Planning application delays

[oldbanger]

If a planning application has been made, paid for and assigned an application number, but nothing else has happened, what happens once 8 weeks passes? This is for a single story extension which probably falls under permitted development, so nothing complex. Council planners are completely non- responsive.

Are these kinds of delays normal or particular to our local council?

[oldbanger]

Thanks, I was thinking we had fallen down some crack in space time.

We originally asked for planning comment in August. After 17 weeks passed we thought we were safe to start and put in a notice to that effect. The builder was immediately advised that we couldn't start and that we needed to make a full planning application. So, here we are, having put the application in a couple of months back ... Nothing on the website even, just the portal receipt and initial acknowledgement from the council with the application reference.

[oldbanger]

Thanks, I will try to call. Emails have gone unanswered and there is nothing on the council website relating to the application. Builder did the portal application for us so all we have are the copies of the portal receipt and initial email from the council with the application number.

Edited by oldbanger on Sunday 5th July 22:10

[oldbanger]

Busa mav said:

I hate to say this , but I suspect he has been asked for further information and is yet to supply it.

Phone them

That's always a possibility, yes.

[oldbanger]

It appears in my case that it's not been validated yet. 3 docs are down as missing which I believe have already been sent. Chaser emails asking if they've been received have also gone unanswered. The clock won't start ticking until it is validated, unfortunately.

It's been assigned to an officer who only works part time and whose working days aren't diarised. So I have been instructed to call back Monday next week as he usually works Mondays.

I've asked the builder to send everything again, copying me in, and I'll take copies in by hand if that doesn't work.

[oldbanger]

Dimensions are
New extension c29.6 sqm
Replacing old extension/outbuildings of 14.4sqm

This is on a standard 3 bed ex-council semi.

Hopefully I will get to the bottom of it when I can speak to the right person at the planning dept. The docs missing are, from memory, existing and proposed elevations, plus detailed site plan.

It's in the settlement area and outside the conservation area. A new neighbour has managed to buy, get planning permission and nearly complete a larger extension in less time than it's taken us to get this far.

The builder has already done internal work for us, turned up on time, did the job properly etc, so whilst I am quite cynical and do think the builder is probably at fault, I can't think of a motive for fobbing us off.

Edited by oldbanger on Monday 6th July 23:38

[oldbanger]

Well, this escalated quickly!

I am not sure if emails aren't getting through, the planners are overwhelmed or my builder is dicking around. I guess I'll work it out eventually though, so I'll just leave you guys to it.