A planning application in England usually takes 8 weeks to receive a decision once it has been validated. Applications for major development generally have a 13-week statutory determination period, while applications requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment usually have 16 weeks. These periods can be extended by written agreement between the applicant and the local planning authority. <Cite ref=”turn949134search0″/>
However, the time needed to complete a planning application is not always the same as the statutory decision period. Preparing drawings, gathering supporting documents, resolving validation issues and responding to requests from the council can all add time.
Understanding each stage can help you plan your project and set more realistic expectations.
How Long Does a Planning Application Take in England?
The statutory determination period depends on the type of application.
| Application type | Usual statutory period |
| Standard planning application, including most householder applications | 8 weeks |
| Major development | 13 weeks |
| Application requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment | 16 weeks |
These periods apply to valid applications in England. A longer period may be agreed in writing between the applicant and the local planning authority. <Cite ref=”turn949134search0″/>
For most homeowners applying for permission for an extension or alteration, the relevant period will be eight weeks. Larger or more complex developments may require longer.
The statutory period is a target for the authority to determine the application. It does not include all the work you may need to complete before submitting it.
When Does the Planning Application Timeline Start?
The statutory determination period starts once the local planning authority receives a valid application.
Validation is the process of checking that the application includes the required information, documents and fee. The authority may check whether the correct application form has been completed, whether the plans meet its requirements and whether the relevant supporting information has been provided.
If something is missing or incorrect, the authority may ask for further information before validating the application. This can delay the start of the formal determination period.
For this reason, submitting an application does not necessarily mean the eight-week clock has started. Preparing a complete submission is an important part of managing the overall timeline. <Cite ref=”turn949134search9″/>
If you are still deciding which application route is appropriate, our Planning Application page provides more information about the process.
What Are the Stages of a Planning Application?
Although the exact process varies, a typical application moves through several stages.
1. Initial assessment and preparation
Before submitting, you need to establish whether planning permission is required and what type of application is appropriate.
This may involve reviewing the property’s planning history, considering local planning policies and identifying any site constraints.
You may also need architectural drawings, a planning statement or specialist reports. The time required depends on the complexity of the proposal and how quickly the necessary information can be prepared.
If you are unsure whether permission is required, our guide to Do I Need Planning Permission? can help you understand the factors to consider.
2. Submission and validation
Once the application is prepared, it is submitted to the local planning authority, usually through the Planning Portal or the authority’s own online system.
The authority checks the application against its validation requirements. If the submission is complete, it can be validated and move into the formal assessment process.
If information is missing, you may need to provide additional documents or correct the submission. This can add time before the statutory determination period begins.
3. Publicity and consultation
The local planning authority publicises the application and invites relevant parties to comment.
This may involve notifying neighbouring properties, displaying a site notice or consulting statutory bodies, depending on the nature and location of the development.
The formal consultation period will normally last at least 21 days for many applications, although specific requirements can vary. <Cite ref=”turn949134search2″/>
Consultation is only one part of the assessment. The planning officer must also consider the proposal against the development plan and other relevant planning matters.
4. Planning assessment
The planning officer reviews the application, drawings, supporting documents and consultation responses.
Depending on the proposal, this may involve considering its design, impact on neighbouring properties, access, highways, heritage, trees, drainage or other relevant matters.
A site visit may also take place where necessary.
Straightforward proposals may require less assessment, while applications involving several planning considerations can take more time.
5. Decision
The application is determined either by a planning officer under delegated powers or, in some cases, by a planning committee.
The authority then issues a formal decision notice confirming whether permission has been granted or refused and, where applicable, setting out any planning conditions.
Government guidance states that most applications should be decided within their statutory period unless a longer period has been agreed in writing. <Cite ref=”turn949134search0″/>
How Long Does a Householder Planning Application Take?
A standard householder planning application in England normally has an eight-week statutory determination period.
This covers many proposals involving alterations to an existing house, such as extensions and certain external changes.
However, the full timeline may be longer if you need to prepare drawings, obtain surveys or resolve issues before submission.
For example, a householder application may take eight weeks to determine after validation, but the preparation stage could add several weeks depending on the project.
You can find out more about the relevant application requirements through our householder planning application page.
Why Can a Planning Application Take Longer Than Expected?
Several factors can affect how quickly an application is determined.
Incomplete application documents
Missing drawings, incorrect forms or an unpaid or incorrect fee can delay validation.
Additional information requests
The planning officer or a consultee may identify an issue that needs further information. Preparing and reviewing that information can affect the timetable.
Complex proposals
Developments involving heritage assets, highways, ecology, drainage or other technical considerations may require input from several parties.
Planning committee decisions
Some applications are referred to a planning committee rather than decided by an officer. Committee meeting schedules and reporting requirements can affect the decision date.
Agreed extensions of time
Where more time is needed, the authority may ask the applicant to agree an extension in writing. This establishes a revised date for the decision. <Cite ref=”turn949134search0″/>
An extension should be understood clearly before agreeing to it, including the reason for the additional time and the proposed decision date.
Can You Speed Up a Planning Application?
There is no guaranteed way to make a local planning authority decide an application faster. However, you can reduce avoidable delays by preparing carefully.
Consider the following before submission:
- Confirm whether planning permission is required.
- Choose the correct application type.
- Check the local authority’s validation requirements.
- Provide accurate and consistent drawings.
- Include the necessary supporting information.
- Pay the correct application fee.
- Address known planning constraints early.
- Respond promptly to reasonable requests from the authority.
Getting the application right at the beginning can reduce the risk of delays caused by missing or unclear information.
For projects with more complicated planning considerations, feasibility advice and planning strategy can help identify potential issues before the application is submitted.
Does the Planning Application Timeline Include Appeals?
No. The statutory determination period covers the local planning authority’s decision on the application.
If permission is refused, or the authority grants permission subject to conditions you consider unacceptable, you may have the option to appeal. An appeal is a separate process with its own procedures and timescales.
Similarly, if the authority fails to decide the application within the relevant period, an appeal against non-determination may be available.
You should therefore avoid treating the original eight-week or 13-week period as the total time required to resolve every possible planning issue.
How Long Does a Planning Application Take: FAQs
Does the eight-week period start when I submit my application?
The statutory determination period applies once the application is valid. If information or documents are missing, validation may be delayed.
Can a planning application be approved in less than eight weeks?
Yes. Eight weeks is the statutory determination period for most standard applications in England, not a minimum waiting period. An authority may issue a decision sooner.
What happens if the council asks for more information?
You may need to provide additional documents or clarification. This can affect the overall timeline, depending on the request and whether an extension of time is agreed.
How long does a major planning application take?
Major planning applications in England generally have a 13-week statutory determination period. Applications requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment generally have 16 weeks. <Cite ref=”turn949134search0″/>
Does a planning application take longer during busy periods?
The statutory determination period remains the same, but the time taken to validate or process an application can be affected by the authority’s workload and the complexity of the proposal.
Prepare Your Planning Application With Planning Build
Knowing how long a planning application takes can help you plan your development, but the timeline depends on more than the statutory decision period.
The quality of the submission, the information required and the planning issues involved can all affect how smoothly the process progresses.
Planning Build can help you understand your planning requirements, assess your proposal and prepare for the application process.
If you are planning a development and want support with the next steps, contact Planning Build to discuss your project.
