Validation checklists - Full Planning Permission: Change of Use
To be used for applications for planning permission for change of use of an existing building, this includes change of use to create residential units. If the change of use results in building works being proposed, then you may need to refer to the other Full Planning checklists.
| Forms and Fees | When Required | Further Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | Mandatory on all applications |
Please ensure to complete all questions in the form and ensure to outline the details of the proposed residential units (if proposed) and any associated parking. Please ensure the applicant details are listed (we sometimes get applications where the applicant and agent are duplicated contacts). Please ensure the correct certificate A, B, C or D is signed. If the proposed development encroaches onto the neighbour’s boundary, please be aware Certificate B will be required. Please ensure to check the designation map https://planvu.co.uk/bromley/ and ensure the relevant questions are answered relating to the policies outlined. |
| Biodiversity Net Gain Minimum Information Requirements or Exemption Statement | Mandatory on all applications |
Where seeking to claim an exemption from BNG, sufficient evidence must be provided to demonstrate that it will apply to the development proposed. For exemptions relating to self-build/custom build please the proforma is required. Proforma Form. Useful References: |
| Community Infrastructure Levy - Form 1: CIL Additional Information | Mandatory on any applications | CIL Form 1 |
| Application Fee* | Mandatory on all applications unless a valid exemption is applied | You must submit a supporting document/cover letter explaining reason for exemption and any relevant accompanying evidence. Please note the Planning Portal admin fee still applies. |
| Plans and Photos | When Required | Further Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Photos | Mandatory on all applications |
Please see site photo guide here. |
| Site Location Plan | Mandatory on all applications |
The application site must be edged in red, and the plan must include a north point and should show the site in relation to adjoining properties and the nearest road junctions and include any land required to access the property from the public highway. |
| Existing and Proposed Floor Plans (to an accurate scale) | Mandatory on all applications | Please ensure key dimensions are provided and the plans are to an accurate scale with the scale indicated. Proposed floor plans must be annotated with unit and room sizes for proposals that relate to change of use to residential. It is useful to provide a furniture layout to demonstrate how the space will be used. |
| Existing and Proposed Elevations (to an accurate scale) | Mandatory if the change of use results in elevational changes, however it is important this is stated on the plans that there are no changes. | Please ensure to provide the key dimensions of the proposed works this needs to include the overall height of the proposed extensions (not just the height to the eaves). Please also ensure to provide height, width, depth of any proposed dormers. Please ensure to show the projection from the roof plane for proposals involving solar panels. |
| Existing and Proposed Sections (to an accurate scale) | Mandatory if the change of use results in new residential units |
Please ensure key dimensions are provided, the plans are to an accurate scale with the scale indicated. *Key dimensions include the height, width and depth of new buildings and (where relevant) the distances to site boundaries. AOD levels annotated |
| Supporting Documents | When Required | Further Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Access Statement | Mandatory for any applications where the site is in a conservation area. | Heritage Map |
| Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Statement and Metric | Mandatory on all applications unless an exemption applies, and enough evidence is provided to meet the exemption criteria. |
Completed metric tool calculation (submitted in full) showing the site’s biodiversity value before development. Statement must demonstrate how the BNG hierarchy has been applied and how any adverse effect has been minimised, and how the minimum of 10% BNG is intended to be met, including details of any proposed significant on-site enhancements. Biodiversity Guidance |
| Air Quality Assessment and Air Quality Positive Statement | Mandatory where the site falls into a AQMA or AQFA area and the proposal is potentially polluting and traffic generating and development that is likely to be used by large numbers of people particularly vulnerable to poor air quality, such as children or older people. |
Air quality action plan – London Borough of Bromley |
| Biodiversity/Ecology Assessment and Species Survey (Preliminary Ecological Appraisal) |
Mandatory where change of use of land may affect protected species by a proposal an appraisal is required to review possible impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. Mandatory for change of use of land for developments where the site falls in designated areas (SSSI/SINC/AONB or Local Nature Reserves). |
