Outline planning applications are made when you want to establish, in principle, whether a new building will be permitted.  Only a few specific details are requested. Outline applications are usually made:

• Where you do not intend to carry out the work but want to sell the site with planning permission
• When you are uncertain about the prospects of getting planning permission
• To avoid the expense of having full drawings prepared at an early stage
• Where site and design may be controversial

This client wanted to know whether they needed to apply for planning permission to erect a large garage.