Glossary definition
Prior Approval
A lighter-touch planning process required for certain types of permitted development, where the local authority assesses specific matters such as transport, flooding, contamination, and noise impact. Prior approval is not a full planning application and the local authority can only consider the prescribed matters, not broader planning policy.
Definition
A lighter-touch planning process required for certain types of permitted development, where the local authority assesses specific matters such as transport, flooding, contamination, and noise impact. Prior approval is not a full planning application and the local authority can only consider the prescribed matters, not broader planning policy. It is commonly required for Class MA office-to-residential and Class Q agricultural-to-residential conversions.
See also
Closely related terms.
Permitted Development Rights
Automatic planning permissions granted by Parliament through the General Permitted Development Order, allowing certain building works and changes of use without needing to apply for planning permission from the local authority.
PDR (Permitted Development Rights)
Rights granted under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order that allow certain types of development to proceed without a full planning application.
Planning Permission
Formal consent from the local planning authority required before carrying out most types of development, including new construction, material changes of use, and significant alterations to existing buildings.
Certificate of Lawfulness
A certificate issued by the local planning authority confirming that an existing use or proposed development is lawful and does not require planning permission.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
Legal Due Diligence in Development Finance: What Solicitors Check
Legal due diligence is the backbone of every development finance transaction. This guide explains what solicitors investigate, common issues that delay completions, and how to prepare your legal pack.
9 min read readReadGuide
How Does Development Finance Work? A Complete Guide for UK Developers
A ground-up guide to how development finance is structured in the UK, covering loan mechanics, drawdown schedules, monitoring surveyors, and what lenders look for in your application.
5 min read readRead
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