Prior Approval Applications in Havering

Prior Approval Applications in Romford, Hornchurch and Upminster

Prior approval is a procedure that applies to certain categories of permitted development where the local planning authority has the right to assess specific aspects of the proposal before development begins.

It is a more streamlined process than a full planning application, but it still requires careful preparation and a good understanding of the relevant legislation.

I advise homeowners, developers, and landowners in Havering on prior approval applications, helping to navigate the process efficiently and maximise the prospects of a successful outcome.

Havering's mix of commercial premises, suburban housing, and agricultural land on its eastern fringes means that prior approval is relevant across a wide range of development types in the borough.

Romford Town Centre, in particular, has seen a number of office-to-residential conversions under permitted development rights in recent years.

Havering Council assesses prior approval applications against the specific criteria set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, and I ensure that each application is prepared accordingly.

Types of Prior Approval Application

Example of Prior approval applications I can manage in Havering include:

• Class MA – commercial, business, and service use to residential (MA)

• Class Q – agricultural buildings to residential dwellinghouses, read about Class Q here.

• Class R – agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use, read about Class R here.

• Class A (Schedule 2, Part 1) – larger home extensions (single-storey rear extensions beyond the standard limits)

• Class G – extensions to existing industrial and warehouse buildings, read about Class G here.

• Class ZA - Commercial redeveopment, read about ZA here.

The Prior Approval Process

The prior approval process requires submission of an application to the local planning authority, which then has a set period (typically 56 days depending on the class) to determine whether prior approval is required and, if so, to approve or refuse it.

The council may assess matters such as transport and highways impacts, flooding risk, contamination, noise, and the design and external appearance of the development, depending on the class of permitted development involved.

Why Use a Planning Consultant?

LDC applications require a careful assessment of the relevant legislation, any Article 4 Directions, and the specific circumstances of the property. An incorrectly prepared application can be refused, leaving uncertainty about the lawfulness of the works or use.

I prepare clear, well-evidenced LDC applications that maximise the prospects of success. For further reading, see:

• Permitted Development Rights Explained

• Planning Applications Overview

Case Studies

• Change of use applications

• Class ZA redevelopment of workshop

• Class MA office change of use to residential

• Romford Town Centre Change of Use.

• Town Centre Redevelopment.

Get Prior Approval in Havering

If you are considering a project that may benefit from the prior approval route in Havering, get in touch for clear, practical advice on your options.

Andrew Ransome MRTPI Email: andrew@adpltd.co.uk | Tel: 01206 242070

About me

Andrew Ransome is the planning director at ADP and is a chartered member of the RTPI, with over 22 years of town planning experience.

Andrew has extensive experience offering strategic planning solutions to challenging projects in both rural and urban settings. Follow him on Linkedin.