In the UK planning system there are two main types of applications – applications for full planning permission and applications for outline planning permission. As they are clearly different applications, their consent is also different.
Full planning permission consent
An application for Full planning permission results in a decision on the detailed proposals of how a site can be developed. If planning permission is granted and subject to compliance with any planning conditions that are imposed, no further engagement with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) is required to proceed with the development granted permission, although other consents may be required (to discharge any pre-commencement or pre-occupation conditions for example).
In other words, Full permission gives you the right to start the construction as soon as it has been granted.
Outline planning permission consent
An application for Outline planning permission allows for a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed. Outline planning permission is granted subject to conditions requiring the subsequent approval of one or more ‘Reserved Matters’.
Therefore the developer would not be able to proceed to construction unless he obtains approval on the Reserved Matters application that will follow.
