Planning guarantee
The term ‘planning guarantee’ refers to the Government policy that no planning application should spend more than a year with decision-makers, including any appeal.
This means that planning applications themselves should be decided in no more than 26 weeks, allowing for a further 26 weeks to for any appeal. This should only be exceeded following a written agreement with the applicant, setting out the timescale within which a decision is expected.
This is in addition to the statutory time limits which set targets for planning authorities determine planning applications:
- Within 13 weeks for applications for major development.
- Within eight weeks for all other types of development (unless an application is subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, in which case a 16 week limit applies).
If a valid application is not determined within the statutory period (or such other period as has been agreed) the applicant has a right to appeal to the Secretary of State against non-determination.
If the applicant does not exercised this right of appeal, and the application remains undetermined after 26 weeks, then the fee will be refunded.
Where planning authorities are designated as not adequately performing their function of determining applications, major development may be submitted directly to the Secretary of State. See Special measures designation for under-performing planning authorities for more information.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.