Summary
A decision notice is the formal planning document that confirms whether permission was granted or refused, what plans were approved and what conditions apply. It is one of the most important documents for buyers because it turns the application record into the legally relevant decision.
Permission can still change after the original decision. Section 96A is used for non material amendments to a planning permission. Section 73 is used to vary or remove planning conditions and normally results in a new permission with changed conditions. Buyers should keep monitoring after approval because later s96A or s73 applications can alter details such as drawings, materials, timings, hours, parking, phasing or mitigation.
Definition
A decision notice is the formal written record of a planning decision and any attached conditions. Section 96A allows non material amendments to an existing permission, while section 73 allows applications to vary or remove conditions attached to a permission.