|
| Construction Management Logistics Plan | Mandatory for applications which propose 5+ dwellings or others likely to have a significant impact on traffic congestion or pedestrian safety such as development on a main high street or where loading activities associated with the construction phase of a development would cause congestion or obstruction on the highway. | TFL – Construction Logistics Plan |
| Delivery and Servicing Plan | Mandatory for all applications which have delivery and servicing requirements e.g. commercial use. | |
| Fire Statement | Mandatory on all applications |
Must demonstrate how the development meets London Plan Policy D12. London Plan |
| Flood Risk Assessment |
Mandatory if the site is in flood zone 2/3 Mandatory if the site is in flood zone 1 and the site 1ha Mandatory where the change of use of land or buildings increases the flood vulnerability of the development as defined by the NPPF. |
NPPF Vulnerability |
| Geological Survey Report | Mandatory if the site is near a SSSI or a regionally important Geological Site. | Supplementary Planning Guidance |
| Heritage Statement | Mandatory if the proposal involves a listed building or within a Conservation Area. | |
| Land Contamination Assessment |
Mandatory if the change of use is on or near a former landfill site. Mandatory if the site has a history of commercial use or where the previous use is unknown. Mandatory if the previous use of the site could give rise to contamination. Mandatory the proposed use is sensitive e.g. residential or a school. |
Planning Practice Guidance |
| Landfill and Waste Transfer Statement | Mandatory if the change of use proposes a landfill/waste transfer site. | |
| Marketing and vacancy evidence |
Mandatory for reuse of business premises for non-business purposes. Mandatory if the change of use relates to a loss of community facilities including public houses. Mandatory for change of use of retail shops to non-retail purposes. |
Commercial Property This may be covered in a Planning Statement if clearly outlined. |
| Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment |
Mandatory for proposed mixed use developments close to noise generating activities (including residential). Mandatory for new noise-sensitive development (including residential) close to noise generating activities. Mandatory for proposals including noise generating activities & equipment / machinery. |
London Plan |
| Parking provision for Cars and Bicycles | Mandatory for change of use to new residential development, places of employment, education & entertainment / leisure. |
Car parking should be provided in accordance with London Plan Policy T6, including maximum parking standards for various uses set out in policies T6.1 to T6,4 Disabled persons parking should be provided for residential uses (in accordance with policy T6.1) and non-residential uses (in accordance with policy T6.5). This can be included within a Block Plan/Site Plan. |
| Planning Statement | Preferable on all cases but is particularly important where specific policy issues need to be addressed for example Green Belt. |
A planning statement identifies the context and need for proposed development and includes an assessment of how the proposed development accords with relevant national policies, the London Plan and the Bromley Local Plan. The level of detail will be dependent upon the proposal but should be proportionate. |
| Refuse and Recycling Storage Details | Mandatory for change of use that includes residential, places of employment, education, and entertainment/leisure. | Refuse Notes |
| Social Infrastructure Statement | Mandatory for all proposals providing social infrastructure e.g., health, education, community, play, youth, recreation, sports, faith, and emergency facilities. |
This should outline appropriate evidence that such provision will address identified needs, e.g. evidence of discussion with relevant healthcare or education bodies. Such evidence should be provided at validation stage as it can be integral to the determination of applications involving social infrastructure. See London Plan policy S1C. This may be covered in a Planning Statement if clearly outlined. |
| Structural Survey and Rebuilding Method Statement | Mandatory if the change of use involves buildings in Green Belt /MOL. | |
| Transport Assessment | May be required but to be assessed on a case-by-case basis where the proposal would have impact on the Highway Network. | TFL – Transport Assessments |
| Ventilation/Extraction Details and Specification | Mandatory if the change of use proposes a restaurants, cafes & hot food takeaways (Classes E(b) or Sui Generis public houses/drinking establishments and hot food takeaway uses) | |
| Town Centre and Retail Impact Assessment | Mandatory for proposed changes of use of retail premises |
Town Centres and Retail Please refer to the relevant Policies in the Development Plan Documents: The National Planning Policy Framework 2024, The London Plan 2021, The Bromley Local Plan 2019 |