How long does planning take?

Posted by Vita Architecture Ltd on 5th August 2019 -

The planning process can at times seem a complex maze of application types and timescales. So we’d thought we’d shed some light on how long the planning process takes.

1) The Validation Process

Every application starts off being sent to the validation team. This usually consists of a 10 day period in where your documents are reviewed to ensure its ready for review and the information is complete.

2) The Review Period

This includes a 3 week consultation period where letters are sent to the immediate context surrounding your application site to notify neighbours and allow the public to comment on your scheme. After this your case officer will have time to review your application and submit their report for recommendation for approval or refusal.
The review period in total ranges from 8 weeks for simple applications, 13 weeks for larger and more complex applications and upto 16 weeks for sites where environmental impact assessments are required.

Can you extend the review period?

Where either party be it the local authority or the applicant feel more time is required prior to a decision being made, they can request an extension of time which enables you to prolong the review process if you need to consider your options or if discussions with your case officer are falling towards a refusal and you need to address things.

What if we get refuses planning permission?

You can either resubmit another scheme to address the reasons for refusal (if it’s not radically different from the last scheme you will have a free go at planning) or you can appeal. Appeals however have no specific time limitations but for householders on average take 7 weeks, whilst larger schemes on average take between 19 to 38 weeks.

How long do you have to build after planning permission has been granted?

Generally, unless your planning notice says otherwise, you will have 3 years to start your build. Check your planning notice to see whether there are any other conditions or deviations from this to be sure.

Our scheme in Tandridge for a curved glass gym initially was refused on the basis of over development in the green belt zone. But after putting together a solid argument for appeal alongside our planning consultants (Robinson Escott) we were able to secure approval within a 7 weeks.