When Can I Use a Prior Approval Notice?

A prior approval notice is a notification you submit to your local planning authority before starting certain types of development. It's not the same as planning permission, but it allows you to check that your project is acceptable in principle before investing time and money into more detailed plans.

When Can I Use a Prior Approval Notice?

You can use a prior approval notice for a variety of developments, including:

• House extensions: You can use prior approval for extensions of up to 8 metres to the rear of a detached house, or 6 metres to the rear of any other house.
• Loft conversions: You can use prior approval for loft conversions that don't involve raising the roof or adding dormers.
• Change of use: You can use prior approval to change the use of a building from one type to another, for example from a shop to a restaurant.
• Demolition: You can use prior approval to demolish a building if it is not listed or in a conservation area.

When Can't I Use a Prior Approval Notice?

It's important to note that you cannot use prior approval for all types of development. For example, you cannot use it for:

• New build houses
• Major extensions or alterations to listed buildings
• Development in conservation areas
• Development in areas of outstanding natural beauty

Why is it Good to Use Prior Approval Notice?

Here are some of the benefits of using a prior approval notice:

• It can save you time and money: By checking that your project is acceptable in principle before you start work, you can avoid the risk of having to submit a full planning application that is then rejected.
• It can give you certainty: Knowing that your project is likely to be approved can give you the confidence to proceed with your plans.
• It can help you to improve your plans: The feedback you receive from the planning authority during the prior approval process can help you to make changes to your plans that will make them more likely to be approved.
• The types of reports that the planning authority can ask for is restricted, or at least in practice limited to flood risk assessments, contaminated land reports and in very few cases daylight assessments.

Some Things to Consider before Submitting a Prior Approval Notice

Make sure you are eligible: 

• Check that the type of development you are planning is covered by prior approval.
• Follow the correct procedure: There is a specific process for submitting a prior approval notice. You can find details on your local planning authority's website.
• Be prepared to provide information: You will need to provide the planning authority with a number of documents, including plans, drawings, and a description of your proposal.
• Pay the fee: There is a fee for submitting a prior approval notice. The fee varies depending on the type of development you are planning.