There are specific requirements for each type of planning application. To help with the submission process we have a Planning Application Validation Checklist (PAVC). The PAVC is designed to help applicants to identify information required to be submitted in support of a planning application. Without this information, an application may be invalid which can lead to delays in dealing with it. There is a shortened version of the checklist for householders which should be referred to if you intend to apply for planning permission for works to a domestic property.
Each validation checklist includes a national list of mandatory information that must be submitted with every planning application and a local list of our own requirements.
You must refer to both the sets of requirements before formally submitting an application (see downloads section).
If you wish to discuss any of the above or ask for further information regarding a particular requirement please contact us via email at planning@burnley.gov.uk
Validation Checklist
The Council adopted the latest Validation Checklist on 13th November 2025 and it should be used in the preparation of all planning applications received after this date.
*Please Note*
New National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems have recently been adopted. As a result of these updates, the Lancashire SuDS Pro-forma is now significantly out of date and unusable in its current state. Therefore applicants should refer to the National Standards in designing drainage schemes, National standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) – GOV.UK
Consistency with National Planning Policy
Burnley Borough Council’s Validation Checklist has been reviewed against Annex C of the National Planning Policy Framework August 2026 (NPPF): Information Requirements.
The Council are satisfied that the Checklist addresses the relevant national information requirements through a combination of national and local validation requirements and provides a proportionate framework for the submission of planning applications within the Borough.
The review identified that the requirement for decommissioning and site restoration information relating to renewable and low-carbon energy developments is partially addressed through the Energy Efficiency Statement section (local requirement 10). Applicants proposing renewable or low-carbon energy infrastructure are encouraged to provide details of the anticipated operational lifespan of the development together with proposals for decommissioning, removal of equipment and restoration of the site at the end of its operational life.
The Validation Checklist will be kept under review and updated as necessary. As part of future reviews, the Council will further cross-reference the Checklist against Annex C of the NPPF and any subsequent changes to national planning policy and guidance to ensure continued consistency and compliance.
