Planning application decision timescales
How long it takes to make a decision on your planning application depends on how big the proposed project is. With household or small or minor projects we aim to make a decision within eight weeks of receiving a valid complete application.
Examples of household or small/minor projects are:
- Extensions to dwellings
- Advertisements
- Small commercial extensions
- Listed building applications
- Tree Preservation Order (TPO) applications
The only exceptions to this are six weeks for works to trees in a conservation area and 28 days for a prior notification. Please note: If we need to ask the applicant for more information or suggest amendments this may add to the time.
Major planning applications
We aim to make a decision within 13 weeks of receiving a valid complete application for major planning applications . This can be increased to 16 weeks if an Environmental Impact Assessment is required.
Examples of major planning projects include:
- Developments of ten or more houses
- Commercial development over 1000 square metres
Please note: the more complex the project, the longer it will take to make a decision. However, we will normally only delay the application when this is unavoidable or when we believe further information is required.
Applicants/ agents are welcome to contact their Case Officer at any time to discuss the progress of their application. Case Officer details can be found in the acknowledgement letter.