The government has announced that September 2007 is the date for the rollout of a standard planning application form for use across all English Local Planning Authorities.

From October 2007, the National Standard Planning Application Form will become the official method of submitting a planning application for most types of consent.

Commercial property consultant, Underwoods, agrees with the move. Paul Tudor of Underwoods said: “The introduction of the 1APP form is fundamental to the Department of Communities and Local Government’s commitment to making the planning system simpler, faster and easier to use. And as well as speeding up the planning process, the new form will also enable planning services to be provided on-line and give applicants certainty about the information they need to provide.”

Currently, each planning authority produces its own planning application forms which are inconsistent. There is a phased implementation between now and September 2007.