PLANNING VALIDATION issues · South Coast Site Finders

PLANNING VALIDATION issues

So, here in Dorset the VALIDATION requirements for new planning and other aplpications (The Local List) has got SO MUCH WORSE!! Check out this local article:

The updated checklist is available on Dorset Council’s “Submit a Planning Application” webpage and will apply to all applications received by us from 2 February 2026. ( this will include those submitted over the weekend of 31st and 1st which technically are not received by us until normal office hours on 2 February).

This review has allowed us to refresh guidance and links throughout the document to make it easier for you to find the information you need.

Key changes include:

· Section 12 – Other plans and drawings – includes a section setting out additional information required for applications for Listed Building consent. This covers specifics often requested by the conservation officers for replacement windows, wood burners in thatched buildings, service plans and re thatching.

· Section 18 – Battery energy storage safety statements – a new requirement for all applications that include a battery energy storage system of 1MWh or more, excluding where the system is linked to a residential home.

· Sections 24 and 25 - Ecological surveys and reports and protected habitat sites and biodiversity net gain (BNG) (local requirements) These have been split and simplified, with better links. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) statements must now show how Dorset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has been considered. The Council’s BNG statement template has already been updated in December to include this.

· Section 34 - Noise assessments - Sets out the minimum information that we need to be able to assess the initial potential impacts from domestic air source heat pumps and air conditioning units without requiring a full noise assessment at the validation stage.

· Section 39 - Statutory declarations and evidence for certificates of lawfulness – Clarifies that applications related to air source heat pump installation must include evidence of the equipment’s compliance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standards (MCS 020) or equivalent standard. Read more about the Scheme.

· Section 45 - Tree survey/arboricultural impact assessment – Completely rewritten with input from the Council’s tree team. It now focuses on minimum requirements when there are trees and hedges on site and certain criteria apply and sets out the information needed when trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

· Section 47 - Water quality nutrient neutrality statement – Provides clearer guidance on the types of development that may need to consider nutrient neutrality.

As a reminder, the Dorset Explorer planning version is a useful place to start checking planning constraints when you are preparing applications.

The ‘Submit a planning application’ webpages also provides: