Overview The Application schema represents the core data structure for planning applications in England that are generated by digital planning services. This schema captures all the information needed from the initial application submission, including applicant details, property information, proposal details, supporting files, and user responses throughout the application journey.
Schema Structure The Application schema is composed of five main sections:
Core application data organized into logical sections Information about this planning application, including type, fees, declarations, and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) details
Information about the user who completed the application
Information about the applicant, including their contact details, site ownership, and agent information if applicable
Information about the site and property, including address, boundary, planning designations, and existing conditions
Information about the proposed works or changes, varying by application type
Optional structured representation of uploaded files as data objects
The result of the application based on information provided by the user, prior to assessment by a planning officer. Available for certain application types like Prior Approval and Lawful Development Certificates. The pre-assessment result value
Description of the pre-assessment result
The ordered list of questions, answers, and their metadata captured throughout the application journey. Each response includes the question text, user’s answer(s), and optional metadata like policy references and section names.
List of files uploaded and attached to the application List of classified file types (e.g., “photographs.existing”, “elevations.proposed”)
Optional description of the file contents
Metadata about the digital planning service and submission The reference code for the organisation (max 4 characters), sourced from planning.data.gov.uk
Unique identifier (UUID) for this application
ISO 8601 datetime when the application was submitted
URL reference to the JSON schema version used
The digital planning service provider (e.g., “PlanX”)
Application Types The Application schema supports numerous application types, including:
Planning Permission
Full householder applications
Minor applications
Major applications
Outline applications
Retrospective applications
Listed building applications
Prior Approval
Part 1 Class A (larger home extensions)
Part 1 Class AA (additional storeys)
Part 3 (changes of use)
Part 4, 6, 7, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 (various permitted development rights)
Lawful Development Certificates
Existing use or development (LDC Existing)
Proposed use or development (LDC Proposed)
Other Application Types
Listed Building Consent
Advertisement Consent
Works to Trees (notices and consents)
Hedgerow Removal Notice
Land Drainage Consent
Example Payload Here’s an example of a Planning Permission Full Householder application:
{ "data" : { "application" : { "type" : { "value" : "pp.full.householder" , "description" : "Planning Permission - Full householder" }, "fee" : { "calculated" : 258 , "payable" : 258 , "category" : { "sixAndSeven" : 258 }, "exemption" : { "disability" : false , "resubmission" : false }, "reduction" : { "sports" : false , "parishCouncil" : false , "alternative" : false } }, "declaration" : { "accurate" : true , "connection" : { "value" : "none" } } }, "user" : { "role" : "proxy" }, "applicant" : { "type" : "individual" , "name" : { "first" : "David" , "last" : "Bowie" }, "email" : "[email protected] " , "phone" : { "primary" : "Not provided by agent" }, "address" : { "sameAsSiteAddress" : true }, "ownership" : { "interest" : "owner.sole" , "certificate" : "a" } }, "property" : { "address" : { "latitude" : 51.4656522 , "longitude" : -0.1185926 , "title" : "40, STANSFIELD ROAD, LONDON" , "source" : "Ordnance Survey" , "uprn" : "100021892955" , "postcode" : "SW9 9RZ" }, "boundary" : { "site" : { "type" : "Feature" , "geometry" : { "type" : "Polygon" , "coordinates" : [[[ ... ]]] } }, "area" : { "hectares" : 0.012592 , "squareMetres" : 125.92 } } }, "proposal" : { "projectType" : [ { "value" : "extend.rear" , "description" : "Rear extension" } ], "description" : "Construction of a single-storey rear extension" } }, "responses" : [ ... ], "files" : [ ... ], "metadata" : { "organisation" : "LBH" , "id" : "abc-123-xyz" , "submittedAt" : "2024-01-15T12:00:00.000Z" , "schema" : "https://theopensystemslab.github.io/digital-planning-data-schemas/@next/schemas/application.json" } }
JSON Schema The complete JSON Schema definition is available at:
https://theopensystemslab.github.io/digital-planning-data-schemas/@next/schemas/application.json
The @next version reflects the latest development version. For production use, reference a specific released version number.
PreApplication Schema for pre-application advice requests
PrototypeApplication Prototype schema with additional metadata
PostSubmissionApplication Extended schema for applications in back office systems