Understanding the different types of planning permission in the UK is essential if you are considering any form of development or building work. Whether you are making changes to an existing home, developing land, or altering the use of a property, choosing the right type of permission is critical to ensuring your project can proceed legally and without unnecessary delay.
Yet many homeowners and developers are unclear about the distinctions. Terms like full planning, outline permission, and prior approval are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and sometimes costly mistakes. In this blog, we will clarify what each type of permission means, when it applies, and what you need to consider before making an application.
Full Planning Permission
Full planning permission is the most common and comprehensive type of application. It applies when you are ready to seek approval for a specific development, including all the necessary details. This means you are submitting a complete set of plans, elevations and supporting documents that show exactly what you intend to build and how it will look, function and impact its surroundings.
This type of application is typically used for single dwellings, home extensions, commercial developments and changes of use. If approved, full planning permission grants you the legal right to carry out the development by the approved plans, subject to any conditions imposed by the local authority.
One of the key advantages of full permission is certainty. You know precisely what has been approved and can proceed to the construction stage with confidence. However, it also means that the council has to assess every detail of the scheme, which can make the process more time-consuming and complex.
Outline Planning Permission
Outline planning permission is used when you want to establish whether a development is acceptable in principle, but are not yet ready to commit to the full details. This type of application is often used for larger sites, phased developments or schemes that require more time to finalise architectural or technical elements.
With an outline application, you are asking the council to approve the general concept of development. This might include the use of the land, the scale of buildings, access arrangements or layout. What you are not providing at this stage are the complete design details, such as exact materials, window placements or landscaping.
If outline permission is granted, you will then need to submit what are known as reserved matters applications to secure approval for the detailed elements of the project. These must be submitted within three years of the approval of the outline. Only once all reserved matters are approved can you begin construction.
Outline permission can help test the water with planning authorities or investors, but it does not permit you to build. It is an early-stage approval that requires follow-up with additional applications.
Householder Planning Permission
Householder permission is a simplified form of full planning designed for domestic projects. It is used when homeowners want to make alterations to a single residential property, such as rear or side extensions, loft conversions or the addition of outbuildings.
The key difference is that householder applications are limited in scope. They only apply to works within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse and cannot be used for change of use, subdivision of properties, or significant alterations. Due to their domestic nature, they typically require fewer supporting documents and can be processed more efficiently than complete applications for larger developments.
If you are extending your home or altering its external appearance, this is likely the route you will follow. However, the same planning rules and policies still apply, so it is essential to prepare your submission carefully and ensure that your design meets local criteria.
Prior Approval and Permitted Development
In some cases, planning permission is not required, but you may still need prior approval from the local authority. This applies under the permitted development rights. These rights permit certain types of development to proceed without full permission, provided they meet specific limits and conditions.
Examples include small rear extensions, loft conversions, changes of use from office to residential, and conversions of agricultural buildings. In these cases, rather than submitting a complete application, you notify the council and request prior approval for specific matters such as transport impacts, flooding risk or contamination.
Prior approval is a more streamlined process, but it still requires care. If you start work without the correct paperwork or your plans fall outside the permitted development criteria, you may face enforcement action. It is essential to check the latest regulations and, if in doubt, seek advice from a planning consultant or architect.
Lawful Development Certificates (LDCs)
While not technically a form of planning permission, lawful development certificates provide formal confirmation from the council that a proposed or existing use or development is legal. These are often used when homeowners want certainty that their extension falls under permitted development or to regularise works carried out without prior approval.
An LDC can also be used to demonstrate that a property has been used in a particular way for a specific period, such as being used as a single dwelling or commercial premises. This can be important when applying for mortgages, selling property, or avoiding enforcement.
Although not required in every case, an LDC offers protection and peace of mind, particularly where there is ambiguity about what permissions are needed or whether something was built lawfully.
Change of Use Applications
Changing the use of a building or land often requires planning permission. For example, converting a shop into a café or turning an office building into flats may fall outside permitted development and need a complete planning application. The council will assess the proposed change in light of local policy, community impact, parking, amenity and other considerations.
In some cases, change of use applications can be straightforward. In others, particularly where the proposed use could affect neighbours or local infrastructure, additional reports or justification may be required. Understanding the use class system and how your local authority interprets changes is key to getting approval.
Final Thoughts
The UK planning system offers various types of permissions to reflect the diverse range of projects undertaken by people. From full planning permission for new builds to householder applications for modest extensions, each route has its own unique requirements, risks, and opportunities.
Choosing the correct type of permission at the outset can save time, reduce costs and prevent problems down the line. It is always wise to seek professional guidance to determine the most suitable approach for your project and to ensure that all documentation is prepared and submitted correctly.
At Studio Charrette, we provide tailored planning advice to homeowners, developers and commercial clients across the UK. Whether you need a Lawful Development Certificate, a complete planning submission, or support with outline proposals, our team is here to guide you through every step.
If you are unsure about the type of planning permission required for your project, please get in touch for a free initial consultation. We will help you understand your options and get your plans moving in the right direction.
