Planning & Permissions
How long does planning permission last?
What happens if you don't start work straight away.
A standard planning permission in England is normally valid for three years from the date it's granted - if work hasn't genuinely started within that time, the permission lapses and you'd need to reapply. Permitted development rights don't expire in the same way, but it's still worth checking your specific situation.
Last updated 17 July 2026
·By Richard Anslow
Key points
- A standard planning permission normally lasts 3 years from the decision date - work must genuinely start within that window, not just a token amount of digging.
- If it lapses, you'd need to reapply, and there's no guarantee it's approved on the same terms if policy has changed since.
- Check the exact expiry date on your own decision notice rather than assuming exactly three years from when you applied.
The standard three-year rule
Most full planning permissions in England carry a default condition that work must start within three years of the decision date, unless a different period is specifically stated on the decision notice. 'Starting work' has a specific legal meaning - a token amount of digging usually isn't enough on its own to count.
If three years pass without a genuine start, the permission lapses, and you'd need to submit a fresh application, which isn't guaranteed to be approved on the same terms as before, particularly if policy has changed in the meantime.
What this means in practice
If your circumstances or budget mean the project might be delayed, it's worth checking the exact expiry date on your decision notice rather than assuming three years from when you applied.
A Lawful Development Certificate for permitted development work doesn't carry the same three-year start condition in the same way, though it's still sensible to build reasonably promptly after confirming your position.
FAQs
What counts as 'starting work' to keep planning permission alive?
It has a specific legal meaning that goes beyond a token gesture like a small amount of digging. If you're relying on this to keep a permission alive, confirm what counts with your local planning authority rather than assume.
Take this further
Have a question about your own project?
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