The application form is available on the Planning Portal. To access it, sign in, select ‘start new application’, then select the desired application.

When required

Always required.

A completed form is always required (one copy of all application documents must be supplied if submitted by post).

What is required

Please ensure that you have completed every section of the application form before submitting. Where sections or questions are not relevant please state this on the form.

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.

When required

Always required (part of application form).

What is required

The relevant certificate must be completed, signed and dated (part of application form). Only one certificate should be completed.

• Certificate A should be completed if the applicant is the sole owner of the land to which the application relates or holds an unexpired lease with a term of 7 or more years remaining.
• Certificate B should be completed if the applicant is not the sole owner but knows the names and addresses of all the other owners.
  • The notice to owners [PDF] must also be completed and sent to all known owners.
  • A copy of the notice must be sent with the application to the local authority.
• Certificate C should be completed if the applicant does not own all of the land to which the application relates and does not know the name and address of all of the owners.
  • The notice to owners [PDF] must be completed and sent to all known owners.
  • Where the owner is unknown the notice to unknown owners [PDF] needs to be published in a local newspaper.
  • A copy of the notice must be sent with the application to the local authority.
• Certificate D should be completed if the applicant does not own all of the land to which the application relates and does not know the names and addresses of any of the owners.
  • The notice to unknown owners [PDF] needs to be published in a local newspaper.
  • A copy of the notice must be sent with the application to the local authority.

When required

This is always required, unless covered by an exemption.

Common exemptions

• It is for alterations, extensions etc. to a dwelling house for the benefit of a registered disabled person – please provide evidence from the DWP that the applicant is registered as being disabled.
• It is the first revision of an application for development of the same character or description on the same site by the same applicant within 12 months of making the earlier application if withdrawn or the date of decision if granted or refused and not a duplicate application made by the same applicant within 28 days.

What is required

Current national fees can be found on the Planning Portal.

• How to calculate fees
• Planning Portal's fee calculator
• Guidance: GOV.UK: Fees for planning applications

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.

When required

Always required.

What is required

This must be an up-to-date Ordnance Survey-based location plan at an appropriate scale, usually 1:1250 or 1:2500. In the case of large sites other scales may be appropriate.

The plan must show:

• At least two named roads and all surrounding buildings or land (unless this would require a plan greater than a scale of 1:2500)
• The application site (the whole planning unit)
• A north point
• The scale clearly identified

The plan used should:

• Show OS Crown copyright
• Not to be copied from existing OS mapping, if using hand drawn maps such as standard streets
• Show the correct licence number if you wish to print or copy maps for applications

The application site boundary must be edged clearly with a red line. It should include all land necessary to carry out the proposed development - for example, land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscape, car parking and open areas around the building. A blue line should be drawn around any other land owned by the applicant, close to or adjoining the application site.

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.

When required

Always required.

What is required

Details submitted will depend on which matters are reserved but may include:

• Parameter Plans showing the extent of the development, the nature of the land uses, the upper and lower parameters of building heights etc.
• Proposed layout plan at an appropriate scale (1:100, 1:200 or 1:500 depending upon the size of the site), including as appropriate access points and details of how these link into the existing highway network, provision for walking or cycling including connections to the adjacent highway network, parking arrangements (all car parking spaces should be labelled so it is clear which space belongs to which building or dwelling), open space provision
• Detailed drawings showing the proposed elevations to an appropriate scale (usually 1:100)
• Street scenes to show the key relationships between the new development and existing buildings/ key streets within the new development
• Drawings showing the full proposed floor layout plans or house types to an appropriate scale, usually 1:100
• Roof plan(s) to show the shape of the roof at an appropriate scale, usually 1:50 or 1:100 correct overall dimensions in metric measurements included. Details such as the material, vents and their location should be shown
• Section drawings to show how proposals relate to existing ground levels or where ground levels would be modified. Levels should also be taken into account in the formulation of design and access statements.
• Detailed hard and soft landscaping plans to show new hard surfacing materials, location of facilities such as cycle parking, retained and proposed new landscaping including details of planting species and densities.

Please ensure that all plans submitted as part of your application are accurately labelled, numbered and include a scale bar of metric measurements.

Prior to making a submission the applicant should check the conditions of the outline permission to ensure that any material which is specified as being required at the reserved matters stage is provide.

When required

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (2017) apply to two separate types of development:

• Schedule 1 development, for which EIA is required in every case; and
• Schedule 2 development, for which EIA is required only if the development in question is judged to give rise to significant environmental effects.

If you are proposing any large or sensitively located development, please ask us about Environmental Impact assessment as part of your preapplication discussion.

