How Long Does it Take to Obtain Planning Permission?

When you have your heart set on a building project. Whether that be a loft extension, renovation or complete new build.

Timing is always a crucial part of the equation.

Understandably, people want to know how long the process of receiving a decision on a planning application will take.

Thankfully, there are clear guidelines that planning authorities are expected to adhere to. We’ll look over some of those guidelines here.

The time limits are set out in Article 34 of the Town and Country (Development Management Procedure (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

In general, standard planning applications should take 8 weeks to be processed. There are some exceptions to that rule, however.

Environmental Impact Assessment

If an application is subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, the time increases to 16 Weeks.

The purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to identify any significant impact on the environment that could potentially be created from a proposed development. The EIA also highlights mitigation measures by which these impacts can be reduced. This ensures that local planning authorities fully consider the likely significant effects in determining planning applications. 

Major Development

A “Major Development” planning application is afforded a longer time. 13 Weeks is the processing time for any development that falls under that category.

What pushes a planning application into the category of “Major Development”? If it includes the following:

• Mineral extraction
• Waste development
• Residential development of between 10 or more dwellings
• Residential development on a site area of 0.5 ha or more and the number of dwellings is unknown
• Development of floorspace of 1,000 sq m or more
• Development on sites over 1 ha or more
• Change of use over 1,000 sq or more

With that being said when we consider how long it takes to obtain planning permission. We also have to realise that the timescales above are a minimum.

Often, planning applications can take longer than the government targets.

How Can You Speed Up The Process?

Providing correctly formed, detailed applications is the best approach if you are trying to achieve a timely response to your planning application. What does that look like?

1. Evidence compliance with rules and regulations
   If you can demonstrate within your application that you have carefully considered how your project complies with all legal requirements. The decision-making process will be far simpler for the local authority.
2. Evidence of due diligence
   Relevant due diligence to accompany a planning application is always a good idea. For example, if you submit an application related to double glazing in listed buildings, you could provide evidence of the materials you plan to use.
   In short, show you’ve considered factors relevant to the particular application.
   
3. Provide building models
   They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If you are about to submit a significant application, an accompanying model demonstrates how your proposal fits in with the local environment.
4. Discuss with local stakeholders
   If you are planning a substantial extension or new build project, it can be helpful to meet with existing residents to talk through your plans. An opportunity to fully explain your point of view to people who may have legitimate concerns could make a significant difference ahead of any local planning authority public consultations.

We’re here to help

In answer to the question, how long does it take to obtain planning permission?

We’ve looked at some of the target timescales set by the government. Furthermore, we’ve discussed some methods for potentially speeding up the decision-making process.

It is important to remember that the deadlines are targets only and local authorities can take much longer to come to a decision about a planning application.

If you require help in submitting an application with the best chance of getting a speedy resolution, please do not hesitate to get in touch.