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Doing the Planning App Yourself? What Is Validation?


If you're a homeowner in Weymouth or anywhere in Dorset Council’s area submitting your own planning application, you may already have encountered the term “validation.” And if you're dealing with delays or rejection letters before your application even reaches a planner, validation is likely the issue.

With planning fees recently increasing and no more “free resubmissions,” getting validation wrong can now cost time, money, and momentum. This article explains what validation means, what Dorset Council looks for, and how working with a professional architect like Rosenkelly can help you avoid costly mistakes.


What Is Planning Validation (and Why It Matters)?

Planning validation is the first check your application goes through after submission. Dorset Council won’t begin assessing your plans until they confirm that everything required has been correctly submitted.


If your application is marked invalid, it’s essentially paused. The statutory decision timeline (usually 8 weeks for householder applications) won’t begin until everything is fixed. If left unresolved, your application may even be closed – and that means starting all over again.


Many applications submitted by first-timers get flagged for missing forms, incorrect documents, or unclear drawings. Understanding validation gives your application the best possible start.


What Does Dorset Council Check?

Dorset Council uses a local validation checklist. While requirements vary slightly based on your project, most applications must include:

  • Correct application form with full descriptions, signed declarations, and accurate answers

  • Ownership certificate (A–D) and an agricultural declaration

  • Location plan (typically 1:1250 scale) with your site outlined in red

  • Site/block plan showing the proposal in context (1:200 or 1:500 scale)

  • Existing and proposed drawings, clearly labeled and to scale

  • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) form, even for small extensions

  • Supporting reports if needed (e.g. heritage statement, ecology checklist)

  • Application fee, paid correctly through the Planning Portal or direct to Dorset Council


Any omission—however small—can delay validation. Even mislabelled plans, unclear elevations, or the wrong certificate can result in your submission being marked invalid.


Common DIY Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Many Dorset homeowners attempt their first planning application without professional help. It’s possible—but mistakes are common:

  • Plans not to scale, missing scale bars or site context

  • Mismatched drawings and form descriptions

  • Outdated or incorrectly formatted location maps

  • Missing supporting forms (like CIL or biodiversity checklists)

  • Incorrect ownership certificates or unsigned declarations

  • Poor-quality or illegible scans and uploads


These may seem minor, but they prevent validation and add delays or admin charges to your submission.


What Happens if Your Application Is Invalid?

  • The clock doesn’t start until validation is complete

  • You may be given 21 days to respond, or your application is closed

  • You may be charged an administrative fee for resubmitting

  • There’s no longer a fee exemption for resubmitting revised plans


In short, DIY applications now carry more risk than ever.


Why Use a Professional Like Rosenkelly?

As a local Weymouth-based architect, Rosenkelly Architectural Design ensures your planning application is complete, correct, and ready for validation the first time.

We help Dorset homeowners by:

  • Producing clear, scaled drawings and documentation

  • Filling out all forms and certificates correctly

  • Navigating Dorset’s local requirements and council expectations

  • Communicating directly with planners on your behalf

  • Avoiding the admin fees and delays caused by invalid submissions


With fees rising and time becoming increasingly valuable, professional help isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a practical choice.


Ready to Submit? Let’s Get It Right the First Time

Planning an extension, alteration, or home project in Dorset? Don’t let validation issues hold you back. Rosenkelly Architectural Design offers full planning submission services—ensuring every drawing, form, and detail is covered. We’re here to take the guesswork out of planning so your application moves forward without delays.

Let’s get your project validated, submitted, and one step closer to approval.


Contact Rosenkelly Architectural Design today to discuss your planning application




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