What is required

If your development proposal is considered to be EIA development, then an Environmental Statement (ES) which assesses the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed development will need to be prepared and submitted as part of the planning application. Information for inclusion in an Environmental Statement is set out in Schedule 4 of the Regulations. The scope of any ES should be agreed by the local planning authority in a formal scoping opinion.

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.

• Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017
• National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) - Environmental Impact Assessment

When required

• Major development (defined as development of 10 or more dwellings (or 0.5 hectares for residential development where the number of dwellings is unknown) for the creation of more than a 1,000 sq m of floor space and where the site is greater than 1 hectare).
• Development in a designated area (World Heritage Site or conservation area) where the proposed development consists of either one or more dwellings or a building or buildings with floor space of 100 sq m or more.
• Applications for listed building consent.

What is required

A design and access statement should:

• Explain the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the development
• Demonstrate the steps that have been taken to appraise the context of the development and how the design of the development takes that context into account in relation to the proposal
• Explain the policy adopted as to access and how policies relating to access in relevant development plan documents (DPDs) have been taken into account
• State what, if any, consultation has been undertaken on issues relating to access to the development and what account has been taken of the outcome of any such consultation
• Explain how specific issues which might affect access to the development have been addressed.

Statements accompanying applications for Listed Building Consent should, in addition to the above, show how they have taken account of:

• The special architectural or historic importance of the building
• The particular physical features of the building that justify its designation as a listed building
• The building's setting.

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.

When required

Where air quality is likely to be a significant issue.

This will be either from:

• Where a development would adversely affect air quality in a designated Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), or lead to the declaration of a new AQMA, or render unworkable elements of the Council's Air Quality Action Plan or Air Quality Strategy.
• Proposed introduction of a sensitive use (residential, for example) into an area of poor air quality.

What is required

An appropriate air quality impact assessment taking into account guidance current at the time of the application. This should include consideration and identification of measures to mitigate and minimise any impacts with reference to the council's Air Quality Action Plan and Strategy.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement

• Cambridge Local Plan (CLP) Policy 5 (f), 29 and 36
• NPPF paragraphs 105, 107, 112, 174 and 186
• NPPG - Air Quality
• Cambridge City Council Air Quality Action Plan 2018-2023 (Version 2 - 2019 update)
• Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020 (Air Quality - Cambridge)

When required

Where development is on or adjacent to land where contamination is known or suspected to exist.

All agricultural land and land previously used for industrial purposes.

The proposed end use or users are sensitive and vulnerable to land contamination.

The development is within 250 metres of a currently licensed or historic landfill site.

The development could affect or cause the movement of contaminants within the ground.

What is required

The following assessments/reports should be undertaken by a competent person and incorporated into any contaminated land assessment:

• Preliminary risk assessment (Phase I Investigation) to determine historical land-uses, current land-uses and environmental settings. The potential for contamination, contaminant type and characteristics shall be identified, with provision of initial risk assessment and Conceptual Site Model and proposals for intrusive site investigation if necessary. This represents a minimum level of information or detail required to validate an application.
• If recommended following a Phase I investigation, a Phase II Investigation of ground conditions to identify the existence and extent of contamination and any risks to human health and/or the environment.
• Provision of an updated risk assessment or Conceptual Site Model following a Phase II I Investigation and a suitable remediation/mitigation strategy if contamination is identified above appropriate assessment criteria

The scope, remit and content of any assessments or supporting information should be discussed and agreed in advance with the local planning authority before it is commissioned - pre-application advice recommended.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 33
• NPPF paragraphs 120 (c), 174 (e) and (f), 183 and 184
• National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) - Land affected by contamination (2014)

When required

All Major Developments or developments that are likely to result in noise, smells, dust, visual or other adverse effects during the course of construction.

Where a Construction Management Plan is not submitted with the application, it is likely that details will be required by planning condition.

What is required

The following should be incorporated within any Construction Environmental Management Plan:

• Details of the management of materials (including soils) and wastes on site, including re-use and recycling
• Details of the siting and layout of construction compounds and contractor parking
• Details of mitigation measures for any works that might result noise, smell, dust, visual or other impacts
• Details of temporary haul roads and accesses, and methods of managing vehicle movements to and from the site
• Details of wheel washing facilities, working and delivery hours, methods of demolition
• Details of any protection measures to be installed during the course of the construction to protect any sensitive features, such as water courses or neighbouring residences
• Details and location of site lighting
• External safety and information signage
• Details of complaints procedures, including contact details and response procedures

When required

Where new development or the altering or extending of existing buildings would overshadow neighbouring buildings or open spaces. This is particularly relevant for applications for tall buildings (any structure which breaks the existing skyline or is significantly taller than the surrounding built form).

Where existing mature tree planting may have an impact upon residential rear gardens.

