Information in Applications

The information required in applications must be listed in a validation checklist, comprising national requirements and local requirements. This should be consulted upon. The information required should be proportionate to the size and likely emissions from the development.

Information on the proposed energy performance of a development will normally be required as part of the Design and Access Statement or Planning Statement. For larger more complex developments a separate Sustainability Statement, Energy Statement or similar, may be necessary. This should demonstrate how planning policy requirements for energy have been met, including targets for decentralised and renewable or low carbon energy.

Where planning permission is required for installation of renewable and low carbon energy technologies or supporting infrastructure, information on its design and potential impacts may also need to be supplied in the Design and Access Statement or other impact assessment .

Local authorities should review their validation checklists every three years. Minor amendments can be made in response to statutory changes or Government guidance, as long as the changes are clearly publicised through the authority’s website, paper copies and the Planning Portal. Other changes will require a new list to be consulted on and adopted.

• www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/validationplanningapplications
• www.pas.gov.uk/pas/core/page.do?pageId=94493

The local authorities in North Yorkshire have developed a joint local validation checklist. This includes a requirement for a Planning and Sustainability Statement which states that “applicants will be expected to demonstrate how their proposals are making best use of renewable energy such as solar or wind power and/or using best practical means to reduce the carbon footprint of all new buildings.”

In North Yorkshire, the list of documents required is the same for outline and full applications and approval of reserved matters, with the exception of householder applications. More detail would be expected for a major development compared to a minor application. 

Other authorities in the region also require information on energy as a specific validation requirement. Others do not mention it specifically in the checklist but may require it as part of other reports.

• www.york.gov.uk/content/45053/64848/64860/Planning_applications/Validation_requirements.pdf

Information on energy submitted with an application can include the following elements:

• Description of the overall energy strategy for the site, which can be structured according to the energy hierarchy
• A calculation of baseline energy demand and emissions
• An assessment of the feasibility of the available renewable and low carbon energy technologies
• A calculation of the potential contribution of each technology to site energy savings and emissions reductions
• Approximate costs of each feasible technology, to inform discussion about viability
• Other potential impacts of renewable and low carbon energy technologies selected  (e.g. noise, air quality)
• Long term management of energy supply on the site

Some calculator tools provide a standard format for the calculation and presentation of energy performance figures for a development.

Follow the above links for more information on each element or see technical guidance.

• www.pas.gov.uk/pas/core/page.do?pageId=94499

Some renewable and low carbon technologies are classed as permitted development for domestic applications, while others may be covered by Local Development Orders. See local planning policy: policies and measures for more information on this.

Where planning permission is required for installation of renewable and low carbon energy technologies or supporting infrastructure, specific information on its design and potential impacts may also be required as part of the application. Information required in the Design and Access Statement or a separate report (eg Environmental Impact Assessment if one is being prepared) may include:

• Justification of the proposal within the context of local planning policy
• Reference to special land designations such as Conservation Areas or environmental designations
• Type of technology and/or infrastructure proposed
• Rated capacity (kW) of electricity or heat supplied and predicted annual amount  generated (kWh)
• Physical dimensions, including relation to other structures on site
• Layout, including specific location(s) on the site
• Provisions for access for maintenance and  deliveries, and any impact of the proposals on access to the site
• Landscaping in relation to the installation
• Appearance
• Any significant impacts on noise or emissions

Kirklees Council has prepared guidance on what Design and Access Statements should cover for renewable and low carbon energy installations. Contact planning.contact.centre@kirklees.gov.uk.

Some renewable and low carbon technologies are classed as permitted development for domestic applications, while others may be covered by Local Development Orders. See local planning policy: policies and measures for more information on this.

Where planning permission is required for installation of renewable and low carbon energy technologies or supporting infrastructure, specific information on its design and potential impacts may also be required as part of the application. Information required in the Design and Access Statement or a separate report (eg Environmental Impact Assessment if one is being prepared) may include:

• Justification of the proposal within the context of local planning policy
• Reference to special land designations such as Conservation Areas or environmental designations
• Type of technology and/or infrastructure proposed
• Rated capacity (kW) of electricity or heat supplied and predicted annual amount  generated (kWh)
• Physical dimensions, including relation to other structures on site
• Layout, including specific location(s) on the site
• Provisions for access for maintenance and  deliveries, and any impact of the proposals on access to the site
• Landscaping in relation to the installation
• Appearance

Any significant impacts on noise or emissionsKirklees Council has prepared guidance on what Design and Access Statements should cover for renewable and low carbon energy installations. Contact planning.contact.centre@kirklees.gov.uk