I asked this to home office and sharing the answer in case anyone needs it in the future:
“We are unable to comment on individual cases, however “permission” refers to the leave that the applicant has to remain in the UK. If the applicant is not already in the UK as a dependent partner or on a spouse visa, they do not have ‘permission’.”
This is very helpful @Edg
My husband and I are applying together outside the UK, and we have never lived together in the UK. I will choose No to this question. Thanks