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
Ready to Get Started?
Use our tools to check your permitted development rights or calculate your planning fee.