How long does planning permission last
Before 1968, there was no limit on the duration of planning permissions. Between 1968 and 2009, the duration of a permission was generally set out in the conditions to the permission, often limited to 5 years within which time construction had to begin, although it was sometimes possible to extend this by applying to vary the condition.
However, since 2009, unless the permission states otherwise, development should begin within 3 years of the date permission was granted.
The development is considered to have begun ‘…on the earliest date that a "material operation" in connection with the development is started’, that is:
- Any work of construction in the course of the erection of a building.
- Any work of demolition of a building.
- The digging of a trench which is to contain the foundations, or part of the foundations, of a building.
- The laying of any underground main or pipe to the foundations, or part of the foundations, of a building or to any such trench as is mentioned (above).
- Any operation in the course of laying out or constructing a road or part of a road.
- Any change in the use of any land which constitutes material development.
Ref Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Section 56.
Lawfully commencing the development works may first involve satisfying conditions applied to the permission.
If the development has not commenced within three years, the permission will be considered to have expired, and if the applicant still wished to proceed with the development, they will need to renew the application. Renewal is generally less onerous than making a fresh application, but a fee is payable. If however, the conditions under which the original permission was granted have changed, it may be necessary to make a fresh application.
Once the development has commenced, the permission remains in place unless the local authority serve a completion notice. If such a notice is served, the development must then be completed within 12 months.
If an outline planning application has been made, then the relevant reserved matters applications must be made within three years. The permission will then last for a further 2 years.
See also: How long does it take to get planning permission.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approval of conditions on a planning permission.
- Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
- Community Infrastructure Levy.
- Design and access statements.
- Detailed planning application.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Extensions to time limits for implementing existing planning permissions.
- How long does it take to get planning permission.
- National Planning Policy Framework.
- National Planning Practice Guidance.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Outline planning application.
- Permitted development.
- Planning appeal.
- Planning authority.
- Planning conditions.
- Planning enforcement.
- Planning fees.
- Planning objection.
- Planning obligations.
- Planning performance agreement.
- Planning permission.
- Pre-application advice.
- The difference between planning permission building regulations approval.
Featured articles and news
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Comments