What is the Planning Guarantee?

The planning guarantee is a government commitment to ensure that planning applications are decided within a clear and reasonable timeframe. It is intended to provide certainty for applicants and prevent unnecessary delays in the planning system.

In England, the planning guarantee generally means that planning applications should not take longer than 26 weeks to be determined, unless a longer period is agreed with the applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Planning Guarantee Work?

Planning applications are normally subject to statutory time limits:

• 8 weeks for most minor applications

• 13 weeks for major applications

• 16 weeks for applications requiring Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

  
  

In practice, applicants and local planning authorities often agree extensions of time to allow for further negotiation or consultation. The planning guarantee acts as a safeguard to ensure that, even with extensions, decisions are not excessively delayed.

What Happens If a Decision Is Delayed?

If a planning application is not determined within the relevant timeframe, applicants may submit an appeal for non-determination.

This allows the application to be decided by the Planning Inspectorate, rather than the local planning authority.

The ability to appeal is a key feature of the system, as it:

• Encourages timely decision-making

• Provides an alternative route where delays occur

• Maintains confidence in the planning process

  
  

Why Is the Planning Guarantee Important?

The planning guarantee was introduced to improve the performance of the planning system and provide greater certainty for development.

It helps to:

• Reduce delays in decision-making

• Support delivery of development and housing

• Ensure consistency across local planning authorities