Extensions to time limits for implementing existing planning permissions
Generally, when a planning permission is granted, the development must commence within three years. The intention behind this time limit is to prevent the accumulation of planning permissions which are unimplemented, or ‘land banking’ by developers. It also allows councils to review the development’s suitability in the light of circumstances which may have altered over the three year period.
However, in 2009, the Labour government introduced new powers allowing the application for an extension of the planning permission if it was granted on or before 1 October 2009. This was a response to the recession that followed the 2008 credit crunch, allowing existing permissions to continue until economic conditions recovered.
In 2012, the coalition government extended the time period within which the existing permission must have been granted by one year. This meant that an application could be made to replace an existing planning permission as long as the original permission had been granted before 1 October 2010. This remained restricted to developments that had yet to be implemented.
In November 2013, the government announced that the measure would not be renewed.
The then-Planning Minister Nick Boles said scrapping the temporary measure would “increase the incentive for developers to start on site before permission expires”. The move was criticised by developers but welcomed by opponents of land banking.
Since this decision, developers with an unimplemented planning permission have had to carefully consider their strategy. While they can sometimes begin minimal works so as avoid the permission lapsing and having then to reapply, there can be pre-commencement conditions or the triggering of the community infrastructure levy (CIL) liability or section 106 agreements that could incur costs if works begin.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers Budget
Repairing, fixing, rebuilding, protecting and strengthening.
Expectation management in building design
Interest, management, occupant satisfaction and the performance gap.
Connecting conservation research and practice with IHBC
State of the art heritage research & practice and guidance.
Innovative Silica Safety Toolkit
Receives funding boost in memory of construction visionary.
Gentle density and the current context of planning changes
How should designers deliver it now as it appears in NPPF.
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Making the most of urban land: Brownfield Passports
Policy paper in brief with industry responses welcomed.
The boundaries and networks of the Magonsæte.