How Long Does Planning Permission Last?

Planning permission in the UK is a valuable asset. It opens up the opportunity to develop a site or an existing property. It gives you a real chance to significantly improve your home, such as with a loft conversion or new extension. Securing planning permission, or acquiring land with planning permission attached, therefore, is a key step in achieving your goals.

But how long is a planning application valid for?

Usually, planning permission lasts for three years. If it is for a shorter period, the approval letter will make the time limit clear. It’s vital to understand both these aspects. If you are buying land which already has the benefit of planning permission it is essential to know when permission was granted – because that is when the clock starts.

Is all planning permission the same?

Planning permission comes in two types:

• full planning permission and
• outline planning permission.

So, faced with the question ‘How long does planning permission last?’ the question is really, which type of permission do you have? The first, full permission, is what it sounds like: it covers everything necessary for the project in planning and regulatory terms. Outline planning permission is generally used for large projects and is essentially a broad statement of approval – details still need to be agreed and permission must be applied for as ‘reserved matters.’

How can I preserve planning permission – and how long does outline planning permission last?

Since 2009, the default for both types of planning permission is that they last three years. With full planning permission, you need to start work within those three years.

For outline permission, it is essential that you make your full detailed application within the three years, and once you have approval for all the details – the ‘reserved matters’ – you must start construction within the two years after that.

What if I run out of time? Can I extend the planning permission?

The simplest way to stop planning permission expiring is to start work within the specified time limit.

Failing that, you can put in a new planning application.

A new application for a project which has run out of time should be treated just as any other application made to the planning authority. And the fact that the same project was previously approved will probably create a limited precedent in your favour. Additionally, it will be a simpler process because all your plans and drawings will already have been prepared.

However, this is only the case if local planning policies have not changed. If they have been updated, you’ll need to make sure your new application takes full account of new requirements.

Take advice from experts

As is often the case with planning legislation, the basic concepts around planning permission are straightforward. But even with a simple question – how long does planning permission last? – there are surprising nuances to catch the unwary.

The safest and most cost-effective approach is to take advice from specialists who can help you through each stage of the planning process. Not only will your application go more smoothly, but you’ll also have the right advice to hand should circumstances change.

Choose the right partners for your project. Not only will you have expert professional support, but you’ll also benefit from deep local knowledge as well.

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Divi-Design are established Architectural Designers and Planning Specialists.

We deliver

• a complete in-house service, which means nothing needs to be outsourced.
• up to date understanding of the latest planning regulations
• personal knowledge of, and insights into, the planning policies of local authorities in and around London
• a very high success rate in all planning applications with which we are involved

Get in touch: call +44 (0)203 488 2828 or email info@divi-design.co.uk