Submitting an application – Forms, Fees and Guidance

Planning applications can be submitted online via the Planning Portal (recommended).

Please note; to submit a planning application via the Planning Portal you will need to register on its website. This is a straight forward process, which you will only need to do once.

Alternatively you can download the relevant form (select the link planning application forms from the useful link section at the bottom of this page), complete electronically and email to planning@boston.gov.uk, or you can post them to us at; Planning Services, Boston Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, West Street, Boston, PE21 8QR

Changes to Validation Requirements with effect from 1^st April 2021

The Borough Council will revert to following national standards for application validation, with their existing local validation list becoming a guidance document for those submitting a planning application, rather than formal requirement. The local list was adopted in early 2019, however, following feedback over the past two years, the Council have decided to move back to national standards from April 1, 2021.

It is hoped the changes will support applications coming forward by ensuring that applicants are not put to undue expense, whilst the new guidance document will continue to support developers in submitting good quality applications, leading to a reduction in application processing times. The Council believe the move will ensure that they continue to receive the requisite information (proportionate to the proposal) to enable informed decision making, whilst avoiding unnecessary provision of information which can sometimes be costly and have limited bearing on the assessment of the proposal.

In making these changes we’re looking to achieve a balance between avoiding unnecessary expense and maintaining quality submissions which ensure we have sufficient information to make a decision on proposals. The changes will also help us as we aim to increase the number of valid applications we receive, whilst the guidance document will provide advice to ensure that we have sufficient information before us to enable accurate assessment of proposals and an efficient resolution for applicants. In addition, officers will continue to work proactively with applicants and agents throughout the planning process to ensure that we are able to make informed decisions and to seek to provide solutions where possible. We will also continue to offer and encourage use of our pre-application services which can be useful to establish what information is likely to be required to accompany an application, as a further means of avoiding unnecessary costs. In combination, these measures aim to support development across the borough which can provide a boost for the area as we recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

New fire safety requirement from August

The Government published new guidance in May: Building safety: Planning Gateway One.  It will introduce a new fire safety requirement from 1 August. Schemes of seven or more storeys or 18 meters or more would need to go through a new planning stage. This first stage is Planning Gateway One.

It would:

• introduce statutory consultation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• require submission of a fire statement along with the application.  Applicants must show they have considered fire safety issues relating to land use planning matters.
• advise planning authorities and the Secretary of Sate on decision-making.

The guidance includes a fire statement template.  It will need to cover requirements including:

• the principles, concepts and approach to fire safety for each building in the development
• the site layout
• emergency vehicle access and water supplies for firefighting purposes
• how/if the applicant has consulted on the fire safety of the development
• what account has been taken of the consultation
• how the application reflects any fire safety policies in relevant local development documents

The Building Safety Bill will establish:

• a new building safety regime in England 
• a new Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

The Government expects the BSR to take over the HSE’s role on planning applications for high-rise buildings.

Gateway one is the planning stage. Relevant high-rise developments will then have to pass through two more “gateways”:

• the technical design and construction phase which will require approval by the BSR
• a final inspection at which the BSR will issue a completion certificate.

The government plans to bring the changes into effect from 1 August 2021. It will mean changes to validation and consultation requirements. 

Fees

Guidance on Planning Application Fees -This document contains the most up to date information and guidance in relation to current fees for Applications.

Useful Links:

• Planning Application forms
• Planning portal
• Flood Risk for Householders