Understanding how long the planning process takes helps you plan your project timeline and budget. While there are statutory targets, the actual time can vary significantly depending on the type of application and how busy your local planning authority is.
Statutory Decision Targets
Local planning authorities have government targets for deciding applications:
- Householder applications (extensions, alterations): 8 weeks
- Minor applications (small-scale new builds, change of use): 8 weeks
- Major applications (10+ dwellings, 1,000+ sqm commercial): 13 weeks
- Applications with an Environmental Impact Assessment: 16 weeks
These timelines start from the date the application is validated, not the date you submit it. Validation can take 1-2 weeks.
What the data shows across 300,000+ applications
Planning Signal has analysed decision times across hundreds of thousands of UK planning applications. For householder applications, the real picture in 2026:
- Median decision time: 9 to 10 weeks from validation
- 25% of applications are decided within 6 weeks
- 75% of applications are decided within 12 weeks
- 10% of applications take longer than 16 weeks
The gap between the fastest and slowest councils is significant. Some councils consistently decide householder applications in under 6 weeks; others regularly exceed 12 weeks. See our slowest planning councils rankings for a full breakdown by authority.
What the Total Timeline Looks Like
For a typical householder application, the overall process from start to finish is roughly:
- Pre-application advice: 3-6 weeks (optional but recommended)
- Preparing drawings and documents: 2-4 weeks
- Validation: 1-2 weeks after submission
- Consultation period: 21 days
- Officer assessment and decision: remaining time within the 8-week target
In total, expect around 10-14 weeks from submitting your application to receiving a decision.
Common Causes of Delays
- Incomplete applications - missing documents or incorrect plans will delay validation
- Amended plans - if the officer asks you to revise your proposals, the clock may restart
- Neighbour objections - significant opposition may require the application to go to a planning committee, adding 4-8 weeks
- Additional reports required - ecological surveys, flood risk assessments, or heritage statements requested after submission
- Council workload - under-resourced planning departments may take longer than the statutory target
- Extension of time agreements - the council may ask you to agree to a longer decision period
What If the Council Takes Too Long?
If the council has not decided your application within the statutory period, you have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds of non-determination. However, this should be a last resort - it is usually better to work with the planning officer to resolve any outstanding issues.
How to Speed Things Up
- Use pre-application advice to identify and resolve issues early
- Submit a complete, well-prepared application with all required documents
- Respond promptly to any requests from the planning officer
- Talk to your neighbours before applying - addressing concerns early can prevent formal objections