Government streamlines regs for local authorities

The government has announced the timetable for the rollout of a standard planning application form for use across all UK planning authorities. Currently there is no set standard.

From October 2007, the National Standard Planning Application Form (1APP) will become the only official method of submitting a planning application for most types of consent for all Local Planning Authorities (LPAs).

As well as speeding up the planning process, the introduction of IAPP will also enable planning services to be provided online and give applicants certainty about the information they need to provide.

IAPP will not apply to minerals consent and building control applications.

The phased implementation between February 2007 and September 2007 will help to ensure that the migration to 1APP is achieved smoothly, while a secure test platform will allow LPAs to trial the new application service.