Prior notification Installation of solar panels - Planning validation requirements

Planning document information

Description 

You can perform some types of work without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called permitted development rights

Permitted development rights are granted under an act of Parliament and not but us. 

However, different types of development have different limitations and conditions that your proposal must comply with. 

If your proposal falls under permitted development, you will need to submit a prior notification application to us.  

Your prior notification application allows us to: 

  • consider your proposal 
  • its likely impact on things like transport and highways 
  • understand how you might mitigate any impacts 

You must not start work on your development until we have issued our decision. You can also start work, if we haven’t made a decision within eight weeks of receiving your valid application. 

You can find out more about prior notifications on the Planning Portal. 

Guidance 

You can get help and advice from our Duty Planner on permitted development, prior notifications and other types of planning applications. 

You can get detailed feedback on your proposal by using our pre-application advice service

Documents that are always required

To make a valid prior notification you must submit:

On your application you must tell us if you are a Member of Braintree District Council or employed by us. Any applications from Members or employees will be determined at Planning Committee. 

Documents that are sometimes required

When you may have to supply this information 

Depending on the details of your proposed work, we can ask you to supply further information to 

  • support your prior notification application 
  • help the public to understand your proposal 

Before submitting your application for prior approval you should read: 

Both of these pieces of legislation refer to applications for prior approval. Based on how this legislation affects your proposal, we may ask you to submit an environmental statement as part of your application.