Prior Approval
Prior Approval Essential - Course Overview
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Prior Approval sits between Permitted Development and full planning permission — and it is one of the most misunderstood routes in the planning system.
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Many people assume Prior Approval is “just planning permission lite”, while others assume it’s a formality that always succeeds. Both assumptions cause problems.
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This course explains what Prior Approval actually is, when it applies, what the council can and cannot consider, and how to approach it in a way that avoids unnecessary refusal, delay, or redesign.
Introduction to the Programme
Step-by-Step for Homeowners
Course Content
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Understanding where Prior Approval fits​
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Development types covered by Prior Approval
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What the council can and cant consider
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Neighbours, consultation and objections
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What needs to be submitted
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Timescales and decision outcomes
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Is Prior Approval the right route for your project
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By the end of this Essentials course, you’ll understand the procedural nature of Prior Approval, how evidence is assessed, and how to navigate the process confidently when outcomes depend on interpretation rather than certainty.
Course Content
Module 1: Lesson 1
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1. Module Introduction
2. Prior Approval is not Planning Permission
3. How Prior Approval differs from Permitted Development
4. Why Prior Approval Exists
5. Key takeaway's
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Module 2: Lesson 2
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1. Development types covered by Prior Approval
2. Common Prior Approval categories
3. Why category matters
4. The importance of Eligibility
5. Key takeaway's
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Module 3: Lesson 3
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1. What the council can and cant consider
2. What the council can consider
3. What the council cannot consider
4. Why this causes confusion
5. Key takeaway's
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Module 4: Lesson 4
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1. Neighbours, consultation and objection
2. Why nieghbour consultation happen
3. What neighbour objection can influence
4. What a neighbour objections cannot decide
5. Key takeaway
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Module 5: Lesson 5
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1. What needs to be submitted
2. Typical submission requirements
3. Why evidence is critical
4. Common submission Errors
5. Key takeaway
Module 6: Lesson 6
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1. Timescales and decision outcomes
2. Statutory decision period
3. Possible outcomes
4. Understanding refusals
5. Kay takeaway
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Module 7: Lesson 7
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1. Is Prior Approval the right route for your project?
2. When Prior Approval works well
3. When Planning maybe the better options
4. Final takeaway