How Long Does Planning Permission Take? UK Timescales Explained

The two statutory targets

UK planning authorities work to statutory time targets for deciding applications. There are two you need to know:

• 8 weeks (56 days) — the target for most householder and minor applications, such as extensions, loft conversions or a single new dwelling.
• 13 weeks (91 days) — the target for major developments, such as larger housing schemes or significant commercial projects.

These are targets set in national planning rules, not promises. Councils measure their performance against them, but a decision can legitimately take longer if an extension of time is agreed (more on that below).

When does the clock actually start?

This is the part most people misunderstand. The statutory period does not begin when you press submit. It begins when your application is validated.

Validation means the council has checked that you've provided:

• The correct application forms and ownership certificates
• All required drawings and plans (to the right scale)
• Any supporting documents on the council's local validation list
• The correct application fee

If anything is missing, the council will ask for it before validating. Time spent chasing missing documents is time before the clock even starts — so getting your submission complete and accurate first time is the single biggest thing within your control.

Extensions of time

It's very common for a council and applicant to agree an extension of time in writing. This pushes the decision date back beyond the 8- or 13-week target without you losing your right to a proper determination.

Extensions are used when:

• Consultees (like highways or drainage) need longer to respond
• Amended plans are submitted partway through
• Extra information or reports are requested
• The council's caseload is heavy

Agreeing an extension is usually better than forcing a rushed refusal. It keeps your case officer working with you rather than against the clock.

What actually drives delays

Statutory targets tell you the intent; reality varies a lot. Common causes of delay include:

• Incomplete submissions that slow validation
• Statutory consultees taking time to comment
• Neighbour objections that require careful assessment
• Committee decisions — some applications go to a planning committee that meets only monthly, rather than being decided by an officer
• Local workload and staffing — this varies enormously between boroughs

Because the last point differs so much by area, we don't publish a single national figure. Instead, compare how councils are actually performing on our league tables, or look up your specific council via /boroughs.

How to keep your application moving

• Submit a complete, correctly scaled set of documents
• Pay the right fee first time
• Respond quickly to any officer requests
• Be open to agreeing a reasonable extension of time
• Consider a pre-application enquiry for anything unusual or contentious

This is general information only and does not constitute legal or planning advice. Timescales, local validation requirements and performance vary by area — always confirm the position with your own borough or local planning authority before relying on it.