Process and Importance:

Review for Completeness: The planning authority meticulously reviews submitted applications for completeness and compliance with legislation.
Criteria for Validation: This includes checking the accuracy of the application form, appropriateness of fees, completeness of site and newspaper notices, and thoroughness of submitted plans.
Declaration of Validity: Valid applications enter the official planning review process. Incomplete or non-compliant applications are declared invalid and returned for correction and resubmission.

Key Considerations:

Professional Assistance: Employing a professional agent, like an architect, planner, or engineer, can significantly aid in meeting all validation requirements.

Accuracy and Completeness: Meticulous attention to detail in preparing the application helps prevent delays due to invalidation.

Planning Application Timeline:

Understanding the Timeline: The planning application process typically spans eight weeks from the receipt of a valid application, crucial for assessment and decision-making.

Initial Steps: Begin with publishing a newspaper notice and erecting a site notice before submitting the application.

Submission Window: Submit the application within two weeks of publishing the newspaper notice and erecting the site notice.

Eight-Week Process:

First 5 Weeks: Public and stakeholder submissions and observations are received; the planning authority begins its assessment.
Weeks 5-8: Final assessment occurs, considering received submissions and observations, with a decision issued at the end.

Factors Influencing Duration: Complexity of the application, need for additional information, and volume of submissions or observations can affect the timeline.

Validation and Processing Timeframes