About planning applications

Most planning applications can be submitted online at the Planning Portal, and your application may be validated more quickly if received in this way.

Essential documents for planning applicants

Make sure you have complied with national and local requirements before submitting your application.

You can also download the application forms, the accompanying form guidance notes and our local planning application requirements checklists for the type of application.

*Carbon dioxide emissions and zero carbon standards.

Major schemes

Every major development proposal should be accompanied by an energy assessment demonstrating how the targets for carbon dioxide emissions reduction will be met within the framework of the energy hierarchy. Zero carbon standards apply to all new major development in line with London Plan (2021) Policy SI2. This means that at least 35% of regulated CO2 emission reductions (against a Building Regulations Part L (2021) baseline) must be achieved on-site, with the remaining emissions, up to 100%, to be offset through a contribution to the Council's Carbon Offset Fund.

The price for offsetting carbon is regularly reviewed and changes to the GLA's suggested carbon offset price will be updated in future guidance. A nationally recognised non-traded price of £95/tonne has been tested as part of the viability assessment for the London Plan, which this borough will use to collect offset payments.

Minor new residential schemes

All new residential schemes are required to submit an Energy Assessment. Smaller residential schemes (below 10 units) must achieve a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions (regulated) against a Building Regulations Part L (2021) baseline. If this is not technically feasible and therefore cannot be achieved using on-site measures, then applicants will need to demonstrate in the Energy Statement why it cannot be met onsite. Any justifiable shortfall in on-site reductions will need to be met through a cash-in-lieu contribution to the Council's Carbon Offset Fund.

These requirements are in accordance with LP10 of the new Local Plan and the latest GLA Energy Planning Guidance (2022). All applications should follow this guidance and use the 2022 Carbon Emissions Reporting Spreadsheet.

Application types

Select the relevant application type from the list below: