Outline applications

Outline applications are one method of exploring whether the scale and nature of a proposed development would be acceptable to the local planning authority. They are usually done before a more fully detailed proposal is submitted. 

Outline applications are not accepted for changes of use or developments in a conservation area.

What to include

Outline applications need to include enough information to show that the proposed use and development can be satisfactorily accommodated by the site.

You will need to submit the following:

• completed application form
• design and access statement
• application fee
• site location plan
• information about the proposed use or uses, and the amount of development proposed for each use
• where access is a reserved matter, information to show the areas where access points are proposed
• environmental impact assessment
• sufficient plans, drawings and any other information for matters that are not reserved for approval
• any other information required by the adopted local list of application requirements.
  • The following items are frequently required at the outline stage:
    • affordable housing statement
    • flood risk sequential and exception test
    • flood warning evacuation plan (emergency plan)
    • coal mining reports

If you show details at the outline stage about a matter which is reserved, then you must clearly confirm this on your plans and drawings by stating ‘for illustrative purposes only’.

We will normally ask for details about the means of access for all major housing schemes.

If we think an application should not be considered separately from all or any of the reserved matters, we will ask you to send us this information. The application will not be approved until the requested information is received.

For this reason, and to avoid delays, we recommend that applicants use our pre-application advice service.