Glossary
Prior approval
Prior approval is a lighter planning route used for some permitted development projects. You notify the council and it considers specific issues (for example neighbour amenity for a larger rear extension) within a set period.
If prior approval is refused, or conditions are not met, you may need a full householder application instead.
Prior approval under the GPDO is an England (and similar Wales) mechanism. Other nations use different notification routes.
Official source: Prior approval (Planning Portal). Checked 27 October 2026.