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Before you get started
Validation Checklist
Chapters in this topic
Before you get started
Published 26 January 2026.
The Government’s national validation requirements (opens in a new window) sets out which documents must be provided with every planning application. The local requirements, covered by this document, will differ depending on the application type.
Acceptable file types
The following file types can be submitted for applications.
- Plans: PDF
- Documents: PDF
- Photographs: JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF, PDF
Your files should not be larger than 10MB.
Plan layout and scale
When submitting plans our preferred size is A1. As much information as is reasonably possible should be contained on the one sheet. This format provides the greatest level of readability.
All drawings should be accurately titled, include drawings numbers, (where relevant a revision number identifying the change and date) and a scale and scale bars (to allow for measuring digitally).
If the plans you have submitted are intended to be formally determined as part of your planning application, avoid saying:
- preliminary
- illustrative
- draft
- for Information only
- do not scale (unless it is followed by “for Planning Purposes Only”).
Do not submit plans or documents in booklet forms.
If illustrative material is provided, indicate clearly on a schedule of drawings, those which form part of the application and those which are illustrative.
Application Fees
All applications and associated consents will require the correct application fee to be paid. As part of the validation process the fee will not be deemed received until it is in the authorities' bank account
Please note the Planning Portal (opens in a new window) does not automatically calculate fees for ‘Hybrid’ applications, so such applications should be accompanied by a fee calculation note.
- Planning Portal application fee calculator (opens in new window)
- PDF Fee schedule (opens in a new window)
Document Structure
This document is split into two sections:
- Part A: Local List Required Information for all applications
- Part B: Local List additional information - is recommended to be submitted at application stage. If not, it could be sought by the case officer where necessary before the determination of the application or may form a reason for refusal
Please note: Part A and Part B requirements apply equally to Maidstone and Swale Borough Councils - unless the section is flagged for a specific local authority:
- for Maidstone only or;
- for Swale only
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