Prior approval
While permitted development rights allow you to make some changes to your home without the need for a full planning application, some projects will still need to be reviewed and approved by us. This is known as ‘prior approval’
With work that requires prior approval you must submit an application before the work begins. This is to confirm whether your project is covered by this approval process or needs planning permission.
The most common types of work that require prior approval are:
- Home extensions
- Changing the use of a property from office to residential
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Home extensions
The main household projects that require prior approval are:
- Larger home extensions
- Upwards extensions
How to apply for Prior approval for home extensions
- Read the Planning Portal guidance notes for home extensions or extending upwards (additional storeys)
- Set up an account at Planning Portal
- Make a new application for Prior approval: larger home extension or Prior approval: additional stories on a dwelling house
Change of use from office (class E) to residential
Permitted development rights introduced by government in 2021 let owners convert their property from industrial or commercial space (Use Class E) to a residential use (Use Class C3 – dwelling house/ residential) without the need for planning permission.
How to apply for prior approval for a change of use
- Read the Planning Portal guidance notes for home extensions or extending upwards (additional storeys)
- Set up an account at Planning Portal
- Make a new application for Prior approval - change of use commercial / business / service to dwellinghouses