Prior Approval

Prior approval is a key part of the permitted development (PD) system. It allows certain building works and changes of use to go ahead without a full planning application – but only where you’ve first secured sign-off from the local authority on specific issues such as transport, flooding, noise, or natural light.

At Plainview Planning, we help you navigate this process.

What does it cover?

Common prior approval routes include:

  • Barn conversions (Class Q) and other agricultural to residential or commercial uses
  • Larger rear extensions and upward extensions
  • New agricultural buildings or alterations
  • Change of use to schools, dwellings, or flexible commercial uses
  • Demolition and rebuild

Why it matters

The prior approval route can be quicker (56-day determination) and less complex than a full planning application. But the rules are highly technical – if your scheme doesn’t fully meet PD conditions, your development could be unlawful. You can read more here: A quick guide to planning: the prior approval process. 

How we help

Our consultants provide:

  • Feasibility checks – does your proposal qualify under PD?
  • Robust submissions – ensuring all necessary reports and evidence are included
  • Strategic advice – using PD rights as a fallback to support wider development goals
  • Appeal and enforcement support if prior approval is refused or challenged

Getting it right at the outset saves time, cost, and risk.

Contact our team to discuss your project, or explore examples of our prior approval successes here

A team you can trust

Plainview Planning is an independent consultancy that has supported clients across England since 2008. We believe good planning starts with listening, and we take pride in offering clear, supportive advice. From homeowners and landowners to developers, farmers, and businesses, we think strategically to unlock site potential, achieve development goals, and build trusted relationships that last beyond each project.

Meet our team

Royal Town Planning Institute Accredited
Plainview Plannging Team

Some of our clients

Below are some of the commercial clients and organisations we work with. You can view all our recent projects or read our latest news and updates.

Last year there were four applications to Horsham Planning Department. Each one was specific and required attention to detail to secure planning approval. I was very pleased when each application was 'approved' without too much discussion. This was achieved through the dedicated work of your Plainview Planning Experts, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and determination. I would have no hesitation in recommending your company to my friends and family.

Mr Hallworth, Sussex

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That is just fantastic news about the appeal win. You guys have done really well and we are most thankful. Well done to you and your clever, vigilant team.

Panacea Medical Centre, Sussex

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Thank you all so much for your help on this, you’ve made the process extremely easy.

Mr Moore, Essex

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Really well-presented Plainview. Great work.

Aventier Ltd., Greenwich

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Faced with a sudden requirement to obtain “Certificates of Lawful Use”, I chanced upon Plainview Planning. A short time later I had a “face to face” meeting to establish an initial rapport and left with a warm feeling of confidence. The project was brought to fruition on time, under budget, and in a most efficacious manner. Communication was first class. Friendly and supportive. Plainview Planning demonstrated professionalism, understanding and commitment to achieve a positive result.

Mr Guignard, London

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We can't thank the team at Plainview Planning enough for our recent planning approval. Getting the certificate of lawfulness has been a lengthy process and they have supported us every step of the way. The difference having this planning permission in place has made to our lives is huge. Great work from a great team!

Mr Cree, Greater Manchester

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Thank you all for all that you did to achieve the planning permission. It is great that your experience and hard work - and indeed our nerves! - should be so rewarded. Onward and upward!

Mr & Mrs Colquhoun, Gloucestershire

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I would like to thank you for all your help. The quality of the application was outstanding and I wouldn't hesitate to use or recommend you in the future.

Mr Ganpatsingh, Surrey

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Working alongside Plainview planning has been a pleasure from start to finish. Their advice and expertise has been paramount to the success of getting planning permission for my project. My project was complex involving mobile home planning law, neighbourhood plans and a fractured and detailed site history. The team were excellent at replying to my concerns and finding a lawful route to my challenging planning needs. I couldn't be happier with their level of service and I fully recommended them...

Mr James, Cambridge

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We received great initial advice and communication on a planning issue that could have gone either way. Whilst being honest and realistic of our chances, together we agreed a strategy for appealing the decision which eventually resulted in an appeal to the Secretary of State. I am pleased to say that we have now finally achieved approval and could not have done it without their advice and professionalism. We would recommend Plainview Planning without hesitation

Mr& Mrs Boyce, Essex

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Many thanks for all your help with our application! We are very grateful and pleased with all the work you have put in. We will of course approach you again and would happily recommend you to friends and colleagues.

Mr Daulatzai, London

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Thank you so much for your faultless work in helping us get planning permission. You have been amazing, and we will always recommend you to others.

Mrs Faithful, East Hampshire

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Plainview Planning are a professional team: they listen to what is being asked of them, then discuss and advise the route to take. They communicate in a timely fashion and there was never need for me to contact or chase them.

Mrs Taylor, Hampshire

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I was recommended to contact Plainview Planning by my architect. I was very pleased with the professional service I received. They were efficient, timely, listened to my feedback and answered my questions. I was delighted with the outcome, and my appeal was successful.

Mrs Thomas, Kent

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Thank you very much. I appreciate your responsive and professional service.

Farooq Azami, London

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It was an absolute pleasure having Plainview Planning on board, for our difficult Planning Application. The team was amazing for overlooking and progressing the application focusing on each and every detail, to keep the wheels in motion. I cannot thank you enough. Well done.

Mr M Mohamed, London

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Thank you for your hard work and dealing with my questions. The service provided has been great, onwards and upwards now for the next premises.

South Downs Fitness, West Sussex

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From start to finish, it was a pleasure working with Plainview Planning. The team are a wealth of knowledge and support, and I would wholeheartedly recommend them. Their breadth of experience is invaluable when navigating planning projects, particularly those involving contentious issues requiring a common‑sense approach. Whatever stage you’re at, they are highly recommended to help bring your ideas to fruition.

Mrs Sadler, Essex

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Thank you so much for all your help!

Anytime Fitness, Camden

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I have to say, from day one, I knew you would be instrumental to the whole venture succeeding - and I wasn't wrong. You have dealt with it all with gold standard professionalism, and I cannot thank you enough.

Mrs Young, East Yorkshire

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