Application guide

Planning permission: Which application type should you choose?

Different types of application are required depending on the development in question. The following guide breaks down the types of application by who may need to use them,  and scenarios you may find yourself in.

This can act as guidance to inform your choice of application type; however, if you require confirmation then you will need to speak to your local planning authority (LPA).

Find your local planning authority ^{(https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)}

Who are you and why do you need to apply?

Choose from the options below using the arrow on the right:

Specific situations you may find yourself in

If conditions on a consent require that additional specific matters are approved by the local planning authority

You can apply to have conditions discharged (approved)¹ so that your development can begin. You will be required to detail how you intend to meet the conditions (e.g. the materials you will use) or provide supporting information to demonstrate compliance (e.g. a traffic assessment).

If you need to make changes to an existing consent

If you have previously gained planning permission for a development, then you may wish to make minor amendments, or change/remove the conditions which were placed on it.

Removal/Variation of conditions

Conditions are often applied, placing limits on how the development is implemented. An application for removal or variation of conditions² can be used to change conditions which have been previously imposed. Proof will have to be submitted that the conditions are no longer relevant or reasonable.

Non-material amendment

A non-material amendment³ may be applied for to approve a minor change to the planning permission and does not breach any conditions originally placed on the consent.

If the amendment is not considered minor by the Local Planning Authority, a new planning application will be required.

If you need retrospective approval for work that has already been done (or is in progress)

This may occur if you find out work on your house does not have the appropriate documentation, or that development or a change of use has been carried out without proper consent, or in breach of a condition.

Planning permission vs lawful development certificate

To check if existing work or current use can continue ‘as is’, you can apply for a lawful development certificate⁴.

If a certificate cannot be granted, you can make a householder⁵ or full planning application⁶. If you want to ensure the viability of a commercial development without having to finalise all the details or pay a large upfront fee.

The viability of a project can be assessed through outline planning permission⁷ or permission in principle to help mitigate risk and avoid the resource commitment required to make a full planning application.

Neither of these application types allow for work to begin on a site until the rest of the details are agreed.

Permission in principle may apply to your development if it is between 1-9 houses, anything else would require outline permission.

What to do next

If you have decided the necessary application type, then you can start your application⁸. For more information on potential applications visit our consent types page⁹.

Alternatively, you may wish to contact your local planning authority (LPA)¹⁰ for more details. You can engage in pre-application talks¹¹ to help improve the chances of a successful application. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/approval-discharge-of-conditions
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/removal-variation-of-conditions
3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/non-material-amendment-of-an-existing-planning-permission
4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/lawful-development-certificate
5. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/householder-planning-consent
6. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/full-planning-consent
7. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/outline-planning-consent
8. http://www.planningportal.co.uk/app
9. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types
10. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority
11. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/how-to-apply/pre-application-advice