Wealden District Council would like to inform you of recent updates to the Planning Local Validation Requirements, which will apply to all planning applications submitted on or after 1 October 2025.

Since 2008 local planning authorities have been required to publish a list of information they require to “validate” the planning applications they receive. This is known as the local list which has 2 components:

• National requirements: This includes the application form, fee, and certificates.

• Specific local validation requirements: Known as the “local list”.

The Government requires local planning authorities to review the “local list” every 2 years. Following a public consultation earlier this year, the proposed amendments have now been approved, and the updated list is available online.

The amendments are as follow:

• Biodiversity Net Gain – National and Local Validation Requirements have been added to reflect the latest legislative and policy updates.

• Fire Statement Form – Now included as a National Validation Requirement to support fire safety considerations in relevant applications.

• Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) – Updated to incorporate the SuDS Decision Support Tool, which provides guidance for small-scale developments.

• Application Type Checklists – Previously listed validation checklists by application type have been removed to streamline the process.

You can view the updated Local Validation List and further details here: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/application-forms/