How Long Does The Planning Process Take?

Applying for planning permission may seem like a daunting task at the best of times. There is a perceived difficulty on how you should go about applying for permission, but it need not necessarily be as difficult as you think. There are many planning lawyers and solicitors to help, and the process is becoming more and more transparent as time goes by.

At first, before you apply for planning permission, the authority should be able to give you an idea about the likely timeframe. Most planning applications get decided within 8 weeks, and if the authority cannot process the application within that time, written consent should be obtained to extend the procedure.

In normal scenarios, the determination process is started as soon as the planning application has been received and verified. The planning application that has been submitted has to comply with the local development authority’s ‘Development Plan’ – and a number of factors such as landscaping requirements, the size of the buildings and the impact the development will have on the surrounding area will be taken into account.

If the planning application is relatively minor, a sole planning officer will take charge of the application, however if it’s a larger proposed build or it affects a number of people, a committee will be assembled. This may take longer than the prescribed 8 days, and councillors or committee members cannot refuse a planning proposal simply because they personally oppose it. Once a decision has been reached, the planning officers and local development authority in question must give details in writing to the applicant.