What Prior Approvals Consider
Each Prior Approval route has its own criteria, but councils commonly assess matters such as:
- Neighbouring amenity including overlooking, outlook, and light
- Design, appearance, and materials
- Transport and highways impacts
- Flood risk and drainage considerations
- Noise impacts and site context
- Contamination and environmental constraints
- The suitability of the existing building for the proposed change of use
- Whether the proposal complies exactly with the relevant GPDO class and limitations
When this service is appropriate
Use this service where development is allowed in principle under national legislation but requires the council to confirm that specific impacts are acceptable. This is particularly relevant:
- For larger home extensions beyond standard permitted development limits
- For the change of use of buildings, including offices, agricultural buildings, and commercial premises into residential use
- For new agricultural buildings and certain rural development
- For demolition and rebuild under specific classes
- Where you want to avoid a full planning application but still require formal council approval
- Where compliance with technical GPDO rules is essential to avoid refusal
Careful preparation is essential because Prior Approval refusals often arise from technical errors rather than planning judgement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Prior Approval?
A Prior Approval is a process where development is permitted in principle by national legislation, but the council must approve certain specified matters before works can proceed. It is not a full planning application, but it is a formal approval process.
Is Prior Approval the same as permitted development?
No. Permitted development allows works without any formal council involvement. Prior Approval requires a submission to the council so they can assess defined impacts before confirming the development can proceed.
Can I build a larger home extension under Prior Approval?
Yes. Larger rear extensions to houses can be carried out under a Prior Approval process, subject to neighbour consultation and strict size limits defined in the legislation.
Do agricultural buildings require Prior Approval?
Many agricultural buildings and operations are allowed under Prior Approval, particularly for new barns, storage buildings, tracks, and changes of use of agricultural buildings to residential use. The council will assess siting, design, transport, and environmental impacts.
Can commercial or office buildings be converted to residential under Prior Approval?
Yes. Several classes within the legislation allow change of use from offices, shops, and other commercial uses to residential use, subject to the council’s assessment of matters such as transport, contamination, flooding, noise, and natural light.
What happens if the proposal does not exactly meet the Prior Approval rules?
If the proposal falls outside the defined limits, it cannot proceed under Prior Approval and will require either a householder or a full planning application. Precision in measurements, drawings, and supporting information is therefore critical.
How long does a Prior Approval take?
Most Prior Approval applications have a determination period of between 28 and 56 days depending on the type of development. If the council does not respond within the statutory period, the development may be allowed to proceed.
