Just pondering... planning permission

[Bowlerhatt]

If planning permission was granted 12 years ago, and is apparently still valid, but the land hasn't changed hands, and building not commenced yet (although some of the issues raised on the pp have been sorted)... why? I'm thinking what could be wrong with it, but equally, why hasn't it been built on yet? Answer on a postcard...

Have they tried to sell the land but couldnt? May have been trying to get added value but don't have the funds to actually do the work. And couldn't sell for whatever reason.

Some people will apply then get quotes and realise they can't afford the work. Maybe apply for permission then decide it's cheaper/easier to move but can't find anywhere.

Is it pp for a whole house of extension?

I thought pp only lasted 3 years? My neighbours applied and it lapsed so they'd need to apply again, unless it's different timescales for different areas/planning?

It's a plot for a new build. I can only think that they started enough to make the planning consent valid, but didn't finish. Just seems a bit odd, I wondered if there was something obvious I was missing.

A plot near me got pp and the owner died after an illness and no start was made. Heirs let pp lapse and then the planning policies changed, (we are AONB and green belt) and it’s never been granted again. There had been a dwelling of sorts on the site - a railway carriage with an attached chimney! Only the chimney was still there. Since 1983, no owner has got pp - several have tried. Be very careful when pp has lapsed. There is no guarantee you can get it again.

There could be restrictive covenants forbidding development on the land.