What is required

A statement should be submitted with every application where new building works are proposed. This statement should confirm that the BRE 25 and 45 degree rules of thumb test has been carried out and if the test is passed no further information is required. If the test is not passed, then an assessment is required identifying the impacts on daylight and sunlight.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 58, 59 & 60 & Appendix F: Tall buildings and the skyline
• BRE guide - 'Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: a guide to good practice' (second edition)

When required

Large scale and complex sites, including new settlements.

'Large Major' development or any development that is likely to be carried out as a phased development.

What is required

Site conditions, ecological and environmental surveys to be undertaken and suitable mitigation measures identified if necessary.

These should be agreed as part of the pre-application discussion. This should include a Masterplan and Design Code to establish an overall vision and strategy for the site together with parameter plans. The scope and level of detail set out in the Design Code should be agreed as part of the pre-application discussion.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 14
• NPPF Chapter 12
• NPPG - Design
• The Urban Design Compendium

When required

A site specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is required the site is:

• In flood zone 2 or 3 including minor development and change of use
• More than 1 hectare in flood zone 1
• Less than 1 hectare in flood zone 1, including a change of use in development type to a more vulnerable class (for example from commercial to residential), where they could be affected by other sources of flooding such as surface water.

What is required

If a development is proposed in an area of flood risk (either fluvial or surface water), a site specific FRA should be undertaken.

This should:

• Include evidence that the Sequential Test and where necessary the Exception Test have been applied in the selection of the site for the development type.
• Take into account different types of flooding e.g. fluvial, surface water and groundwater.
• Consider the risk of flooding arising from the proposed development as well as to the development site.
• Take into account the effect of climate change.

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 32
• Cambridgeshire Flood and Water Supplementary Planning Document (2016)
• NPPF Chapter 14
• NPPG - Flood risk and coastal change
• Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2010)
• Cambridge and Milton Surface Water Management Plan (2011)
• Environment Agency website - information about maps depicting Flood Zones and surface water flood risk.

When required

All new development.

What is required

Foul sewage

Most new buildings need separate connections to foul and storm water sewers. If an application proposes to connect a development to the existing drainage system, then details of the existing system should be shown on the application drawing(s). It should be noted that in most circumstances surface water is not permitted to be connected to the public foul sewers (see separate requirement for Surface Water Drainage Strategy below).

Where the development involves the disposal of trade waste or the disposal of foul sewage effluent other than to the public sewer, then a Foul Drainage Assessment will be required, including details of the method of storage, treatment and disposal. A Foul Drainage Assessment should also include a full assessment of the site, its location and suitability for storing, transporting and treating sewage. Where connection to the mains sewer is not practical, then a Foul/Non-Mains Drainage Assessment will be required to demonstrate why the development cannot connect to the public mains sewer system and show that the alternative means of disposal are satisfactory.

If the proposed development results in any changes/replacement to the existing system or the creation of a new system, scale plans of new foul drainage arrangements will also need to be provided. This will include a location plan, cross-sections/elevations and specification. Drainage details that will achieve Building Regulations Approval will be required. If connection to any of the above requires crossing land that is not in the applicants' ownership, other than on a public highway, then the red line boundary of the site will need to be annotated accordingly and notice may need to be served on the owners of that land.

Utilities assessment

An application should indicate how the development connects to existing utility infrastructure systems. Most new developments require connections to existing utility services, including electricity and gas supplies, telecommunications and water supply, and also needs to connect to foul and surface water drainage and disposal.

The applicant should demonstrate:

• That following consultation with the service provider, the availability of utility services has been examined and that the proposals would not result in undue stress on the delivery of those services to the wider community;
• That proposals incorporate any utility company requirements for substations, telecommunications equipment or similar structures;
• That service routes have been planned to avoid as far as possible the potential for damage to trees and archaeological remains;
• Where the development impinges on existing infrastructure, the provisions for relocating or protecting that infrastructure have been agreed with the service provider.

Assessment should be carried out by a suitably qualified expert.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 13, 32 & 85
• NPPG - Water supply, wastewater and water quality
• Building Regulations Approved Document Part H
• General binding rules: small sewage discharge to the ground

When required

Development affecting a heritage asset. Heritage assets are buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes which are significant because of their historic interest.

Designated heritage assets include:

• World Heritage Site
• Scheduled Monument
• Listed Building
• Registered Park and Garden
• Conservation Area

For new development, consideration should be given to the potential of archaeological assets.

What is required

The level of information or investigation required to support a proposal that could impact on a heritage asset needs to be proportionate to the significance of the heritage asset and the potential impact of the works proposed. Pre-application meetings are strongly recommended.

As a minimum, statements will be required to identify heritage assets and demonstrate how proposals have preserved or enhanced their significance.

Applications for works to a heritage asset to address climate change should include the information set out in Policy 63 and its supporting text.

