When will the council expect one?
Policy DM1 of the NPPF published on 17 August 2026 expects major-development applications to include a concise planning statement explaining policy compliance, relevant engagement and the proposed approach to planning obligations. For other proposals, information should be limited to what is necessary for a sound decision. Annex C identifies the associated information requirements. [1] [2]
Councils also publish local requirements. Westminster's 2026 list requests a planning statement for major applications and identifies the relevant national, London-wide and local policy context. That is a local example, not a reason to order an extensive report for every minor alteration throughout England. [3]
What should it contain?
Start with a clear description of the site, its existing use and the proposed development. Then organise the assessment around the issues that could affect the decision, rather than around every policy in the Local Plan. The statement should help the officer find the evidence and understand the applicant's reasoning. [1]
A practical structure is:
- Explain the proposal and relevant planning history.
- Identify the current policy framework and site constraints.
- Assess the important issues, referring to the relevant drawings and reports.
- Explain any policy conflict, mitigation or planning obligation being offered.
- Conclude with the reasons permission is sought.
Treat this as an organising method, not a statutory template. For a small extension, a focused assessment of scale, appearance and neighbours may be more useful than a lengthy generic document.
Who prepares it?
A planning consultant or suitably experienced project designer can coordinate the statement. Ask technical specialists to confirm the accuracy of the conclusions attributed to their reports. The statement should not claim that noise, flooding or structural concerns have been resolved when the supporting assessment identifies outstanding work.
The NPPF's approach is to match information to the issues and scale of the application. Agree a scope that identifies which questions need professional planning judgement and which can simply be answered by the drawings. [1]
London and Epping Forest need different policy sections
For a London site, assess the relevant London Plan and borough policies. A statement for Epping Forest should instead use that district's policy and validation framework; copying a London template would introduce irrelevant London-wide requirements. The respective council lists show why location matters. [3] [4]
The draft new London Plan is under consultation until 15 October 2026. Identify emerging policies as emerging, not as adopted replacements. National policy DM4 explains how the weight given to emerging plans depends on their progress, unresolved objections and consistency with national policy. [5] [1]
Before submitting, update every policy reference and cross-reference after the final design revision. An accurate short statement is more useful than a longer document discussing a superseded scheme.