Prior Approval Required Meaning in Planning

Prior approval required means the applicant cannot simply rely on the permitted development right without the council first checking specified planning matters. It is a narrower process than full planning permission, but it can still affect neighbours because the outcome may allow the work to proceed.

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Prior approval appears most often with certain types of permitted development: larger home extensions, agricultural buildings, office-to-residential changes, telecoms equipment, demolition, some changes of use and other defined routes. The applicant is not asking the council to consider every planning issue in the same way as a full application. They are asking the council to decide the matters listed in the relevant prior approval rules.

The Planning Portal prior approval guide is the best homeowner-friendly starting point. GOV.UK making an application also lists prior approval as one of the application types that may be made under the planning system.

What The Council Can Consider

This is the most important point. In a full planning application, the council usually assesses the proposal against the development plan and material planning considerations. In prior approval, the council is usually limited to the specific matters set out for that route.

Those matters vary. Depending on the route, they might include:

• Transport and highways impact.
• Noise, contamination or flooding risks.
• Design or external appearance.
• Impact on neighbours from a larger home extension.
• Siting and appearance of telecoms equipment.
• Whether demolition method and restoration details are acceptable.

Because the scope is narrower, a normal objection letter may miss the target. You need to find the exact prior approval category and write to the matters the council is allowed to assess.

Prior Approval Required Vs Prior Approval Not Required

The phrases sound similar but mean different things.

Always read the decision notice. The status label may be too short to explain what has actually been decided.

What Neighbours Should Check

First, identify the prior approval route. The application description, form or decision notice should give clues. Then check the drawings and supporting documents against that route.

For a larger home extension, look at depth, height, boundary position and impact on adjoining homes. For a change of use, look at transport, noise, contamination, flooding, natural light or other matters that apply to that specific class. For telecoms, look at siting and appearance. For demolition, look at method and site restoration.

If you object, keep your wording narrow and practical. Do not spend most of the letter on issues the council cannot consider under that route.

Why Prior Approval Can Feel Confusing

Prior approval sits between two ideas: permitted development and planning control. The applicant may have a permitted development right in principle, but the law still requires the council to approve certain details first. That is why a prior approval application can appear on the portal even when neighbours are told "it is permitted development".

It is also why speed matters. Some prior approval routes have shorter and stricter procedures than ordinary planning applications. If you want to comment, do not wait.

Official Sources

• Planning Portal prior approval
• GOV.UK guidance on making a planning application
• Planning Portal common projects

Related PlanWatch Guides

• Prior Approval And Planning Permission
• Prior Approval Not Required Meaning
• Permitted Development Rights Explained
• Neighbour Building Extension

Frequently Asked Questions

Does prior approval required mean planning permission is needed?

It usually means the development may fall under permitted development, but the council must first approve specific matters set by the prior approval rules.

Can neighbours object to prior approval?

Sometimes, but the council can usually only consider the matters allowed by that prior approval route.

Is prior approval the same as full planning permission?

No. Prior approval is a narrower process linked to certain permitted development rights. Full planning permission is a broader assessment.

What happens if prior approval is refused?

The applicant may revise the proposal, appeal where a route allows it, or apply for full planning permission.

The Point To Remember

Prior approval required is not a normal full planning application, but it is still worth reading. The winning objection is the one that matches the exact matters the council can decide.