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Expiry of Planning Permission

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When we moved into our house a couple of years ago, it came with approved planning permission for a two story extension to be built on one side of the house.

Due to financial constraints we haven't been able build the extension and the period for which the approval was given expires later this year. We have heard that as long as the extension is started within the approval period (i.e the footings / foundations are put in place), we can then take as long as we like to complete the extension, with a view to it being done it two or three years time.

Can anyone advise whether this is correct or whether it is just a myth?

Thanks

Comments

  • Its a fact I believe. Work is to commence within the period.
    Not Again
  • WestonDave
    WestonDave Posts: 5,154 Forumite
    Rampant Recycler
    True - we've had a bit of controversy locally over a commercial project in the city centre that has been delayed so that on paper the permissions (planning and listed building consent in this case) have expired before the work appeared to commence, however because some work (in the case of the LBA simply moving some listed phone boxes into storage) commenced before the relevant date the permission is still valid.

    You might want to go a bit further than just digging a hole though - maybe get it to the point of concrete and getting the building inspector to sign that bit off, that way the council have a record of it starting!
    Adventure before Dementia!
  • iamcornholio
    iamcornholio Posts: 1,900 Forumite
    edited 25 January 2012 at 5:14PM
    To enact any planning permission the work needs to be "substantially" started. This can be many things, including digging trenches, laying footings or drainage or adapting the existing structure in readiness.

    It should be started within three years from the date of the granting of permission, and then there is no time limit

    This work will require building regulations, and most of the above methods will require an inspection - and this inspection date is often used by the planners to check if work was started within the time limit. But this is not definitive proof as the work can start without it being checked until a much later date

    In most cases however, the planners will not know when work was actually started and many jobs are started after permission has effectively lapsed

    Also be aware that any conditions on the permission need to be complied with before starting, or the work will be deemed to have not lawfully started

    Edit

    It is quite easy now to apply to extend the time limits - it may cost about £50 or so, and does not involve the full rigmarole of a new application ... normally just a single form
  • ormus
    ormus Posts: 42,714 Forumite
    yes the new rules make it much easier to extend the PP period.
    normally just a rubber stamp jobby. not sure of the costs, but it will vary depending where you are.
    Get some gorm.
  • If in doubt ring the Planning dept. On the whole they are helpful.
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