What is Discharge of Conditions?
When a planning application is granted, it often comes with a series of conditions that must be met before certain project stages can proceed. These include technical, environmental, or aesthetic requirements that ensure the development complies with local and national planning policies.
Common conditions attached to planning permissions include:
- Pre-commencement conditions: Requirements that must be met before construction starts, such as site investigations, wildlife surveys, or detailed plans for landscaping or drainage.
- Pre-occupation conditions: Conditions that must be met before a building can be occupied, such as highway improvements, the completion of affordable housing, or public realm enhancements.
- Ongoing conditions: Requirements that apply throughout the life of the development, such as maintaining open spaces or adhering to sustainability commitments.
To discharge these conditions, developers must submit evidence to the local planning authority that the conditions have been met. This can involve providing detailed plans, assessments, or reports, and in some cases, securing approval from specific authorities or agencies.