Can we use just part of planning permission?

[FlamedToACrisp]

We'd like several bits done to the house including two different bits extended. But we may not have enough - we can't get quotes until the plans are drawn up. If we are granted planning permission and we can't afford both, are we allowed to build just one of the two extensions? Or would we need to reapply?

Sorry if the answer is obvious!

We did. All ok.
Good luck with your project.

Might be worth running it past your planning department if you are in any doubts. I know they get bad press on here but our local ones are fab.

Planning usually say it had to be started in 3 years. I know a house which has the base down only!

Seconded that your planning officer may be lovely and helpful, I’ve met some who are.

The time limit usually applies to STARTING a development. To stop it expiring it must be “extant”. My OH obtained consent for a two storey extension, only built a single storey, finished the second floor many many years later when funds allowed.

You are getting permission to carry out all the works proposed, you're not under any obligation to carry out everything in the permission if you don't want to or the budget won't allow at this time. Once you start the work you activate the complete planning permission and it is then up to you how long you want to take to complete it, so building 1 extension now and the second in 5 years won't require further planning permission as long as you build exactly as the approved drawings. Just make sure you start works writing 3 years of getting the permission.

OK well that's good news. In our case the money is a one-off (inheritance) as DH and don't work, so if we can't afford it now we never will! We could save up to get an extra couple of thousand, but not 10K, for instance.

You won't get a building completion certificate though which means if you want to sell before completion you have a problem. Discuss that with planning as well. I know as we did this and didn't get a certificate for years when finished the lot

Completion certs are generally for building control works and only for some areas in the UK. Definitely worth checking if you need one.

You can get "building control sign off" on that the work you have done, confirming it is compliant, if the work requires one....eg sticking in new door, changing a window.

You do not need to have done all the work you originally applied permission for to get building control sign off.

They won't issue a completion certificate though which then makes buyers conveyancers or solicitors very jumpy and jeopardises the sale

Yes you can - we did this.

The Building Regulation Department (who issue Completion Certificates) and the Planning Department (who issue Planning Permissions) are two separate but associated departments of the local authority. If you are doing the two extensions separately you can get PP for both and apply for Building Control for each extension separately if you want. The BC Officer will sign off the works done provided they comply with Building Regs and they are completed.

@MarieG10

You won't get a building completion certificate though which means if you want to sell before completion you have a problem. Discuss that with planning as well. I know as we did this and didn't get a certificate for years when finished the lot

We won't want to sell for about 30 years (unless family circumstances make it unavoidable). I'm glad you mentioned it though, as I'd never heard of this certificate. Who issues it?

The local authority building control department. Your build will be I sketched at key intervals by the building inspector. Once complete, and you present the electrical part p certificate they will issue your completion certificate. Don't pay the builders the final instalment before this is issued

Hi, Not sure I agree with some of the info below. Twice (ie at 2) properties in different council areas we got PP for massive projects. Did about 20% each time, got building control sign off that all done to requisite standard. That was all the purchasers required.

But get it all signed off at the time.....don't leave it thinking you don't need it for years. Its a pain to sort retrospectively and it will be stressful. Get paperwork sorted and in your hand....don't rely on builder saying "oh, I'll send it later"