Full planning permission gives approval for a development based on the detailed proposal submitted to the local planning authority. Unlike outline planning permission, which establishes whether development is acceptable in principle before some details are considered later, a full planning application provides the details needed for the authority to assess the complete proposal.
It is commonly used for projects where the applicant wants a decision on the detailed design, layout, access and other relevant aspects of development at the application stage.
Understanding when full planning permission is appropriate, what an application involves and what happens after submission can help you prepare your project more effectively.
What Is Full Planning Permission?
Full planning permission is permission for a specific development where the details of the proposal are submitted as part of the planning application.
Depending on the project, the application may include details such as:
- The proposed layout
- Building design and appearance
- Scale and dimensions
- Access arrangements
- Landscaping
- Proposed use
- Site plans and location plans
- Supporting planning information
The local planning authority assesses the proposal against relevant planning policies and other material considerations before deciding whether to grant or refuse permission.
A full planning application therefore gives the authority the information it needs to consider the detailed development rather than deciding only whether development is acceptable in principle.
When Do You Need Full Planning Permission?
Full planning permission may be appropriate where you are proposing development that does not benefit from permitted development rights and where you want the detailed proposal to be determined as part of the application.
Examples can include:
- New residential development
- New commercial buildings
- Major extensions or alterations
- Development of previously undeveloped land
- Changes of use
- Mixed-use developments
- Certain agricultural or rural developments
- Other development where detailed permission is required
The correct application type depends on the nature of the proposal.
For example, a homeowner carrying out certain alterations to a single dwelling may need a householder planning application rather than a full planning application.
It is therefore important to establish which application route applies before preparing your submission.
Full Planning Permission vs Outline Planning Permission
One of the main differences between full and outline planning permission is the level of detail submitted and decided at the application stage.
Full planning permission
A full application provides detailed information about the proposed development. The local planning authority can therefore consider matters such as the design, layout, access and appearance of the proposal as part of its decision.
Outline planning permission
Outline planning permission is generally used to establish whether development is acceptable in principle, with some detailed matters considered at a later stage through reserved matters applications.
This can be useful where a developer wants to establish the principle of development before committing to all the final details.
The two routes serve different purposes, so the appropriate option will depend on the project and what you need to establish.
What Does a Full Planning Application Include?
The information required will depend on the development and the requirements of the local planning authority.
A typical application may include:
Location plan
This identifies where the site is located in relation to its surrounding area.
Site plan
The site plan shows the application site and the proposed development in relation to boundaries, neighbouring properties and other relevant features.
Existing and proposed drawings
These drawings show the current site or building and what is proposed. Depending on the project, they can include floor plans, elevations, sections and other architectural drawings.
Design information
Larger or more complex developments may require additional information explaining the design approach and how the proposal responds to the site’s surroundings.
Supporting documents
Depending on the project, the local authority may require additional reports or assessments covering matters such as highways, drainage, ecology, trees, flood risk, heritage or other planning considerations.
The documents required should be checked against the validation requirements for the relevant local planning authority.
How Does the Full Planning Permission Process Work?
Although the details vary between projects, the process generally follows several stages.
1. Assess the development
Start by establishing what you want to develop and whether planning permission is required.
It is also useful to identify potential constraints affecting the site, including planning history, local policies and environmental or heritage considerations.
2. Develop the proposal
The proposal should be developed to a level of detail that allows the local planning authority to understand what is being proposed.
This may involve architectural drawings, site layouts and supporting information.
3. Prepare the application
The application form, drawings and supporting documents should be prepared according to the relevant requirements.
Incomplete or inadequate information can cause problems during validation.
4. Submit the application
Applications can generally be submitted through the relevant planning application service, with the appropriate fee and supporting documents.
5. Validation
The local planning authority checks whether the application contains the information needed to register and process it.
If information is missing, the applicant may need to provide additional documents before the application can progress.
6. Consultation and assessment
Once validated, the application may be publicised, and relevant consultees may be given an opportunity to comment.
The planning authority assesses the proposal against the development plan and other material considerations.
7. Decision
The authority then decides whether to grant or refuse planning permission.
If permission is granted, the decision may include planning conditions that must be complied with.
How Long Does Full Planning Permission Take?
The timescale depends on the nature and complexity of the development and the relevant planning authority.
In England, the standard statutory determination period for many applications is eight weeks, while major applications generally have a longer period. Some applications can take longer where the development is particularly complex or where an extension of time is agreed.
The determination period normally runs from validation rather than simply from the day an application is first submitted.
This makes it important to ensure that the application is properly prepared and contains the required information before submission.
What Does the Planning Authority Consider?
A planning authority does not assess a proposal based solely on whether the development is attractive or whether neighbouring residents support it.
The assessment can consider a range of planning matters, including:
- The development plan
- The scale and design of the proposal
- The use of the site
- The effect on neighbouring properties
- Access and highways
- Parking
- Landscaping
- Character of the surrounding area
- Heritage considerations
- Flood risk and drainage
- Ecology
- Other relevant material considerations
The importance of each issue will depend on the development and its location.
What Happens After Full Planning Permission Is Granted?
Receiving full planning permission does not necessarily mean that you can immediately begin every aspect of construction.
First, you should carefully review the decision notice and any conditions attached to the permission.
Some conditions may need to be discharged before particular work can begin. Other requirements may need to be addressed during construction or before the development is occupied.
You may also need separate approvals, such as building regulations approval.
Planning permission and building regulations are separate processes. Planning considers whether the development is acceptable in planning terms, while building regulations deal with technical and construction requirements.
What If Full Planning Permission Is Refused?
If a full planning application is refused, the decision notice should explain the reasons for refusal.
These reasons can help you understand which aspects of the proposal the authority considered unacceptable.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
- Revise the proposal
- Submit a new application
- Address specific planning concerns
- Appeal the decision
The appropriate option will depend on the reasons for refusal and the circumstances of the development.
Before making a further application or appeal, it can be useful to review the decision carefully and obtain professional planning advice.
Do You Need Professional Help With Full Planning Permission?
A full planning application can involve considerably more detail than a straightforward application for a small household project.
Professional support can be particularly useful where the development involves multiple planning considerations, a new-build proposal, a change of use, development of land or a site with planning constraints.
Planning Build can help you understand the planning requirements for your development, assess the proposal, and support you through the application process.
Getting advice early can also help identify potential planning issues before significant time and money are committed to the final application.
Explore Planning Build’s planning application services or contact Planning Build to discuss your project.
