In order to be eligible for these permitted development rights, each 'Class' specified in the legislation has associated limitations and conditions that proposals must comply with.

One such condition on certain classes of permitted development is the need to submit an application to the Local Planning Authority for its 'Prior Approval; or to determine if it’s 'Prior Approval' will be required.

This allows the Local Planning Authority to consider the proposals, their likely impacts in regard to certain specific factors (e.g. transport and highways) and how these may be mitigated.

You will need to be able to determine the eligibility of your proposal for the specific permitted development right you wish to take advantage of. For example, this may require you to know:

• The current and previous uses of the site/building, and when these uses started or finished. This may require you to research the history of the site/building.
• The proposed dimensions and placement (e.g. height; floor space; distance from boundary) and/or the dimensions of any similar work previously carried out.
• If the site/building is in any specific or ‘designated’ areas (e.g. a conservation area).

Once the eligibility is established, the specific matters for prior approval will need to be addressed.

The information provided should include all the details necessary for the Local Authority to determine if the proposal complies with permitted development legislation, and if its prior approval will be required and/or should be granted. This includes any Architectural Designs, Plans or other supporting information.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your project from any stage.