Prior approval for permitted development
Generally it is up to a local planning authority to decide whether to allow a particular development or not. However, in England and Wales, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 enables central government to permit certain types of developments known as ‘permitted developments’. These are generally minor changes to existing properties.
In certain cases, even though a development is permitted, prior approval of some issues is required from the local authority. This includes:
- Specific issues to do with agricultural land, such as the purpose, siting and design of agricultural buildings as well as the construction of a private way, the siting of excavation or deposit or the siting and appearance of tanks.
- Similar issues for land used for the purposes of forestry.
- Erection of plant, machinery, buildings, or structures on land used as a mine.
- The demolition of a building.
- Siting and appearance of telecommunications masts.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 came into force on 30 May 2013. It amends the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. Some of these amendments permit development only with prior approval of certain aspects or beyond certain sizes:
- Rear extensions up to 8m in depth for detached properties and 6m for attached properties until 30 May 2016. If a neighbor objects, prior approval is required to assess the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of any adjoining premises.
- Change of use class from office to residential.
- Change of use class to a state-funded school, from classes B1 (business), C1 (hotels), C2 (residential institutions), C2A (secure residential institutions) and D2 (assembly and leisure).
- Change of use class from an agricultural building to a flexible use falling within either Class A1 (shops), Class A2 (financial and professional services), Class A3 (restaurants and cafes), Class B1 (business), Class B8 (storage or distribution), Class C1 (hotels) or Class D2 (assembly and leisure).
The procedures for seeking prior approval are set out in the legislation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Article 4 direction.
- Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
- Change of use class.
- Class Q permitted development.
- Planning permission.
- Permitted development.
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013.
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.
- Use class.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).