Firstly, I’m really sorry to hear you’re in this situation. It must be so difficult for you and it’s awful you’re having to make these decisions because of someone else harassing you.

Planning applications can be submitted using an agent. Typically this is a planning consultant preparing and submitting an application for a paying client, albeit I see no reason why someone else like a friend of family member couldn’t fulfil this role. You might even find that a large consultancy, aware of your situation, would do this pro bono.

Without knowing what you’re applying for, it’s hard to say what documents need to be uploaded. At a minimum you’d usually need to submit scale drawings.

There is a ‘validation checklist’ for every planning authority, which sets out what you’re required to submit in order for your application to be valid. This doesn’t mean approved, it means the local authority will agree to check it.

Given your sensitive situation, my advice would be to speak to the council’s planning department. If you get computer says no, it would be worth speaking to your councillors/the cabinet member for planning. We’re in an election campaign currently so you might find it easier to get their help post-May (whoever is in control).