Most householder planning applications are decided within 8 weeks. This is the statutory target councils aim to meet. In practice, simpler applications may be decided in 6 weeks, while complex cases or those requiring amendments can take 10 to 12 weeks. The clock starts when your application is validated, not when you submit it.

Validation is when the council checks your application is complete before formally registering it. This typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. If documents are missing or forms are incorrect, the council will request amendments, which delays the start of your 8-week determination period. Submitting a complete application with all required drawings avoids validation delays.

Once validated, the council notifies neighbours and relevant consultees such as highways, drainage, or conservation officers. Neighbours typically have 21 days to submit comments. The consultation period runs alongside the officer's assessment, so it doesn't add extra time unless late objections raise new issues that need addressing.

There's no official fast-track for householder applications, but you can reduce delays by submitting a complete application with accurate drawings, responding quickly to any requests for information, and avoiding amendments during the process. Some councils offer pre-application advice, which can speed up the formal application by resolving issues in advance.

Common delays include incomplete applications that fail validation, requests for amended drawings, waiting for consultee responses, negotiating changes with the planning officer, and applications being referred to committee instead of decided by officers. Objections alone don't cause delays unless they raise issues requiring further assessment.

Standard permitted development requires no application, so there's no waiting period. You can start immediately if your project meets the criteria. If you want written confirmation, a Lawful Development Certificate takes approximately 8 weeks. The Larger Home Extension scheme requires 42 days for the neighbour consultation process.

Householder appeals using the fast-track written procedure typically take 8 to 12 weeks. Standard written appeals take 6 to 9 months. Hearing appeals take 9 to 12 months, and public inquiries take 12 to 18 months. Most householder appeals use the fast-track procedure, which is significantly quicker than other routes.

Planning permission is typically valid for 3 years from the date of approval. You must start work within this period or the permission expires. Starting work means beginning material operations like digging foundations, not just clearing the site. Once started, there's no time limit for completion, though building regulations approval has separate validity rules.

You can start building as soon as you receive the decision notice, assuming all pre-commencement conditions are discharged. Some permissions include conditions requiring approval of materials or landscaping before work begins. Check your decision notice carefully. You'll also need building regulations approval separately, which can run alongside planning.

Applications to discharge planning conditions typically take 8 weeks, though councils aim for faster turnaround on simple conditions. If you have multiple pre-commencement conditions, submit discharge applications promptly after receiving approval. Delays in discharging conditions can hold up your build even after planning permission is granted.