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 61, 62, 63 & Appendix G: Local heritage assets criteria and list
• NPPF Chapter 16
• NPPG - Conserving and enhancing the historic environment
• Listed building descriptions
• Conservation Area appraisals and management plans
• Suburbs and approaches studies
• Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Record
• Historic England (2018) Energy efficiency and historic buildings: How to improve energy efficiency
• Further guidance on works to heritage assets to address climate change will be included in the updated Greater

When required

Development which includes:

• Material changes of use
• Proposals for major development
• Proposals that do not accord with the adopted development plan
• Where proposals require a sequential assessment of alternative sites
• Where proposals are located within the Green Belt

What is required

A planning statement provides information regarding:

• The context and background to the development
• Details of and justification for the proposed use, including specific details of activities, intended numbers of staff and users of a site and details of the intensity of use
• An assessment of how the proposal has taken account of adopted national and local policy and any other material considerations
• Details of the assessment of alternative sites and why they have been found less sequentially preferable, where required by policy
• Proposals within the Green Belt should provide reasoned justification in respect of their appropriateness, specifically referencing paragraphs 149 & 150 the NPPF, and detailing any very special circumstances put forward to outweigh any inappropriate development

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• Cambridge Local Plan
• NPPF paras 149 & 150

When required

All major developments of 10 dwellings or more, or if the site area is 0.5 hectares or more.

Thresholds:

• 10-14 units: 25% affordable housing
• 15 or more units: 40% affordable housing

What is required

An affordable housing statement to show compliance with Policy 45. This should specify the number of residential units, and show a balanced mix of dwelling sizes (measured by the number of bedrooms), types and tenures of the affordable homes taking into account local housing needs evidence. It should also show the location of the units.

Source, policies and references

• CLP Policy 45
• Affordable housing threshold in NPPF paragraph 64 and glossary definition of major development to be given significant weight - as agreed at Cambridge City Council Planning Committee 7/11/18
• NPPF paragraphs 63 to 65
• Further guidance will be included in a new Affordable Housing SPD.

When required

All proposals for specialist housing:

• sheltered housing
• residential care and nursing homes
• extra-care housing
• shared homes
• cluster units
• respite, rehabilitation and convalescent accommodation
• Hostel accommodation.

What is required

An assessment showing how the proposal meets the criteria in Policy 47. This includes evidence of proven need, suitability for intended occupiers, accessibility to facilities and avoiding concentration of such housing.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 47

When required

All residential proposals.

What is required

Internal residential space standards: Show compliance with Policy 50. Provide accurate room size data (including ceiling heights and room widths). Applicants should state the number of bedspaces or occupiers a home is designed to accommodate rather than the number of bedrooms.

External residential space standards: Show compliance with Policy 50 by showing private amenity space.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 50.
• Technical housing standards - nationally described space standard - Department for Communities and Local Government (2015)

When required

All proposals for student housing.

What is required

An assessment showing how the proposal meets the criteria in Policy 46. This includes, for proposals for new student housing, evidence of proven need of an existing educational institution within Cambridge providing for students attending full-time courses of one academic year or more and written agreement from a named institution confirming their intent to occupy the proposed development.

In order to show compliance with part G of the policy a Student Management Plan should be submitted, including details of:

• Health and safety standards and procedures
• Maintenance and repairs
• environmental quality
• Landlord and tenant relationship
• student welfare
• Anti-social behaviour and disciplinary procedures
• Administration, accreditation and compliance procedures
• How the development is secured by design principles
• Student tenancy agreement

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 46

When required

All housing development should be of a size, configuration and internal layout to enable Building Regulations requirement M4(2) 'accessible and adaptable dwellings' to be met.

In affordable housing developments of 20 or more self-contained affordable homes, 5% of the affordable housing development should meet Building Regulations requirement M4 (3) 'wheelchair user dwellings'.

What is required

Compliance with the criteria in Policy 51 should be demonstrated as part of the Housing Statement or in the Design and Access Statement where provided, or in a separate document. This should set out how the development is of a size, configuration and internal layout to enable Building Regulations requirement M4 (2) 'accessible and adaptable dwellings' to be met.

In addition to the above, for every housing development providing or capable of acceptably providing 20 or more self-contained affordable homes, a statement should demonstrate how 5% of the affordable housing component would meet Building Regulations requirement M4 (3) 'wheelchair user dwellings' to be wheelchair accessible, or be easily adapted for residents who are wheelchair users.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 51
• Link to Building Reg M4 2 and 3

When required

Where new development is likely to have an impact on the local or wider landscape or townscape as a result of its proposed location or height.

What is required

A visual assessment or appraisal with supporting accurate visual representations. Should include assessment on immediate and local context including a preliminary contextual appraisal, as well as any historical, amenity, microclimate and public realm impact of the proposal. Local views need to be considered and agreed at the pre-application stage. A Building Massing Strategy will need to be prepared and included with the Design and Access Statement.

