Accredited planning agents scheme

We have introduced a new scheme to help both planning professionals and the local Planning service to speed up the registration and processing of householder applications.

How does the scheme work?

The scheme works on the basis of 'accredited' planning agents who have agreed to abide by a code of practice when submitting planning applications. The code of practice is basically a checklist of items which we regard as essential to the efficient processing of applications. Some of the items are statutory whilst others are just useful for the planning service.

In return for submitting the applications in accordance with the Code of Conduct we will:

• Register your application without it going through the normal validation stage
• Target to determine the application within six weeks, as long as they can be determined under delegated powers
• Ensure that it reaches the Case Officer's desk within 24 hours

How to join the scheme

You simply have to agree to the Code of Conduct and submit three applications in accordance with the checklist (included in the Code of Conduct).

Each of these initial applications will be checked in the normal way. Having undergone a successful trial run with these first three applications you will then become an 'accredited' planning agent under the scheme.

The rules of the Scheme

Having become an 'accredited' agent we would expect the quality of submitted applications to remain high. However, if errors are found in applications they will be returned to the Validation Team and they will not be treated as fast-track applications.

If one or more applications have significant errors in them, accreditation status will be withdrawn and your applications will be processed in the normal way.

If you are interested in joining the scheme please complete and return the Code of Conduct form to:

Development Control
London Borough of Newham
Newham Dockside
1st Floor, West Wing
1000 Dockside Road
London
E16 2QU

Online applications

Applications will also be able to be received using the Planning Portal.