Guide to types of planning permission and checklists

Types of planning permission

Full planning permission

This type of permission covers most applications for new buildings, extensions, alterations to existing buildings, and changing the use of a building or land. You must submit full details of your proposals when applying for this type of consent.

Permission in Principle

This allows you to apply without providing detailed design or siting information initially. It confirms that your development is acceptable in principle but does not permit you to start work. A full application with detailed proposals must be submitted before any development begins.

Approval of Matters Specified in a Condition

This must be submitted after planning permission for Permission in Principle has been granted. It should include full details of the proposal and any other information required by the conditions of the original permission.

Section 42

For applications to have conditions which are attached to existing planning permission (detailed or planning permission in principle), either varied or removed altogether.

Further application

For applications for renewal of a previous permission which has not expired.

Listed Building Consent

Most works to a listed building, internal or external, need listed building consent, and may also need full planning permission.

Conservation Area Consent

For applications to demolish a structure within a conservation area.

Advertisement Consent

Some advertisements have ‘deemed consent’ meaning that formal consent is not required. For other proposals, you will need to apply for advertisement consent.

Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed)

For an application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed use or development which may be used to verify that your proposal is a Permitted Development.

Certificate of Lawfulness (existing)

For a retrospective application for an existing building or use which does not have consent or has been implemented in breach of planning regulations.

Download checklists relating to planning permission

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Page last modified: 15 June 2026