How long does planning permission last for?

[Bitofeverything]

We converted a barn over twenty years ago. When we did it, we got planning permission for three windows in a barn walls. We didn’t have the money to do the windows then, but we do now and we would like to do them. Does anyone know if we need to reapply? We did all the other work (I think you need to start the work within three years or it lapses - and we obviously did.) Only concerned because I imagine literally no one in the planning department even worked there over twenty years ago! And also suspect we would not get planning permission now so don’t want to reapply if we don’t need to.

Have you implemented all of the other elements of planning permission?

Your application will be on file. The planner you speak to will be able to either find it online (if they started records electronically then) or paper file.

But speak to the Council. They will tell you if you need to reapply. And what restrictions may apply.

Without knowing anything else about your situation or where you are, it won't be possible to advise otherwise.

I would think so , when I got planning permission it said valid for 3 years . I'm not sure if that depends on the council.
What makes you think you'd not get planning permission?
If you go on your local council website but I've just done a quick google search and it says 3 years .

Yes, we did everything else. I always felt we had been lucky as house should probably have been listed, but hadn’t been and we got permission to do lots of stuff. They seem to have tightened up a lot round here on eg big windows in barn conversions. One of my neighbours has basically not been allowed a window in her kitchen for example! We still have all the documentation.

Technically, I think once you have begun work (say put foundations in for an extension - as an example) then you can complete at your leisure.

However, as you've completed everything else (and lived in the barn) then you may need to reapply.

You'll need Building Regs due to the structural work (new lintels) but you can use an Approved Inspector for this, and not the Council if you prefer.

Once you start the work I believe you can take as long as you want to complete it so the planning doesn't expire. However, if this has been the case, you won't have a final sign off from building control which might be a bigger issue for you.

You can check on the online planning portal for your council which will show your plans and whether completed. You should have had a certificate if so.

Parents did something similar and intended not to complete immediately but clearly the building control officer got fed up and signed it off without it being completed...was 90s though!

Check with the planners but I think you will need to renew rather than re-apply

Ours (2018) was valid for 5 years

The OP has started the extension is permission doesn't need renewing half way through