Significant changes are proposed to the planning system, and one that has already been widely publicised is the new Planning Bill. However, before this becomes law, another change is due to come into force on 6th April 2008. From that date it will be mandatory for all planning authorities to use a standard application form (I APP) and all applications will have to be submitted using this form. It is designed for on-line receipt and processing, although paper copies of the form and drawings will still be accepted after 6th April. For consistency all information, including drawings, will be stored in digitised format from which it will be possible to produce paper copies.

It is therefore important that civic societies that are monitoring planning applications in their area are forewarned of this change. The way that individual authorities engage with societies varies, but you are advised to discuss with your local authority what, if any, changes will be involved as a result of the introduction of the new form.

Apart from the basic national form, which for householder applications runs to six pages, each authority will produce its own list of information which it requires from applicants at the time of submission. This could range from a flood risk assessment to a bat survey.

This summary has been prepared following a workshop in Kendal by a representative from the Department for Culture and Local Government, and has been issued by the North West Association of Civic Trust Societies to alert all societies in the region of the changes that will be taking place next year.