The need for a Building Massing Strategy should be agreed at pre-application stage.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 60 & Appendix F: Tall buildings and the skyline
• BRE guide - 'Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: a guide to good practice' (second edition).
• Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy
• East of England Landscape Typology.
• Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3) 3rd Edition 2013

When required

Major development and other development where landscape proposals will be necessary because the new development is likely to have an impact on the local and/or wider landscape.

Development likely to have an impact as a result of its proposed location or height.

Landscape management and maintenance plans can be conditioned.

What is required

Landscape proposals can be submitted separately, or as part of the Design and Access Statement where one is required. For major development as a minimum a landscape strategy or indicative planting scheme should be provided.

Management and maintenance plans must be provided, indicating hard paving areas to be adopted by Cambridgeshire County Council (Highways Authority) and sustainable drainage (SuDs) and landscape features to be adopted by the city council.

Large scale and complex sites should include a Masterplan and Design Code to establish an overall site landscape vision and strategy.

Agreed that landscape management and maintenance plans can be conditioned, but this list aims to ensure that applications are as complete as possible to avoid the need to impose conditions where possible.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 59
• Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy (2011)
• Cambridgeshire Flood and Water Supplementary Planning Document (2016) -provides guidance on SuDS
• Landscape Character Assessment (2003)
• City tree strategy

When required

Major sites at the edge of Cambridge and adjoining open countryside in South Cambridgeshire.

Where other proposals for new external artificial lighting or changes to existing lighting may have an adverse impact on local residential amenity, wildlife or landscape character through light pollution, illuminated adverts, and outdoor sports facilities (including multi-use games areas) where external lighting is proposed.

In some circumstances an assessment may be required if internal building lighting would significantly illuminate exterior areas.

What is required

Details of external lighting including building, security, floodlighting, street and courtyard columns and bollards shall be provided.

Developers of major sites will be required to submit an artificial lighting assessment of the impact on any sensitive residential premises both on and off site.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 34 Light Pollution Control
• NPPF paragraph 185 (c)
• NPPG - Light pollution
• Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP): Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light - GN01/20 (or as superseded)
• Guidance on undertaking environment lighting impact assessments (ILP: PLG04:2013)
• Obtrusive light from proposed developments (BRE Digest - DG 529)

When required

Several policies require these types of studies to accompany planning applications to provide additional evidence. In particular:

• Marketing Assessment and/or Viability Appraisal - Required for applications proposing certain changes of use in the City Centre Primary Shopping Area, district, local and neighbourhood centres;
• the loss of Class B or sui generis research institutes within protected industrial sites;
• the loss of a safeguarded public house or the loss of any part of a public house or its curtilage; and
• loss of existing visitor accommodation

Local Needs Assessment - Required for applications proposing new, or the loss of, community, sports and leisure facilities; and the loss of a safeguarded public house.

What is required

The requirements vary and applicants should take into account the requirements of relevant policies.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 11, 41, 72, 73, 76 and 78.
• Appendix K of the Cambridge Local Plan sets out detailed guidance.

When required

Noise and vibration generation

Where a proposed new development would generate noise or vibration including delivery and servicing and vehicle movements / traffic changes on local roads which may have an adverse impact on existing or planned uses (in particular noise sensitive uses such as residential, hospitals, nursing homes, schools etc.).

Applications which involve the installation of mechanical and electrical building services plant / equipment such as flues, air handling units / air conditioning, extraction, air source heat pumps, combustion appliances etc.

New noise sensitive premises

Proposals for residential and other noise sensitive development close to existing sources of noise such as transport (road, rail and air) and industrial, commercial or business premises.

Where the operation of an existing or established business or community facility generating noise could have an unacceptable significant adverse effect on proposed new development (including changes of use) in its vicinity such as the introduction of new noise sensitive premises into an area, for example residential ('agent of change principle').

What is required

Where necessary an acoustic (noise and vibration) assessment will be undertaken by a suitably qualified and competent acoustician or person, in accordance with the latest industry or Government best practice guidance and relevant British Standards publications.

The assessment shall detail the existing noise environment, the potential noise sources or activities associated with the development or the noise sources likely to affect any noise sensitive development. Details of the number of deliveries and the times when deliveries and servicing takes place.

