Extensions to time limits for planning permissions

From 1 October 2009 legislation has been published which enables an application to be made for a new planning permission to replace an extant planning permission, where the applicant is seeking to extend the time limit for implementation. It is also applicable where an extant listed building consent or conservation area consent is associated with the planning permission, and the applicant wishes to extend the time limit for implementation for that consent also.

Costs

£50 for householder development

£500 for major development

£170 for all other applications

Fees applicable from 31 March 2010

Further information

Planning permissions are granted subject to time limits for implementation, which are set out in a planning condition which normally allows a default time limit of three years for a full planning permission. Time limits for outline permissions are normally three years for submission of reserved matters, and a further two years for implementation following final approval of the last of the reserved matters. The local planning authority has discretion to impose different time limits, if there are good planning reasons for doing so.

If an application made to extend a permission is granted, the result will be a new planning permission/consent with a new time limit or limits. The original permission will continue to exist whatever the outcome of this application.

It is not possible to use this procedure where the development has already commenced, where the permission or consent has already expired at the time of application, or where the permission/consent was granted after 1 October 2009. In those cases, a new application would have to be made. It is also not possible to use this procedure solely to extend the time limit for submission of reserved matters. Applicants would have to seek a replacement for the outline permission itself, which if successful would create new time limits for the submission of reserved matters and for subsequent implementation.

Next steps

Forms and guidance notes to extend time limits for planning permissions