Planning Permission
Everything you need to know about Planning Permission
What is planning permission?
Planning permission or planning consent is the permission required in the United Kingdom in order to be allowed to build on land, or change the use of land or buildings. Within the UK the occupier of any land or building will need title to that land or building (i.e. "ownership"), but will also need "planning title" or planning permission.
The planning system controls the use of land and what's built on it. It's enforced by local planning authorities (LPAs).
Businesses may need to apply for planning permission in a range of circumstances - from building new premises to changing an existing building's use. See the page in this guide on when do you need planning permission?
Anyone can apply but if you don't own or only partly own the building or land, you must inform the other parties involved of your intentions. Anyone with seven years or more left on a lease should also be informed.
There are two types of permission you can apply for - outline and full.
Outline permission
For a new building you can submit an outline planning application to check whether it's acceptable in principle. If granted, you then need to get approval of the details (reserved matters) before you can go ahead with construction. Outline permission generally lasts for three years - if you have not started to submit reserved matters before the three years is over, the outline permission expires.
Full permission
If you want to change the use of land or buildings or start work quickly, you should make a full application. If granted, work should start within three years (or the period specified in the permission) or you may need to reapply.
Your local planning authority (LPA) takes planning decisions in accordance with its development plan for the area.
Local Planning Authorities are generally the local Borough or District Council.