Find out more about the different types of planning applications and what they need to include.
Last updated: 2 July 2025
The following summary outlines the different planning application types. It sets out the basic requirements for the two most common types of application you’re likely to see – full planning and outline planning applications - so you can check that sufficient detail has been submitted by the applicant.
Most planning applications for all types of development are full planning applications. An application for full planning permission requires a complete submission of all the details relating to a development. This allows decision‐makers to assess all the details of the scheme, including technical design matters, and all the likely impacts that the development might have on an area.
Outline planning applications are used to establish whether the principle and main elements of a proposed development are acceptable. Less information is required for an outline, compared to a full application. Outline applications are often used for larger schemes, such as a new housing development, or when the applicant wants to sell the site on and not develop it themselves. Applicants may also choose to submit an outline application where there is uncertainty about whether the proposal will be successful.
Outline planning permission can only be granted subject to conditions requiring the subsequent approval of one or more ‘reserved matters’, by way of a reserved matters application.
Reserved matters are aspects of a proposed development which have not been approved in the outline planning permission. These details are then ‘reserved’ to be decided upon later by the local planning authority. They normally concern siting, design, external appearance, means of access, or the landscaping of the site (although some basic information is still required at the outline application stage).
A development’s impact on nature should be considered at the outline application stage and not as part of a subsequent reserved matters application. This is especially important when a protected site (eg, an Area of Special Scientific Interest) could be affected.
In addition to the above application types, applications can also be made for:
Householder developments
Approval (discharge) of conditions
Removal/variation of conditions
Amending proposals that already have planning permission
Amending planning agreements
Certificates of lawful use or development
Listed building consent
Advertisement consent
Directions
Consent under Tree Preservation Orders
Planning offices in Northern Ireland – find more information on your local council’s website