The duration, scope, remit and content of the assessment or supporting information should be discussed and agreed in advance with the local planning authority before it is commissioned, but in any event must comply with relevant and up-to-date UK guidance and standards.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 35: Protection of human health from noise and vibration
• NPPF paragraphs 174, 185 & 187
• National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) - Noise
• Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE, March 2010)
• BS 4142:2014 +A1:2019- Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound
• BS 8233: 2014 - Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings
• ProPG: Planning & Noise, Professional Practice Guidance on Planning & Noise - New Residential Development, May 2017
• with supplementary documents 1: Planning and Noise Policy and Guidance, and 2: Good Acoustic Design.
• IEMA Guidelines for Environmental Noise Impact Assessment, 2014
• World Health Organisation (WHO) 'Guidelines for Community Noise', 1999
• World Health Organisation (WHO) 'Night noise guidelines for Europe', 2009
• World Health Organisation (WHO) 'Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region' 2018
• Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) Acoustics - Planning Implication, New Guidance for 2015, Sport England Design Guidance Note
• Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020

Interpretation and guidance notes

Not normally required but may be for heat pumps and similar.

When required

Proposals for new residential development (conversions or new build) which will need to make provision for new open space.

Proposals adversely affecting or leading to the loss of existing open space.

What is required

Open space and recreation provision through new residential development:

An assessment showing how the proposal meets the requirements of Policy 68 by providing open space and recreation facilities onsite.

Protection of existing open space:

An assessment showing how the proposal meets the requirements of Policy 67 and having regard to the Open Space and Recreation Strategy, the Playing Pitch Strategy and Indoor Sports Facility Strategy.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 67, 68 & Appendix I : Open space and recreation standards
• Open Space and Recreation Strategy (2011)
• Playing Pitch Strategy 20152031 (updated June 2016)

When required

For all types of new development including change of use applications and the redevelopment of existing sites.

What is required

Evidence to show that the proposed development complies with the relevant car and cycle parking requirements set out in Appendix L of the Local Plan.

Proposals which seek to depart from the indicative car parking and minimum cycle parking provision standards should provide a reasoned justification.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 82 & Appendix L: Car and cycle parking requirements
• Cycle Parking Guide for New Residential Developments (First edition: 2010) by Transport Initiatives LLP and Cambridge City Council
• Car Parking: What Works Where - Homes and Communities Agency, and Manual for Streets 1 and 2. Also refer to Planning Practice Guidance.
• CCC Cycle Parking Guide for New Residential Developments.
• Further detailed guidance on parking provision for sports facilities can be found in the Sport England publication Accessible Sports Facilities 2010.

When required

Applications that will require contributions or any form of legal agreement to be entered into.

Applications to vary a condition to an approved planning permission that required a legal agreement.

What is required

Developers should provide a draft heads of terms that details a schedule of issues (such as affordable housing or contributions to schools) to be addressed during the application process.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 85 & 81
• NPPF paragraphs 55 & 57
• NPPG - Planning Obligations
• Overview of S106 funding - Briefing note January 2018, on city council website

When required

Any retail development proposed outside a centre should be accompanied by evidence of compliance with the sequential test.

Any retail development proposed outside a centre where the proposed gross floorspace is greater than 2,500 sq. m, or where a proposal below this threshold could have a cumulative impact, should be accompanied by a retail impact assessment.

What is required

Sequential test: Applicants should provide evidence that no sequentially preferable sites are available. Retail impact assessment:

This should include assessment of:

• The impact of the proposal on existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or centres in the catchment area of the proposal
• The impact of the proposal on town centre vitality and viability, including local consumer choice and trade in the town centre and the wider retail catchment (as applicable to the scale and nature of the scheme)

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 6
• NPPF - Chapter 7
• NPPG - Ensuring the vitality of town centres
• Cambridge Retail and Leisure Study Update (2013)

When required

Major developments.

What is required

A Statement of Community Engagement should include:

• Details of the community engagement and exercises undertaken, including who has been involved and any events that have been held
• Copies of responses received following any community engagement events
• Details of how the scheme has evolved in response to the community engagement process

Source, policies and references

• NPPF paragraph 40
• NPPG - before submitting an application

When required

A surface water drainage strategy is required for all scales of development where surface water will be created or affected.

What is required

The means of and changes to surface water drainage for householder applications must be shown on the submitted plans. For all other applications, the key information that a surface water drainage strategy must contain is:

• How the proposed surface water scheme has been determined following the drainage hierarchy
• Pre-development runoff rates
• Post development runoff rates with associated storm water storage calculations (see policies referenced below for specific runoff requirements)
• Discharge location(s)
• Drainage calculations to support the design of the system
• Infiltration testing to BRE365 if the proposals recommend infiltration for surface water disposal
• Drawings of the proposed surface water drainage scheme including sub catchment breakdown where applicable
• Maintenance and management plan of surface water drainage system (for the lifetime of the development) including details of future adoption
• Completed drainage proforma included within the Cambridgeshire Flood and Water SPD - the applicant must ensure that the surface water strategy contains the appropriate level of information in relation to the points covered in the proforma.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) must be shown on all relevant plans submitted.

When required

All scales of development.

