How Long Does Planning Permission Take in the UK?

The process of securing planning permission for your project can often feel complex and overwhelming. Whether you’re working on an extension, conversion, or a new build, the approval timeline can vary greatly depending on several key factors. By understanding the elements that impact the decision-making process, you can navigate the application more effectively. In this blog post, we’ll address the crucial question: how long does planning permission take, and what steps can you take to help your application move forward smoothly?

What is Planning Permission?

• Extensions and alterations to existing buildings
• New buildings, including houses, flats, and commercial premises
• Changes of use, such as converting a residential property into a commercial one
• Demolition of existing buildings

The purpose of planning permission is to ensure that development is carried out in a way that is sustainable, safe, and respectful of the environment and the community. It also helps to protect the character and appearance of an area, and to ensure that development is consistent with local and national planning policies.

The General Timeline for Planning Permission

In the UK, the planning permission process typically takes about eight weeks for most straightforward applications. However, larger or more complex projects, such as significant conversions, new builds, or major applications, might require up to thirteen weeks. Projects that require an environmental impact assessment may extend the timeline up to sixteen weeks or even longer.

It’s important to note that these timeframes are guidelines, and actual processing times can vary depending on local authority workloads, the quality of your application, and any complications that arise during the review.

What Affects the Timing of Planning Permission by the Local Planning Authority?

1. Complexity of the Project: Projects that are more complex, such as multi-storey buildings or those involving significant changes to protected structures, usually take longer to review. In contrast, simpler projects, like small extensions or minor alterations, may be processed more swiftly, although detailed aspects of the project can still delay the approval process.

2. Local Authority’s Workload: Different local authorities have different workloads and capacities. If your local planning department is under a high volume of applications, this could add weeks to your waiting time. This factor is largely beyond your control, but you can research and potentially communicate with your local authority to understand current processing speeds.

3. Quality of the Application: A thoroughly prepared application is much less likely to experience delays. By ensuring all required documents, detailed plans, and forms are submitted correctly, planning officers can process the application more smoothly. Missing or incorrect information may result in requests for additional details, which can slow down the decision-making process.

4. Consultation Requirements: Once a planning application is submitted, the local authority must consult with neighbours and relevant parties. This consultation period typically lasts around 21 days. If there are objections or concerns from neighbours, this could lead to discussions that further delay the final decision.

5. Site Visits and Committee Decisions: Planning officers often need to visit the site to gain a full understanding of the project. Additionally, for more controversial or significant projects, the decision might be taken to a planning committee meeting, which can add additional time to the approval process.

6. Planning History: The planning history of a site can also affect the timing. Previous planning decisions and the reasons for their outcomes are often reviewed, especially for major developments.

Pre-Application Advice and Its Benefits

Pre-application advice is a service offered by local planning authorities to help applicants prepare and submit successful planning applications. This advice can be provided in various forms, including written guidance, meetings, and site visits.

By seeking pre-application advice, applicants can ensure that their proposals are well-prepared, well-designed, and well-presented, increasing their chances of success and reducing the risk of delays and costs.

How to Speed Up Your Planning Permission Process with Pre Application Advice

While there are factors outside your control, there are several ways you can help speed up the process:

1. Hire an Expert: Engaging a planning consultant or an architect with experience can significantly streamline the process. Experts know exactly what the planning authorities require, which increases the chance of a smoother and faster journey. Get in touch with our team of experts to bring your project to life!
2. Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure that all aspects of your application are complete and accurate. From submitting detailed architectural plans to correctly filling in forms, the more thorough your preparation, the fewer delays you will encounter.
3. Consult Early with Local Authorities: Engaging with your local planning authority during the early stages of your project can help identify potential issues before you formally submit your application. This step, called a pre-application consultation, may not cut down the official eight-week processing time but can significantly reduce the chances of additional weeks being added due to complications.
4. Neighbour Consultations: Talking to your neighbours about your plans beforehand can preempt objections. Open communication about the nature of your project might help to mitigate opposition, which often causes delays.
5. Understand Financial Considerations: Be aware of any community infrastructure levy that may apply to your project. This levy includes funds received or anticipated by local authorities and can impact the acceptability of your development.

What Happens After a Planning Decision is Granted?

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a planning permission notice from the local authority. This notice will outline specific conditions that must be followed throughout the course of your project. It’s important to carefully review these conditions, as non-compliance can result in enforcement action, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.

For major development projects, adhering to these conditions is particularly crucial to avoid enforcement actions.

Once planning permission is granted, it usually remains valid for three years from the date of approval. This means you need to start the project within that time frame or apply for an extension before the planning permission lapses.

What if Planning Permission is Refused?

If your application is rejected, you have the option to either appeal the decision or resubmit the application with adjustments that address the reasons for refusal. The appeal process can be time-consuming, often taking six months or longer. Alternatively, collaborating with the local planning officer to make the required changes may provide a simpler path forward.

Expedited Options for Planning Permission

For those in a hurry, there are options to expedite the process, but these often come at a cost:

• Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs): Some local authorities offer PPAs, which involve a service-level agreement to process the application faster in exchange for an additional fee.
• Fast Track Applications: A few councils provide expedited services for simpler applications, particularly for household developments like small extensions, though availability and costs can vary widely.

Final Thoughts

The duration to obtain planning permission in the UK can range from eight weeks to several months, influenced by factors like the complexity of your project and the workload of the local authority. However, by taking proactive measures such as consulting early, preparing thoroughly, and working with skilled professionals, you can reduce the likelihood of delays. For a more efficient and tailored service, Homz.uk is ready to guide you through the complexities of planning applications, ensuring a smooth and timely approval process.

Ready to start your project? Let Homz.uk guide you through a seamless planning permission journey with our 5-star service.