What is prior approval?
A council check on specific issues for certain types of permitted development before work starts.
Prior Approval Explained For Homeowners
Prior approval is a simplified process where you notify the council about certain permitted development, and the council checks specific issues — such as neighbour impact or design — before work proceeds. It is not the same as a full planning application.
Try it on my houseThe 10-second answer
Is it planning permission?
No. The development is permitted development in principle — prior approval tests particular matters.
Where does it apply?
Mainly England for some larger home extensions, outbuildings and heat pumps. Scotland has different processes.
What if prior approval is refused?
You may not be able to proceed under permitted development for that proposal.
Which route might apply?
Prior approval may apply when:
- Your project is permitted development in principle but legislation requires prior approval.
- You have submitted the required notification to the council.
- The council has not refused prior approval within the decision period.
This does not automatically mean permitted development applies. Every property and proposal is different and still needs to be checked.
A full planning application may be needed if:
- The project exceeds permitted development limits entirely.
- Prior approval is refused and no alternative permitted development route exists.
- The property is restricted so permitted development does not apply.
Many projects require planning permission, but the answer depends on the individual circumstances.
See permitted development explained and read our guide to planning permission vs permitted development. For heat pumps, heat pump planning permission.
What is prior approval?
Prior approval sits between permitted development and a full planning application. For certain developments that are permitted development, you must notify the council and wait for a decision on specific matters before starting work.
The council does not assess the full range of planning issues — only those specified in legislation, such as impact on neighbours, appearance, or transport and highways.
Common homeowner situations
- Larger single-storey rear extensions in England — beyond standard permitted development depth but within prior approval limits; see rear extension planning permission
- Some agricultural to residential conversions (less common for typical homeowners)
- Air source heat pumps in England — see heat pump planning permission
- Some larger domestic outbuildings
Scotland does not use prior approval in the same way for most homeowner projects. See planning permission in Scotland.
How prior approval differs from planning permission
A planning application asks the council to approve development that would otherwise need permission. Prior approval assumes the development is permitted development — the council only decides on the specified prior approval matters.
If prior approval is refused, you cannot proceed with that permitted development proposal. You may be able to revise the design, apply for full planning permission, or abandon the project.
Typical homeowner examples
These examples illustrate common situations. They are not formal determinations and do not guarantee an outcome.
Larger rear extension with prior approval
An extension deeper than standard permitted development limits but within prior approval limits in England. See rear extension planning permission.
Heat pump prior approval
Some heat pump installations in England require prior approval for noise and location. See heat pump planning permission.
Prior approval refused
If the council refuses prior approval for neighbour impact, the homeowner may need to reduce the proposal or apply for planning permission.
How to check your property
Before relying on general guidance, check the property and proposal together.
- Confirm your project is the type that needs prior approval. Check current England legislation or see permitted development explained.
- Prepare notification with required details. Follow council guidance on submission.
- Allow the decision period before starting work. Starting early can risk enforcement.
- If refused, consider alternatives. See planning permission explained.
- Scotland homeowners: Check planning permission in Scotland — prior approval processes differ.
Planning Digital helps bring these checks together so you can understand the likely planning route before going further.
Common mistakes
- Starting work before prior approval is granted or the decision period expires.
- Assuming prior approval is the same as a full planning application.
- Not realising prior approval mainly applies in England for homeowner projects.
- Ignoring that building standards approval is still separate.
Frequently asked questions
Is prior approval required for all extensions?
No. Only certain larger extensions in England that fall within specific prior approval limits.
How long does prior approval take?
Legislation sets a decision period — typically 42 days for many homeowner prior approvals in England.
Can I appeal a prior approval refusal?
Yes — there is an appeal route in England.
Does prior approval apply in Scotland?
Scotland has different mechanisms. See planning permission in Scotland.
Check whether prior approval applies to your project
Planning Digital helps you understand the likely route — including whether permitted development or prior approval may apply.
Try it on my house