Application types

The different sorts of applications that are published on the planning register, and what they are for.

This list includes only the most common application types. There are many more that are difficult to explain simply, due to the complexities of planning law. If there is an application type you need more information about, but do not see here, please contact your council for more information.

Householder

Applying for planning permission to make changes to a single house. This does not include works to flats.

Full planning permission

This is the most common type of planning application. This type can be a wide range of different proposals. Most applications are covered by two kinds of full planning permission.

Minor changes of use

Applying for planning permission to:

• extend or alter flats or non-residential property
• change the use of a property
• get permission to construct small buildings, either residential or non-residential

Major

Applying for planning permission to significantly extend buildings, or to construct large buildings. These can be residential or non-residential.

Outline planning permission

Assesses whether the nature of a development is acceptable, saving the details for future applications.

Lawful development certificate

Applying for a certificate which verifies that something being proposed, or which has already been built, is lawful.

For existing buildings or changes to buildings, this certificate can be applied for retrospectively, and there are many ways that something can be deemed lawful in this situation.

Prior approval

This checks whether the proposal is considered ‘permitted development’ according to national legislation. If the proposal does not receive or is not eligible for prior approval, a planning application needs to be submitted. If the proposal is considered ‘permitted development’ it can be done without further planning applications.

This covers a wide range of changes or additions to buildings, including:

• certain changes of use
• extensions to buildings
• non-domestic solar panels
• certain demolitions

You can find out what is eligible for permitted development by reading the gov.uk guidance on planning.

Approval of reserved matters

An application for reserved matters provides details of a development that has been agreed in principle through outline planning permission. The level of details are similar to a full planning application.

Non-planning consents

These kinds of applications cover things such as getting consent for advertisements, making changes to protected trees, or dealing with hazardous substances. The description of these application types will provide more information about them.