How Long Does It Take to Get Planning Permission in London?
The Government Planning Portal says that applications for Planning Permission, in most cases, are decided within eight weeks. That may depend on the size of the project – for example a multi-dwelling project may take up to 13 weeks.
Is Planning Permission Needed?
Planning Permission for a building project is gained by applying to the Local Planning Authority via the local council. Architects apply for Planning Permission on behalf of their clients when a project, building or alteration falls outside the limits of Permitted Development. In general, Planning Permission is required if the project is a brand new building, which can be separate from the main house or an extension, or if the owner of the building wants to change the use of the building – for example from a workshop or office to a habitable residential building. (Or indeed, vice-versa). If the building to be altered or extended, is Listed, then Listed Building Consent will be required as well.
Preparing the Application
This doesn’t mean that the whole Planning Permission scenario is dealt with within eight weeks, as there will be a period of time leading up to the application where the architectural team is preparing plans and drawings, and this process can take weeks or months, depending upon the complexity and scope of the project. Naturally, in most cases, preparing the application for Planning Permission for a loft conversion or new kitchen extension is a quicker process than preparing the application for Planning Permission for a new-build development or where a Listed Building is involved.
The Expert Submission
The JLE Studio team will have prepared the application for Planning Permission with all considerations taken into account. The team will submit an application that provides all the information required by the authorities, and in the case of larger projects, will have gone through the Pre-Planning Application process as well. It’s in everyone’s interests to be fully prepared and to have anticipated and solved any queries or potential objections. Which is why JLE Studio will only submit a Planning Application when they are confident that Planning Permission will be awarded.
The Eight-Week Aim
Whilst eight weeks is the optimum time period from the receipt of the Planning Application to Planning Permission being granted, there may be occasions when it takes longer, such as for large and complex projects, and for these there is a time limit of 13 weeks. There is an appeals process if a decision hasn’t been awarded within these time frames. Sometimes Planning Permission may be awarded, but with particular limitations, or conditions. In those cases, the limitations or conditions will need to be met. If the client or Architect isn’t happy with those conditions, a new Planning Application will need to be made, taking the reasons for refusal into account and presenting an amended Application that resolves those limitations or conditions. For these reasons, it’s so important that an experienced Architectural team is involved from the start, to ensure the best possible result for a Planning Application. An overview from the Government’s Planning Portal is available here. Once Planning Permission is awarded, it lasts for three years – so the project has to be started within three years.
Whilst JLE Studio has vast experience in dealing with and submitting planning applications, a planning application can never be guaranteed but we will do everything we can to support the process for you.
Have a project in mind?