One of the most common questions we hear from clients is: how long will my planning application take? Whether you’re extending your home or managing a larger development, understanding the timeline is key to effective planning and avoiding delays.
The General Timeline
In most cases, local planning authorities (LPAs) aim to decide householder and minor planning applications within 8 weeks. For major applications, the target is 13 weeks. Applications that require an Environmental Impact Assessment can take up to 16 weeks.
However, these are targets, not guarantees. In reality, the process can take longer due to a variety of factors — from local authority workload to the complexity of your proposal.
Before You Submit: Pre-Application Stage
Before the official clock starts ticking, it’s worth factoring in time for pre-application advice. This is an informal stage where you can seek feedback from your local planning authority or a planning consultant (like us) to improve your application’s chances of success.
Pre-application advice typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the council. While optional, it can save time and money later by flagging potential issues early on.
Validation: The First Hurdle
Once your application is submitted, the local authority will check it for completeness. This is called validation. If anything is missing (e.g. incorrect plans or missing documents), the application will be deemed invalid and sent back.
Validation usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, but in busy periods, it can take longer. Using a planning consultant can help avoid validation delays by ensuring your application is accurate and complete from the start.
The Consultation Period
After validation, the formal consultation period begins. This lasts 21 days, during which neighbours, parish councils, and other consultees can submit comments or objections. Site notices may also be displayed.
While this is happening, the planning officer may also carry out a site visit, request internal comments (e.g. from highways or conservation officers), and begin preparing their recommendation.
The Decision
If your application is straightforward and receives no significant objections, it will usually be determined by a planning officer under delegated powers. More complex or contentious applications may go to a planning committee, which can add extra time depending on the meeting schedule.
In most cases, you’ll receive a decision within 8 weeks (for minor applications) or 13 weeks (for major ones) — but it’s not uncommon for this to slip slightly if additional information is requested.
What If It Takes Longer?
If a decision isn’t made within the target timeframe, you can either:
-
Agree to an extension of time, or
-
Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds of non-determination
Most applicants choose to allow a bit more time to avoid disrupting the process.
In Summary
While 8 to 13 weeks is the general rule of thumb, it’s wise to allow a few extra weeks for validation, potential delays, or committee decisions. For best results, ensure your application is as strong as possible from the outset — and consider working with a planning consultant to guide you through the process smoothly.