What is required

A sustainability statement and checklist should outline the approach to:

• Adaptation to climate change
• Climate Change mitigation, including carbon reduction
• Water management
• Site waste management
• Use of materials
• Other issues including biodiversity and ecology; land, water, noise and air pollution; transport, mobility and access; health and wellbeing; and culture, heritage and the quality of built form, including the efficient use of land.

The statement should be integrated within the Design and Access statement so that it is clear that sustainable design and construction has been integrated into the overall design.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 28
• Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020, particularly Appendix 1

When required

For all telecommunications proposals.

What is required

Planning applications for mast and antenna development by mobile phone network operators in England should be accompanied by a range of supplementary information including the area of search, details of any consultation undertaken, details of the proposed structure, and technical justification and information about the proposed development.

Applications should also be accompanied by a signed declaration that the equipment and installation has been designed to be in full compliance with the requirements of the radio frequency (RF) public exposure guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 84
• Code of best practice on mobile development in England

When required

A Transport Assessment or statement is required for:

• Residential Developments at or above 20 dwellings or 0.5 hectares
• Other developments at or above 1000m2 or 1 hectare
• Where developments have significant transport implications

What is required

A detailed transport assessment or a less detailed transport statement may be required in accordance with the latest county council guidance. The exact scale of assessment required should be agreed with Cambridgeshire County Council.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 80 and 81
• NPPF paragraph 113
• NPPG - Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and Statements
• Transport Assessment Guidelines, Cambridgeshire County Council September 2019 (or as superseded)

When required

A Travel Plan is required for:

• Residential Developments at or above 20 dwellings or 0.5 hectares
• Other developments at or above 1000m2 or 1 hectare
• Where developments have significant transport implications

What is required

Transport Assessment and Travel Plan (including a Low Emissions Strategy Statement).

A Travel Plan in accordance with the latest county council guidance.

The exact level of Travel Plan should be agreed with Cambridgeshire County Council.

All other developments: a Transport Statement.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 81 and 80.
• NPPF paragraph 113
• NPPG - Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and Statements
• Transport Assessment Guidelines, Cambridgeshire County Council September 2019 (or as superseded)

When required

Sites carrying out demolition, building or engineering operations (including the excavation of foundations, any changes in level and service or utility runs) where these may affect trees both on-site, or on adjoining land.

What is required

As a minimum applicants should submit a tree survey for sites where trees are present on or adjacent to the site.

Applicants will be required to submit a full Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) in accordance with BS5837:2012, to include full BS schedule information where trees and or hedges are to be removed or likely to be impacted along with, required mitigation and areas for replacement tree planting.

Applicants will be required to submit an Arboricultural Method Statement in accordance with BS 5837 detailing all the methodologies required to successfully protect retained trees.

Applicants will be required to submit a woodland management plan where blocks of trees may become integral to the landscape and character of a new development.

Particular consideration should be given to veteran or ancient trees and hedgerows identified as 'important' under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 71, 58, 59
• And additional CLP policies 27, 31, 52, 60
• NPPF paragraphs 174 & 180
• Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) guidance
• BS5837
• BS3998

When required

Required for all non-householder development and where a Construction Management Plan (4) has not been separately provided.

What is required

A Traffic Management Plan in accordance with the latest county council guidance.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 35 and 81
• Traffic Management Plan: notes for guidance, Cambridgeshire County Council

When required

All new non-residential development.

What is required

A BREEAM Pre-Assessment demonstrating that the proposals will meet the requirement for achievement of BREEAM 'excellent' will need to be submitted. The BREEAM pre-assessment will also need to demonstrate that maximum credits for Wat 01 (water consumption) will be achieved in line with policy requirements.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement

• CLP Policy 28
• Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020

For further guidance visit the BREEAM website.

When required

All new development (other than householder).

What is required

A statement setting out how the carbon reduction requirements for new development have been met. The Statement should include carbon calculations based on Building Regulations Part L requirements (SAP/SBEM) and should be set out following the energy hierarchy (Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green). This statement can be integrated into the sustainability statement, or a standalone document.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 28
• Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020

When required

Aviation development at Cambridge Airport.

What is required

A HIA should be submitted which demonstrates that the potential impacts on health resulting from the construction and operation of new aviation development have been considered and mitigated at the planning and design stage. Impacts could include air quality, noise, landscape, nature conservation, transport and public safety.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 83
• National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) - Health and wellbeing

When required

Works to existing homes that require planning permission.

What is required

Residents will be required to submit a home energy questionnaire identifying energy efficiency measures that have already been implemented in their existing home and identifying additional measures that will be carried out to improve the overall energy efficiency of the property. The Home Energy Questionnaire is set out in Appendix 4 of the Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 30
• Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020 paragraphs 3.2.8 - 3.2.13 and appendix 4.

