Local validation requirements (planning applications and listed building consent) consultation
Audience: Developers and planning agents
Open: 21 November 2025 to 19 December 2025
What is the local validation list?
The West Suffolk Council local validation requirements (planning applications and listed building consent), known as the ‘local validation list’, sets out the information that West Suffolk Council requires to be submitted before a planning application can be validated. It also provides guidance on the detail and scope of that information, which will depend on the scale and nature of the proposal.
Validation is the process undertaken by the council to check that new planning applications are complete and include all relevant supporting information. Validation is concerned only with whether applications have been correctly made. It is not concerned with whether proposals are acceptable in planning terms.
Why is the council updating its local validation list?
West Suffolk Council’s current validation requirements are being reviewed to reflect changes in planning legislation, policy, and guidance.
The review of the local validation list will:
- provide certainty to applicants about the type and extent of information required as part of their application at the earliest possible stage
- ensure consistency in registering and validating applications submitted to West Suffolk Council
- ensure the council has all the information it needs to determine applications in a considered and timely manner.
Public consultation
We are currently seeking feedback on the West Suffolk Council Draft local validation requirements (planning applications and listed building consent). This consultation will run for four weeks from 9am on 21 November 2025 to 5pm on 19 December 2025. Any comments received will be analysed, considered and amendments made before the council adopts a final version of the local validation list 2025.
Inspection of documents
How to comment
Please submit your comments by email to pgsupport@westsuffolk.gov.uk to be received by 5pm on 19 December 2025.
After the consultation closes, all comments received will be considered and amendments made as appropriate. Once approved, this will replace the current local validation list and will form the basis on which planning applications are deemed valid by West Suffolk Council.
If you have any questions about the consultation, please email these to pgsupport@westsuffolk.gov.uk.gov.uk.