Prepare a planning application

Prior approval

When to use a Prior Approval application

Some types of development are automatically granted planning permission by the government, which means you do not need to submit a planning application. These works are called permitted development. Some types of permitted development require prior approval, which means you must apply to us for approval before you begin the works.

There are many different types of Prior Approval applications. The validation checklist below includes the standard requirements for all Prior Approval applications. You should check The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (external website) to make sure you have submitted all the details required by legislation for the type of Prior Approval works you are applying for. You must submit all the details necessary for us to determine if your proposal complies with permitted development legislation. This includes any plans, drawings or other supporting information.

When you are ready, you can submit your planning application on the Planning Portal.

Apply for planning permission 

Validation checklist for Prior Approval applications

Required for all Prior Approval applications

Required for some Prior Approval applications 

Page last updated: 14 March 2024

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