How to Extend or Renew Planning Permission

Planning permission in England and Wales lasts for 3 years from the date of the decision. If you have not started work within 3 years, permission lapses and you need to reapply. Fortunately, renewing permission is usually straightforward — you simply reapply for the same development.

5 steps

How to Extend or Renew Planning Permission

Tips & Watch-outs

  • If you want to preserve your existing permission while working on a longer project, make a material start — even just digging foundations — before the permission expires.
  • A "non-material start" (like putting up a fence or removing topsoil) may not be sufficient to implement the permission.
  • If in doubt about what constitutes a material start, contact your council's planning department.

Frequently Asked Questions

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