How Long Does A Planning Application Take?

Navigating the process of a planning application in the UK demands patience and strategic planning. 

Understanding the timelines involved can significantly influence your project’s success. From initial submission to a decision being reached, the duration can vary widely depending on several factors.

Firstly, the complexity of your proposal plays a pivotal role. 

Simple applications for minor alterations or extensions may proceed swiftly, typically within eight to twelve weeks. 

Conversely, intricate projects involving significant developments or listed buildings often require more thorough scrutiny, extending the timeline to several months or even beyond a year.

Moreover, local planning authorities (LPAs) manage their caseloads differently, affecting processing times. Urban areas may experience higher volumes of applications, leading to longer wait times compared to rural regions.

Understanding these dynamics can help manage expectations and streamline your planning strategy. 

In this article, we explore the stages of a planning application, delve into factors influencing its duration, and provide practical insights to navigate this crucial aspect of property development in the UK.

Types of Planning Applications

In the UK, residential planning applications primarily fall into two categories: planning permission and permitted development.

What Is Permitted Development?

Certain minor alterations and extensions may be carried out without needing to apply for full planning permission, under permitted development rights. 

These rights are subject to specific criteria regarding size, location, and impact on the surrounding area. They aim to streamline smaller projects while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Understanding the distinction between these types is crucial when considering residential development projects in the UK. 

Each pathway has its requirements and implications, influencing both the application process and the timeline for approval.

What Does Permitted Development Cover?

Permitted development rights in the UK encompass various minor alterations and extensions to existing properties. 

These include:

• Home Extensions: Small-scale additions such as loft conversions, rear extensions, and conservatories, subject to size and placement restrictions.

• Changes of Use: Converting certain buildings, such as agricultural buildings to residential use, under specified conditions.

• External Alterations: Installation of solar panels, satellite dishes, and other external changes, provided they meet specified criteria.

How Do I Apply For Permitted Development/A Lawful Development Certificate?

For projects falling under permitted development, you have the option to proceed without formal planning permission. 

However, obtaining a lawful development certificate is recommended to validate your rights. This certificate serves as proof that your proposed work complies with permitted development criteria.

• Application Process

To apply, submit an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal. The application requires completion of forms, submission of existing and proposed development drawings, a site location plan, and payment of a £103 fee.

• Importance of Certification

Securing a lawful development certificate ensures clarity and legal assurance for your project. It confirms that the development is lawful, providing peace of mind and clarity to both homeowners and potential buyers.

(You don’t need to make the application yourself – Yoop can apply for permitted development on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about it)

How Long Does It Take To Receive A Lawful Development Certificate?

Once the application has been submitted. 

Your local authority will assign an official to assess your application, make an inspection visit and check the property’s planning history. 

Assuming all is correct and within the rights of permitted development. You’ll be granted a lawful development certificate (LDC) within eight weeks.

If your project is not covered by permitted development, then you’ll need to apply for planning permission.

What is Planning Permission?

This involves formal approval from the local planning authority (LPA) for proposed developments that do not qualify under permitted development rights. 

Applications can range from small home extensions to major new builds. The process requires detailed plans and often involves consultation with neighbors and stakeholders.

PS: If you carry out work which isn’t covered by permitted development or planning permission. After that the local authority would end up asking you to take the building or the extension down.

How Do I Apply For Planning Permission?

To apply for planning permission, you need to make an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal.

A planning application includes a site plan or location plan. A full set of existing plans, elevations, potentially sections. And then a full set of proposed plans, elevations and potentially sections. If it’s in a conservation area or a more complicated area, there might be a written document required as well. 

That is called a design and access statement. 

You can also put in a planning statement. But usually a householder application is fairly straightforward so that you just need good information on the drawings. The application fee for planning permission is £206.

(You don’t need to make the application yourself – Yoop can apply for planning permission on your behalf. Not only that but also chase the planning authority up until we get the OK . So you don’t have to worry about it)

How long does it take to receive planning application permission?

The local authority has a statutory eight weeks to deal with the application. 

What Happens During The Planning Application Process?

In the UK, for projects falling under permitted development, you have the option to commence construction without formal planning permission. 

Nevertheless, obtaining a lawful development certificate is advisable to substantiate your entitlement. This certificate serves as evidence that your proposed work complies with permitted development criteria.

• Application Process

Applications should be submitted to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal. 

The process involves completing application forms, submitting drawings of existing and proposed developments, providing a site location plan, and paying a £103 fee.

• Significance of Certification

Securing a lawful development certificate confirms the legitimacy of your project under permitted development rights. This validation offers assurance and clarity to homeowners and potential buyers alike.

• Professional Support

While applicants can manage the process independently, services like Yoop can handle the application on your behalf, alleviating administrative burdens.

Understanding these steps and options empowers homeowners to navigate permitted development processes efficiently and compliantly in the UK.

After Submission: Consultations, Site Visits & The Decision Process

Once it’s valid, then there’s a 21 day consultation period. And the local authority will put green notices up on lamp posts and similar objects. 

They’ll notify your adjacent neighbors and your neighbors. And the community have the opportunity to comment and object. 

Next, there’ll be a site visit by the case officer. The case officer will go down and check that the drawings match the locality and the context. 

It’s a fair representation of what’s actually there. They also might check for any trees in close proximity, any tree preservation orders, anything like that.

When it comes up to about week six of the eight weeks. At that time we usually try and talk to the planners to see if everything’s okay. 

If they need any tweaks or if there’s any concerns, any objections, those kinds of things. If the proposals essentially comply with all the local authority guidance and policy, that’s when the officer can approve it under delegated powers.

Planning Application Ultimate Approval

The ultimate approval of planning applications generally involves a planning committee. 

However, for minor householder applications, the decision is typically entrusted to the planning officers’ good judgment.

• Approval Process

The planning officer reviews the application in conjunction with their team leader. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions are balanced and not reliant on a single individual.

• Timelines

A decision notice is usually issued by the eighth week. This timeline helps applicants anticipate when they can expect an outcome.

Understanding the approval process for minor applications provides clarity and sets realistic expectations for homeowners seeking planning permission in the UK.

How will I be notified?

Once the Department receives a planning application you will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of the application. Along with any accompanying fee paid. 

This letter will also highlight the stages through which the application will pass prior to a decision being made.

At the end of the process the decision notice will be issued. Based on advising whether planning permission has been granted or refused.

If you have any questions about the planning application process. Or you would like to speak to an architect who can help you source and liaise with a local planner. Go ahead and book a free call below with Yoop