How long does planning permission take?

The 8-week clock only starts once your application is validated — the council's check that all drawings, forms and the fee are present. Validation typically takes 5–10 working days, and missing documents restart the wait. A complete, well-prepared application is the single biggest thing you can do to keep the timeline on track.

Within the determination period, the council runs a 21-day consultation where neighbours and, where relevant, bodies like highways or conservation officers can comment. The case officer then assesses your proposal against local policy and past decisions in your area before recommending approval or refusal.

The statutory targets are 8 weeks for householder and minor applications, 13 weeks for major developments, and 42 days (6 weeks) for prior approval under the larger home extension rules. Councils can also ask you to agree an extension of time — common where a backlog exists or amendments are being negotiated.

Timelines vary noticeably between councils. Some London boroughs routinely decide householder applications inside the 8 weeks; others regularly run over. Knowing your own council's track record helps you plan realistically rather than optimistically.

If your project might not need a full application at all — because it fits permitted development — the timeline changes completely. It's worth confirming your route before you commit to an application.