How Long Does Planning Permission Take? 2026 Data

Published 7 April 2026

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: "how long will planning permission take?" The official answer is 8 weeks for most applications - but the reality can be very different.

We've analysed real data from hundreds of thousands of planning applications across the UK to give you an honest picture of how long the process actually takes in 2026.

Statutory Time Limits

Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and associated regulations, councils have set time limits for determining planning applications:

• Householder applications (e.g. extensions, loft conversions): 8 weeks
• Minor applications (e.g. 1–9 dwellings, small commercial): 8 weeks
• Major applications (e.g. 10+ dwellings, large commercial): 13 weeks
• Applications requiring Environmental Impact Assessment: 16 weeks

These timescales run from the date the council validates your application (not the date you submit it). Validation can itself take 1–2 weeks if your application is incomplete.

Extensions of Time

Councils frequently ask applicants to agree an "extension of time" - an agreement that the statutory deadline can be extended, usually by 2–4 weeks. This is common when a council needs more time to consult neighbours, negotiate amendments, or wait for committee dates. While you can refuse, doing so may lead to a refusal rather than the council working with you to approve the scheme.

What the Real Data Shows

Our data tells a more nuanced story than the statutory limits suggest. Across all application types:

• Median time to decision: approximately 9–10 weeks for householder applications
• 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, while others regularly exceed 12 weeks. See our slowest planning councils data for the full breakdown.

Why Applications Get Delayed

Several factors can push your application beyond the 8-week target:

Incomplete Applications

The single biggest cause of delay. If your application is missing drawings, the correct fee, or required supporting documents (such as a flood risk assessment or ecology survey), the council will not validate it until everything is provided. This can add weeks before the clock even starts.

Neighbour Objections

When neighbours object, the planning officer needs to assess the objections against material planning considerations. Complex or numerous objections require more officer time and may trigger a committee decision rather than a delegated one.

Committee Decisions

Most householder applications are decided by a single planning officer under delegated powers. However, if the application is controversial, called in by a councillor, or raises complex issues, it may be referred to a planning committee. Committee meetings typically happen monthly, which can add 4–8 weeks to the timeline.

Amended Plans

If the planning officer asks you to amend your scheme (e.g. reduce the size, change materials, alter the design), a new consultation period is usually required. Each round of amendments can add 3–4 weeks.

Section 106 Agreements

For major applications, legal agreements under Section 106 of the TCPA 1990 can take months to negotiate. This is rarely relevant for householder applications but is a major factor for larger developments.

How to Speed Things Up

• Submit a complete application. Use your council's validation checklist and make sure every required document is included.
• Get pre-application advice. Most councils offer a pre-application service where an officer will review your proposal before you submit. This can identify showstoppers early and reduce back-and-forth later.
• Use an experienced architect. A good local architect knows what your council expects and will submit drawings that officers can assess quickly.
• Talk to your neighbours. Pre-empting objections by discussing your plans can avoid delays caused by formal complaints.
• Respond quickly to requests. If the council asks for additional information or amended plans, turn them around as fast as possible.

The Full Planning Timeline

Here's a realistic timeline for a typical householder application:

1. Weeks 1–2: Prepare drawings and supporting documents (or commission an architect)
2. Weeks 3–4: Submit application and wait for validation
3. Weeks 4–6: Council consults neighbours (21 days), site notice posted
4. Weeks 6–8: Planning officer assesses the application
5. Weeks 8–10: Decision issued (or extension of time requested)

In total, from instructing an architect to receiving a decision, you should budget 10–14 weeks for a straightforward householder application. More complex or controversial schemes could take 4–6 months.

What If Your Council Is Slow?

If your council has not determined your application within the statutory period (and you haven't agreed an extension of time), you have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate for non-determination. However, this is a nuclear option - it usually makes more sense to work with the council to reach a decision.

Browse planning data for your area on our councils page to see how your local authority compares.