How long does a planning application in the UK take?
The timeline of a planning submission in the UK can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the local planning authority, but there are some general stages that you can expect to go through. Here's a rough timeline to give you an idea of what to expect:
Pre-application stage (2-12 weeks)
This is the stage where you can engage with your local planning authority and discuss your plans before submitting a formal planning application. You may also need to carry out site surveys and consult with other stakeholders during this stage.
Formal application stage (8-13 weeks)
Once you've submitted your planning application, the local planning authority will validate it and carry out an initial assessment to check that it's complete. They'll then publicize your application and invite comments from the public and other stakeholders. During this stage, you may also need to provide additional information or respond to queries from the planning officer.
Planning officer assessment stage (8-13 weeks)
After the consultation period has ended, the planning officer will assess your application against local and national planning policies, as well as any comments or objections received. They may also carry out a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development. They'll then prepare a report with a recommendation for approval or refusal.
Committee stage (6-12 weeks)
If your application is contentious or doesn't comply with local planning policies, it may be referred to a planning committee for a decision. The committee will consider the planning officer's report, any objections or representations made, and any relevant planning policies before making a decision.
Decision stage (up to 3 weeks)
Once the planning committee has made a decision, you'll be notified in writing of the outcome. If your application is approved, you may need to agree to any planning conditions attached to the permission before you can start work. If your application is refused, you'll be given reasons why and may have the right to appeal.
It's worth noting that these time frames are rough estimates and can vary depending on the complexity of your project and the local planning authority's workload. However, it's always a good idea to start the planning process as early as possible to give yourself enough time to navigate each stage of the process.