Planning Application Validation Checklist

What is it?

Policy ENV1 of the Plan Strategy states that planning permission will be granted for development that will maintain and, where possible, enhance environmental quality, and protects communities from materially harmful development. Development must not result in an unacceptable adverse impact on the environment, including consideration of ground contamination, ambient air quality, water quality, noise and light pollution.

Policy NH1 of the Plan Strategy seeks to ensure the protection of the district’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

An Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan provides a framework from which a final Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be developed to avoid, minimise or mitigate any construction effects on the environment and local communities.

When is it required?

An Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan should be provided with applications for:

• Major development;
• EIA development (see section 19); or
• Other forms of development that could significantly impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents, members of the public or sensitive developments.

What should be included?

An Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan should include:

• details of all proposed site works including site clearance and site preparatory works, demolition and construction (where appropriate by phase) and anticipated durations and proposed working hours;
• details of site-specific working / method statements;
• details of vehicle access to the construction site; 
• environmental monitoring proposals and details of any associated site action levels;
• details of all areas to be used for the storage of substrate/spoil including a suitable buffer between location for storage of excavated spoil and construction materials and any watercourses or surface drain present on site or adjacent to site;
• details of pollution prevention measures to be employed during demolition and / or construction, including for noise, vibration, dust, ambient air quality and contamination of both land and the water environment;
• consideration of human health receptors / impacts;
• detailed drawing plans, demonstrating a suitable buffer between locations for refueling, storage of oil/fuel, concrete mixing and washing areas and any watercourses or surface drain present on site or adjacent to the site;
• a proposed storm drainage plan designed to the principles of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in order to minimise the polluting effects of storm water on waterways; and
• proposals for engaging with the surrounding community and for monitoring contractor compliance with the CEMP, including responding to and resolving complaints.  

Guidance

DAERA also provides standing advice on development that may have an effect on the water environment (link opens in new window) (including groundwater and fisheries). A biosecurity plan may be required for construction impacting on the marine environment.

Further general guidance is available on DAERA's website.

The following guidance may also be useful in preparing an Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan:

• IAQM Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction.
• IAQM Guidance on Monitoring in the Vicinity of Demolition and Construction Sites
• LAQM.TG(22) BCC Advice note for construction and demolition sites. 

BS 5228:2009+A1:2014 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1 Noise and Part 2 Vibration.

Further guidance is available on DAERA's website (link opens in new window).