How Long Does Planning Permission Last?

Planning permission is a critical part of many construction and renovation projects in the UK.
Whether you’re looking to extend your home, build a new structure, or make significant changes
to a property, understanding planning permission timelines is essential for ensuring your project
goes smoothly.
A common question homeowners and developers ask is: how long does planning permission
last?
In this post, we’ll explore the lifespan of planning permission, how to extend it, and what to keep
in mind to avoid starting over.

What Is Planning Permission?

In the UK, planning permission is the formal approval you need from your local planning authority
(LPA) to carry out certain building works or make changes to land or buildings. It’s designed to
ensure that new developments meet local guidelines and won’t negatively impact the surrounding
community, environment, or architectural heritage.
There are several types of planning permission, but the most common are full planning
permission and outline planning permission. Each has slightly different rules about the duration
and renewal process, so it’s important to know which applies to your project.

How Long Does Full Planning Permission Last?

In most cases, full planning permission lasts for three years from the date it is granted. This
means that you need to begin work on your project within this three-year period. If you don’t start
within this timeframe, your planning permission will expire, and you’ll need to reapply if you still
intend to carry out the work.
The purpose of this three-year period is to encourage timely project commencement, as changes
to planning policies or local environments may affect the viability or acceptability of certain
developments over time.

How Long Does Outline Planning Permission Last?

For larger projects where the details are still being finalised, outline planning permission is often
used. Outline permission generally also lasts for three years, but with some additional flexibility.
The permission allows developers to secure an agreement in principle before submitting the full
details of the project.
In this case:
• You have three years from the date the outline permission is granted to submit a
reserved matters application, which provides specific details about the project.
• Once the reserved matters are approved, you typically have two years to begin work on
the project.
In essence, outline planning permission can give you a bit more breathing room, but the entire
process still aims to ensure that work begins within a reasonable timeframe.

Can Planning Permission Be Extended?

Yes, it’s possible to extend planning permission in some cases, but there are specific conditions.

If you’re nearing the end of your planning permission period and haven’t started work, you may
apply for an extension by submitting a new planning application.

While the UK previously allowed extensions without a full reapplication, recent changes mean
that you now need to reapply for planning permission. The extension is not guaranteed, so it’s
always best to be proactive and submit an application as early as possible if there’s a chance you
won’t start in time.

Here are some tips if you’re considering an extension:

1. Submit your extension application early: Local authorities may take several
weeks or even months to process applications.

2. Keep records of any preparatory work: Sometimes, site preparation or initial
work can count as project commencement, which may prevent the need for an extension.

3. Check for policy changes: If there have been significant planning policy
changes since your original permission, your application might be more challenging to
extend.

When Does Planning Permission Expire if Work Has Started?

Once work has commenced within the planning permission period, the permission generally does
not expire. This means that as long as a substantial part of the project has begun, you can take
the time you need to complete it without requiring a new planning permission.
Substantial commencement may include activities such as digging foundations, laying drainage,
or other significant construction work. However, it’s always advisable to keep documentation and
photos of these activities as evidence in case questions arise about whether the project began
within the permitted time.

What Happens If Your Planning Permission Expires?

If your planning permission expires and you haven’t begun work, you’ll need to reapply from
scratch. This can involve:

• Preparing new application documents: Including plans, drawings, and other required
  documentation.
• Paying application fees: Fees can vary based on the project and location, so it’s wise to
  confirm current rates with your LPA.
• Allowing time for public consultations: This is part of the process for most planning
  applications, so expect a similar timeframe as with your original application.

Key Considerations for Planning Permission Timeline

Planning permission timelines are crucial to project planning and budgeting.

Here are some key
considerations to keep in mind:

1.  Time and budget: Ensure that you have the resources to commence work within
   the planning permission period to avoid unnecessary costs of reapplication.
2. Policy changes: Local or national planning policies may change over time. If
   your permission expires, there’s a risk that new policies could make your project harder to
   approve.
3. Project phases: If your project is complex, consider a phased approach, where
   initial work is commenced early to secure your planning permission, even if the rest of the
   project will take more time.

Understanding the time limits on planning permission can save you from costly and
time-consuming reapplications. With full planning permission typically lasting three years, and
outline permission offering additional steps for large projects, it’s essential to stay proactive in
meeting these timelines. Starting work within the permitted period is the best way to ensure that
your plans can move forward as envisioned.

If you’re unsure about your project’s planning status or want advice on securing or extending
planning permission, it’s always a good idea to consult with a planning expert. They can help you
navigate the intricacies of the planning process, saving time and giving you peace of mind that
your project remains on track.