application Fee (PDF) |
Required |
| Location Plan (PDF) | Required |
| Block Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Elevation Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Floor Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Roof Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Air Quality Assessment (PDF) | May be required |
| Land Contamination Assessment (PDF) | May be required |
| Noise and Vibration Assessment (PDF) | May be required |
| Sequential Test and Exception Test | May be required |
| Site Specific Flood Risk Assessment (including Exception Test) (PDF) | May be required |
| Shadow Habitats Regulation Assessment including an Appropriate Assessment (PDF) | May be required |
| Transport and Highways Reports (PDF) | May be required |
Advertisement Consent
| Item | Validation Requirement |
| Application Form (PDF) | Required |
| Application Fee (PDF) | Required |
| Location Plan (PDF) | Required |
| Block Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Elevation Plans (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | Required |
| Street Scene (Existing and Proposed) (PDF) | May be required |
| Advertisement Details (PDF) | Required |
| Heritage Statement (PDF) | May be required |
| Lighting Assessment (PDF) |
May be required |
Works to Trees within a Conservation Area / Works to Trees covered by Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
| Item | Validation Requirement |
| Application Form (PDF) | Required |
| Location Plan (PDF) | Required |
| Ecological Impact Assessment (PDF) | May be required |
| Tree Survey (Arboricultural Assessment) (PDF) | May be required |