When required

Major developments comprising 10 or more dwellings (or a site area of 0.5 hectares or more) Other developments where the floor space to be built is 1,000m2 gross or more (or where the site area is 0.5 hectares or more), including office, manufacturing, warehousing and retail developments.

What is required

Developers are required to submit a Public Art Strategy as part of all Outline Planning Applications for major developments. In the case of the Areas of Major Change (large sites and complex sites), developers will be required to submit more detailed strategies. Developers are required to submit a Public Art Delivery Plan to support Full or Reserved Matters Planning Applications. We will provide details of what is required on a site by site basis.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policies 56, 59 and 85
• The NPPF incorporates public art.
• Particular reference is made to the provision of public art within the Planning Policy Guidance (PPG).
• Public Art SPD 2010

When required

When ventilation or extraction is proposed by the development and in particular with odour, fume and similar emissions to air (excluding alterations to existing and proposals for new dwellings).

Should accompany all applications for the use of a premise for purposes within Use Classes: A3 (Restaurants and cafes), A4 (Drinking establishments), A5 (Hot food takeaways), B1 (general business), B2 (general industrial), C1 (Hotels), D1 (Nonresidential Institutions), D2 (Assembly and Leisure) and SG (sui generis) where appropriate.

For significant retail, business, industrial or leisure or other similar developments where substantial ventilation or extraction equipment is proposed to be installed or altered.

Where a flue is necessary to support the use of a premise, the location of such flues need to be carefully considered at an early stage to ensure that they are capable of being provided in a manner that would not have an adverse impact visually, on occupiers of neighbouring properties.

What is required

Details of the position and design of ventilation or extraction equipment and discharge flues or termination points, including sources of odour or fumes, odour abatement technology for particulate and gaseous phases and acoustic or noise characteristics should be provided. Should include:

• A to-scale schematic drawing of the proposed ducting showing the location of all system components (fan, filters, abatement technology, acoustic silencers including flue termination height etc).
• Submitted plans should include details of the external appearance and written details outlining the technical specification of the proposed plant including odour abatement technology
• A Noise and Vibration Assessment including details of means of mounting the duct / flue work to the structure – antivibration measures (see Noise and Vibration Assessment requirements).

For particularly odorous uses such as new food, industrial and agricultural premises an odour impact risk assessment will be required. In certain circumstances a detailed odour impact assessment with odour dispersal modelling may be required. If receptors sensitive to odour are proposed e.g. residential close to existing or established sources of odour or fumes an odour impact assessment will be required. The 'agent for change' principle will also apply.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement

• Policy 36: Air quality, odour and dust
• EMAQ, Control of Odour and Noise from Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems - update to the 2004 report prepared by
• NETCEN for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EMAQ, 5-9-2018)
• Guidance on the assessment of odour for planning, IAQM, July 2018 (or as superseded)
• Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD 2020 - Odour and Other Fugitive Emissions to Air section and associated appendix

When required

Development affecting community, sports or leisure facilities, either the development of new or enhanced facilities or the loss of facilities.

These include the uses in Table 8.2 and 8.3 in the Cambridge Local Plan and any other use which meets the day-to-day needs of people.

What is required

For development of new facilities, evidence of how the new facilities meet the criteria in Policy 73. Additional evidence will be needed for city-wide or sub-regional facilities.

The loss of a facility or site needs to demonstrate the loss is adequately replaced or no longer needed by means of a marketing exercise that complies with the requirements listed in Policy 73 and Appendix K and tailored to the type of facility or site to be lost.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 73 & Appendix K
• NPPF paragraphs 93 & 187
• Playing Pitch Strategy 20152031 (updated June 2016)
• Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2015-2031 (updated June 2016)
• Open Space and Recreation Strategy (2011)
• Sport England 'Planning for Sport Guidance' (Consultation draft - 2018)

When required

All scales of commercial development and development of new residential units.

What is required

Developers must demonstrate how they have provided safe, secure, convenient, and accessible provision for waste management, recycling and collection.

This should be in line with the RECAP Waste Management Design Guide and Toolkit.

Source, policies and references

Local validation requirement.

• CLP Policy 28 & 85
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Core Strategy - Policy CS28
• RECAP Waste Management Design Guide Toolkit (2012)
• RECAP Waste Management Design Guide

When required

You must demonstrate how your major development site meets the minimum mandatory requirement of 10% biodiversity net gain over the pre-development value of the site.

The minimum information that you must submit is set out in paragraph 9 of the draft biodiversity net gain planning practice guidance.

What is required

Some of these requirements are included in the standard application form available on the Planning Portal. With your application, you must include a completed statutory biodiversity metric and a scaled plan. Please submit biodiversity metric in Excel format.

Source, policies and references

National validation requirement.