URL: https://northlincolnshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1592

Decision Maker: Environment and Strategy Cabinet Member

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: 9       NEW PLANNING VALIDATION CHECKLIST AND NEW PREAPPLICATION ADVICE REQUEST PROCESS – The Director: Communities submitted a report seeking approval for the public consultation to be carried out on the new validation planning checklist 2026 and updating on the changes to the pre application advice service schedule 2026.   The previous validation checklist was designed as an interim checklist in 2018. The new validation checklist was updated to reflect relevant national and local validation requirements for planning applications, including the new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mandatory requirements.   The proposed validation checklist was redesigned with a clearer and easier to read layout, with each section set out in paragraph format, rather than table format. The final draft version of the proposed validation checklist was presented to external planning agents at a recent North Lincolnshire Planning Agent’s Forum, where agents indicated that they preferred the layout and formatting of the proposed validation checklist.   The previous pre-application advice service, which also included permitted development enquiries, was originally published in 2021. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) encouraged early engagement in the form of pre-application advice, as this had significant potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application system for all parties. Good quality pre-application discussions enabled better coordination between public and private resources and improved outcomes for the community.   Local planning authorities played a key role in encouraging other parties to take maximum advantage of the pre-application stage. The more issues that were resolved at the pre-application stage, including the need to deliver improvements in infrastructure and affordable housing, the greater the benefits to North Lincolnshire.   Following discussions with external planning agents and feedback from the public, it was found that their requirements and expectations of the preapplication service were not being met. This resulted in customers and stakeholders being hesitant to use the existing pre-application service.   The updated pre-application advice service schedule was structured as a two-tier approach, as set out in the report.   Resolved – (a) That the new validation checklist for public consultation, be approved. and (b) the updated pre application advice service schedule is noted, be approved.

Date of Decision: May 7, 2026