Conditional approval
Conditional approvals are authorisations granted by a body such as a regulatory body that is subject to specific conditions being met. This type of approval typically indicates that the proposed construction project can proceed, but that certain requirements must be satisfied either before or during the development process.
For example, local planning authorities may grant conditional approval of planning applications. This means that while the overall project is acceptable, the developer must meet certain conditions either before work begins, or before occupation is permitted. These could include details of the design, adherence to environmental regulations, the implementation of specific mitigation measures, undertaking surveys and other assessments, and so on.
Similarly, conditional approval can also apply to compliance with building regulations. Building control bodies may approve plans conditionally, requiring certain aspects of the construction to be carried out or verified in a particular way to ensure compliance with health, safety, accessibility standards and so on.
Once conditional approval is granted, the developer or contractor must take steps to discharge these conditions. This typically involves submitting additional documentation, revised plans, or evidence of compliance. Only when all conditions are satisfactorily met will the project receive full approval..
Approving authorities may monitor the project to ensure compliance with the conditions. Failure to meet conditions can result in enforcement actions, which might include halting the project, fines, or requiring alterations to the work.
For more information see: Planning conditions.
NB Some other, non-statutory aspects of a project may also be subject to conditional approvals. For example, the contract might state that approval of certain goods, materials or works on site is subject to satisfactory inspection by the contract administrator.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approval of conditions on a planning permission.
- building regulations.
- Community Infrastructure Levy.
- Condition.
- Deemed discharge of planning conditions.
- Detailed planning application.
- Discharge of planning conditions.
- Outline planning application.
- Planning conditions.
- Planning permission.
- Planning appeal.
- Planning enforcement.
- Planning obligation.
- Statutory approvals.
- Statutory authorities.
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.