Planning Application approved 7 years ago

sh78

I had planning application approved back in 2017 for single storey extension, for 6m length. I could not go ahead with build at that time.

Now, planning to do extension for 4m length. Some architects telling me that I dont need another application as previous one is for larger size, and also since 2013 approvals dont expire.

Is it right? 

silvercar

I thought you had to have started the work within 4 years. Happy to be corrected.

It may well be that your planned 4m now falls within permitted development and won't need planning permission, as the rules changed a few years ago.

stuart45

It's 3 years if you haven't made a start. Normally you dig out the foundations and get up to DPC. 

Section62

sh78 said:

I had planning application approved back in 2017 for single storey extension, for 6m length. I could not go ahead with build at that time.

Now, planning to do extension for 4m length. Some architects telling me that I dont need another application as previous one is for larger size, and also since 2013 approvals dont expire.

Is it right? 

Not something I've heard of.  The expiry date (if work hasn't started) is specified in the planning consent - if no date was specified then in thoey there is no expiry - but I have a feeling there was a change of legislation that required a) planning authorities to always impose an expiry via a planning condition and b) imposed a global expiry date on historic applications that didn't have one.  (The legislation came about mainly due to developers landbanking IIRC).

As Silvercar says, it may be what you propose now is permitted development - but you should check that with a different architect/planning consultant to those you've already spoken to because from what you say about their advice so far it doesn't appear they know much about the planning system.

Section62

silvercar said:

It may well be that your planned 4m now falls within permitted development and won't need planning permission, as the rules changed a few years ago.

Just to add... sometimes planning consents are given, but permitted development rights are removed.  The removal of PD rights may apply whether or not the consent is actually implemented (i.e. you build the extension) or let it expire.

The original consent needs to be checked to see if there was removal of any PD included, and then take advice whether that still applies if the consent has expired.

Although it if there is doubt it may be cheaper to ask the council for a CLD/LDC for the proposed extension to make sure the PD is in place.

FreeBear

Section62 said: Although it if there is doubt it may be cheaper to ask the council for a CLD/LDC for the proposed extension to make sure the PD is in place.

Also bear in mind that councils now have ten years to bring any enforcement action, and if they do, you'd be on the hook for their costs. A few pounds spent now checking things out could save a fortune further down the line.

ThisIsWeird

Hi SH78.
We had a 6m extension built 5 years ago, and the Planning rules had changed just before then to increase PermDev from 4 to 6m, so Planning wasn't required for us.
I think.
Have you checked your LA's Planning Portal to see - 4m will almost certainly be ok - PermDev - assuming it fits in with other requirements such as garden size?
On a connected note, 6m shouldn't cost 'that' much more than 4m - is there a reason you are now going significantly smaller?