4 Minute Read
Government statistics show approximately 86% of UK planning applications ultimately gain approval. However, this approval often follows extensive revisions, resubmissions, and costly delays. Nearly 50% of initial submissions are invalid due to simple, preventable mistakes.
Common Causes of Invalid Applications
Invalid submissions significantly disrupt project timelines and escalate costs. The most frequent errors identified include:
Incorrect or incomplete site plans, such as inaccuracies in boundary or scale
Missing required documents, such as ecological assessments, heritage impact statements, or flood risk assessments
Non-compliance with specific local policies, guidelines, or development conditions overlooked during initial research
These avoidable mistakes translate into months of delays, increased financial overhead, and additional administrative burdens.
Practical Strategies to Minimise Submission Errors
Detailed research clearly demonstrates that thorough compliance checking drastically reduces submission invalidations:
Regularly review and cross-reference the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), local development plans, supplementary planning guidance, and building regulations specific to your site
Create and routinely update comprehensive validation checklists tailored for each relevant planning authority
Schedule structured internal audits of every application against current validation criteria well before submission, allowing adequate time for corrections
Engage in proactive pre-application discussions with planning authorities to clarify ambiguous or contentious points early, thus avoiding misinterpretations or gaps in submissions
Understanding Approval Rates and Improving Outcomes
Although national approval averages around 86%, significant regional and project-based variations exist:
Approval rates in dense urban areas, particularly London boroughs, average between 70-80%, versus regions like the North East, which exceed 90%
Larger developments or schemes involving heritage, conservation areas, or complex infrastructure frequently face conditional approvals or refusals requiring appeals
To navigate these challenges successfully:
Conduct detailed research into specific authority precedents and appeal outcomes, informing your project's strategic positioning and justifications
Identify and clearly address potential conflicts or sensitivities proactively in your initial submission
Effective Approaches to Reducing Time and Cost
Research underscores clear, actionable steps for improving planning workflow efficiency and reducing associated costs:
Allocate dedicated time and resources upfront for meticulous compliance research, dramatically reducing the probability of invalid submissions
Standardise internal verification processes, ensuring thorough scrutiny at every stage to prevent costly revisions and appeals
Establish clear internal protocols for rapid identification and resolution of submission deficiencies
Government statistics show approximately 86% of UK planning applications ultimately gain approval. However, this approval often follows extensive revisions, resubmissions, and costly delays. Nearly 50% of initial submissions are invalid due to simple, preventable mistakes.
