Planning Applications: Proposed changes to Local Validation Checklist
New legislation affecting submission of planning applications is due to come into effect in February.
The law relates to “biodiversity” and introduces the requirement for additional information to be submitted with certain types of planning application.
When a planning application is submitted it must be accompanied by information to support, explain and justify the proposed development.
The information that Wirral Council requires to be submitted with planning applications is set out in its Local Validation Checklist.
The new legislation relating to Biodiversity will take effect on 12 February 2024 and Wirral Council therefore needs to make changes to its existing Local Validation Checklist to make it clear what information this is and when it will be needed.
‘Biodiversity’ comes from ‘biological diversity’ and refers to the variety of living things, including animals, insects, plants, bacteria and fungi.
'Biodiversity net gain' is an approach that aims to leave the natural environment in a better condition than it was beforehand by delivering measurable improvements for biodiversity through creating or enhancing habitats in association with development.
Biodiversity net gain can be achieved on-site, off-site or through a combination of on-site and off-site measures.
The changes arising from Biodiversity legislation are set out at section 19 of the proposed Local Validation Checklist.
The council is also taking this opportunity to make some other amendments to the checklist at the same time and these changes can be found at sections 1, 5 and 20 of the Checklist.
Details of the current and proposed Local Validation Checklists are available on the council’s HaveYourSay webpage, where there is also the contact information if you have comments on the proposed changes.
It is a statutory requirement that the council undertakes a public consultation on any significant changes to its Local Validation Checklist.
Following the consultation period all responses received will be reviewed before a decision is made on the implementation of the proposed changes to the Local Validation Checklist.
If you would like to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the checklist you can contact the Planning department at planningapplications@wirral.gov.uk
This consultation is open for contributions until midnight on the 10 March 2024.
