Prior Approval

What is Prior Approval?

Prior Approval is a streamlined process within the UK planning system that applies to certain types of developments allowed under Permitted Development Rights (PDR). Under this process, while full planning permission isn’t required, the property owner must still notify the local planning authority (LPA) about the intended development and obtain their approval for specific aspects before beginning work. Prior approval ensures that particular impacts are reviewed and approved, even though the broader development falls under permitted development.

Key Areas Requiring Prior Approval

Prior approval is commonly required for certain changes of use and property extensions, including:

1. Larger Home Extensions: Under PDR, larger single-storey rear extensions (up to 6 meters for terraced and semi-detached homes, and up to 8 meters for detached homes) need prior approval.

2. Agricultural to Residential: Converting agricultural buildings into residential homes requires prior approval to assess issues like noise, transport, and potential contamination.

3. Office to Residential Conversions: Office buildings being converted into residential homes require prior approval to address impacts such as flooding, transport, and contamination risks.

4. Adding Additional Storeys: Adding extra storeys to residential or commercial properties requires prior approval to address impacts on neighbours, including structural stability, design, and the potential for overlooking.

How the Prior Approval Process Works

  1. Application Submission: The property owner submits a prior approval application to the local planning authority, including details about the development and its potential impacts (e.g., design, access, noise).

  2. Public and Neighbour Notification: The LPA will notify neighbours and may invite comments on the proposed development.

  3. LPA Assessment: The LPA reviews specific aspects, such as the potential effects on the neighbourhood, design, and environmental considerations. They cannot refuse approval on grounds outside the scope defined for that development type.

  4. Decision: The LPA usually has 56 days to issue a decision. If they do not respond within this timeframe, approval is deemed granted by default (although this doesn’t apply to all prior approval cases).

Purpose of Prior Approval

The process is intended to balance the flexibility offered by PDR with safeguarding local amenity and public safety. It allows the LPA to consider specific impacts without requiring a full planning application, making it faster than a typical planning permission application but still offering protection where needed.

Common Considerations in Prior Approval

  • Impact on Transport and Highways

  • Contamination Risks

  • Flood Risks

  • Noise and Disturbance to Neighbours

  • Design and External Appearance (for some types of development)

Prior approval is particularly useful for streamlining certain development types while ensuring oversight on aspects that could negatively affect the local area.

Note: Information above is as a guidance only and must be verified by relevant Local Authorities.