How long does planning permission take in Cornwall?

The council’s part, from a valid application to a decision, has a target of eight weeks for most householder applications. But the full process, from first deciding to extend to having permission in hand, takes longer, and the stages before and after the eight weeks are where most delays happen.

1. Survey and design

Before anything is submitted, the house is surveyed and the design worked up and agreed. This usually takes a few weeks, depending mostly on how quickly decisions are made. Time spent here is rarely wasted: a well-considered design is much more likely to be approved without changes.

2. Pre-application advice (optional)

Cornwall Council offers paid pre-application advice, where a planning officer gives an informal view of a proposal before it’s submitted. It adds time and cost, so it isn’t needed for most straightforward extensions, but it can be worthwhile on sensitive sites or where earlier applications have been refused.

3. Submission and validation

Once submitted, the council checks that the application includes everything it needs: the right drawings, forms, fee and any supporting documents. Only then is it “validated” and the eight-week clock starts. Missing information is one of the most common causes of delay, as the council writes asking for it and nothing moves until it’s supplied.

4. Consultation

Neighbours are notified, a site notice may be put up, and the town or parish council is consulted. People normally have 21 days to comment. Other consultees, such as highways or heritage officers, may also be asked for their views.

5. The decision

The planning officer assesses the proposal, visits the site if needed, and makes a decision, usually under delegated powers rather than at a committee meeting. If the officer has concerns, they may ask for amendments, and the deadline can be extended by agreement. Responding quickly to these requests keeps things moving.

After a decision

• Approval usually comes with conditions. Some, such as agreeing materials, must be dealt with before work starts, and that takes extra time.
• Permission normally lasts three years, so work has to begin within that period.
• If an application is refused, the options are to amend the design and resubmit, or to appeal. Appeals against refused householder applications must be lodged within 12 weeks of the decision.

Other routes have their own timescales

• Prior approval for larger single-storey rear extensions: the council has 42 days to decide.
• Lawful Development Certificates: these normally take up to eight weeks.
• Listed building consent: often runs alongside a planning application, with a similar target.

A realistic overall timeline

As a rough guide, allow three to four months from the first visit to a decision for a straightforward householder application, and longer for sensitive sites such as conservation areas or the National Landscape. Building regulations drawings can often be prepared while the planning application is being decided, so you’re ready to get builders’ prices as soon as permission comes through.

How to avoid delays

• Submit a complete application, with all the drawings and documents the council will need.
• Design with local planning policy in mind from the start.
• Check the planning history of the property for anything that could complicate things.
• Answer the council’s questions and requests for changes promptly.

We handle all of this for you, from preparing the application to dealing with the case officer, and keep you updated until there’s a decision. See our guide on whether you need planning permission first if you’re not sure.

This guide gives general information for homes in England and isn’t a substitute for advice on your own property. Rules change, so check the current position before relying on it.