Planning Permission

There are several types of planning permission and planning applications to consider depending on the size and type of project:

Full Planning Permission

Full planning permission grants approval for a project based on detailed design specifications. However, to validate approval, the project must demonstrate compliance with the planning conditions associated with the permission. These conditions need formal discharge by the local authority via letter before work can commence. In situations where development principles are established or non-contentious, submitting a full application upfront may be more cost-effective than the two-phased approach of outline plus reserved matters, especially if the applicant plans to oversee the development themselves.

Conversely, when the landowner acts as the applicant and intends to sell the site for development, opting for a full planning application can be challenging to justify due to the extensive details required regarding site layout, access, building scale, highways, and drainage. Much of this information may need modification based on the preferences of the new owner, making the expense of a full application less practical.

Outline Planning Permission 

When proposing a new development, planning regulations allow applicants to assess the acceptability of development principles through an outline planning application. Unlike a full application, an outline application doesn’t entail submitting detailed technical specifications and associated infrastructure details. Instead, it focuses on providing information about the scale and nature of the proposed development, addressing potential technical constraints in principle, such as ecological and landscape impacts, flood risks, etc.

Outline planning permission grants ‘permission in principle’ without specifying design details, offering assurance to developers and landowners that the development is acceptable to the local planning authority. This approach avoids the costs associated with preparing a full planning application, which requires comprehensive drawings, reports, surveys, and other detailed documentation. However, it doesn’t authorize the commencement of work but serves to explore the viability of the build. Subsequently, an application for ‘reserved matters’—encompassing aspects like proposed house size, appearance, positioning, landscaping, and access—must be submitted and approved before work can proceed. Deviations from the original outline permission that are significant may necessitate a full planning submission.

Householder Planning Permission

Householder planning applications offer a streamlined process for proposals involving alterations or extensions to a single house (excluding flats), including works within the property boundary or garden. This route is frequently utilized by homeowners seeking to undertake renovations or improvements on their property.

However, this process does not cover applications related to flats, multiple houses, or changes of use. For such cases, a Full Planning Permission request is required.

It’s important to note that planning permission is not mandatory for all house-related projects. Permitted development rights allow for various household building projects to proceed without the need for planning permission, subject to specific limitations and conditions.

When is Householder Planning Permission required?

• Extensions
• Conservatories
• Loft conversions
• Dormer windows
• Garages
• Outbuildings
• Swimming pools
• Walls and fences
• Porches
• Satellite dishes