Planning Application Types
We thought it might be useful to provide some information on the types of planning applications that are submitted. It can sometimes be a bit confusing.
There are basically two main types of application - FULL or OUTLINE – they are the ones we see most often.
There are basically two main types of application - FULL or OUTLINE – they are the ones we see most often.
FULL Applications
A FULL planning application seeks approval for what is essentially the full and final design of a development. It defines the area to be developed, access points, the number, type, layout and look of the houses and other aspects such as landscaping. The expectation is that the final building will match what has been submitted and approved. In some situations, building can effectively get underway as soon as consent is granted but in other situations conditions may be imposed as part of the consent that will need to be addressed before building can start. We’ll come back to this later.
OUTLINE Applications
An OUTLINE planning application seeks approval for just the basics of a development, such as the boundary (known and shown as the red line boundary on the map), the access point, and typically an ‘up to’ number of houses. All other matters are reserved for future planning applications should outline permission be granted. An Outline application may also provide an illustrative layout of the final design, housing type, landscaping etc. but it’s not binding. As with Full planning applications, conditions can be set on an Outline application if approved.
COND, REM & VAR Applications
There are three further types of planning application that typically follow an approved Full or Outline permission.
A COND (short for condition) application is submitted when the developer has addressed one or more of the conditions set out when the origin planning application was approved. They are seeking sign-off to move closer to work starting. This could be, for example, completing an archaeological survey.
A RES (reserved matters) application is related to an Outline permission and seeks approval for the final site design based on the boundaries and access point approved initially. Once the reserved matters and any conditions have been addressed building can start.
A VAR (variation) application seeks to get changes approved to what was originally approved. This usually applies to an approved Full planning application but could happen with an approved Outline application after reserved matters have been addressed.
There are actually a number of other application types but we won't confuse matters further!
A COND (short for condition) application is submitted when the developer has addressed one or more of the conditions set out when the origin planning application was approved. They are seeking sign-off to move closer to work starting. This could be, for example, completing an archaeological survey.
A RES (reserved matters) application is related to an Outline permission and seeks approval for the final site design based on the boundaries and access point approved initially. Once the reserved matters and any conditions have been addressed building can start.
A VAR (variation) application seeks to get changes approved to what was originally approved. This usually applies to an approved Full planning application but could happen with an approved Outline application after reserved matters have been addressed.
There are actually a number of other application types but we won't confuse matters further!
Comments & Objections
It is possible for anyone to submit comments or objections against any of the five planning applications we describe above, but typically it is the Full or Outline applications where objections need to be focused. Once a Full or Outline application is granted permission it’s very unlikely to be overturned at any subsequent conditions (COND), reserved matters (RES) or variation (VAR) stage. In effect, the principle of development was decided when the first application was approved.
That said, submitting constructive comments to COND, RES or VAR applications is worth considering in an attempt get a beneficial change made to the development. For example, suggesting ways that a wildlife corridor could be enhanced by slightly moving a house. These is no guarantee that comments will be taken on board but it’s worth trying.
For help accessing and commenting on planning applications please see our guide;
Planning Application Help
That said, submitting constructive comments to COND, RES or VAR applications is worth considering in an attempt get a beneficial change made to the development. For example, suggesting ways that a wildlife corridor could be enhanced by slightly moving a house. These is no guarantee that comments will be taken on board but it’s worth trying.
For help accessing and commenting on planning applications please see our guide;
Planning Application Help
Local Planning Application Examples
The development at Maitland Lodge on Southend Road was granted FULL permission (21/01687/FULL). Since then, a number of COND applications have been submitted to address conditions set out with the original approval (e.g. 24/00493/COND). A VAR application was also submitted to change the the design of the houses from plastered exteriors and weatherboarding to a brick faced construction (23/01506/VAR).
The development at Kennel Lane was given OUTLINE consent (2/01614/OUT). A RES application has been submitted to address the fine details of the site (24/00299/RES). Additionally, COND applications have been submitted as the original Outline approval had several conditions (e.g. 24/00839/COND).
The development at Kennel Lane was given OUTLINE consent (2/01614/OUT). A RES application has been submitted to address the fine details of the site (24/00299/RES). Additionally, COND applications have been submitted as the original Outline approval had several conditions (e.g. 24/00839/COND).
Planning Application Reference Numbers
Basildon council uses the following scheme when assigning planning application reference numbers.
y/nnnnn/XXXX
yy - the year the application was submitted.
nnnnn – a 5 digit unique number (note that they start at zero again each year so the same number can exist but with a different year prefix)
XXXX – the application type.
y/nnnnn/XXXX
yy - the year the application was submitted.
nnnnn – a 5 digit unique number (note that they start at zero again each year so the same number can exist but with a different year prefix)
XXXX – the application type.
