Under the Localism Act 2011, which instrument can grant planning permission without an express application?

• A. General Permitted Development Order
• B. Local Urban Plan
• C. Community Right to Build Order
• D. Neighbourhood Development Order

Answer: (D)

Neighbourhood Development Orders are the tool created by the Localism Act 2011 that allows a designated neighbourhood to grant planning permission for particular kinds of development within its area without the need for a separate planning application to the local planning authority. Once the order is made, developers can proceed under the permission conferred by that order, subject to any conditions.

The other options don’t fit as well in this context: national General Permitted Development Orders provide rights that apply nationwide and remove the need for planning permission for specific works, but they aren’t local instruments granted for a defined neighbourhood. A Local Urban Plan isn’t a recognised instrument under the Act, and a Community Right to Build Order is aimed at facilitating housing schemes with community involvement, not general neighbourhood-wide development permissions.