How to read planning applications near a home
Read the application, drawings, decision and conditions. A map pin or application count cannot show the scale, outlook or construction effect.
Decision periods
The usual decision period is 8 weeks for standard applications, 13 weeks for major development and 16 weeks where an environmental impact assessment is required, unless a written extension is agreed.
- Eia weeks
- 16
- Major weeks
- 13
- Standard weeks
- 8
How this was counted
Postcode district. statutory determination periods unless a written extension is agreed.
Permission and delivery
Permission usually needs to be started within 3 years. Check whether conditions were discharged and whether work began, rather than assuming every approval will be built.
- Usual start years
- 3
How this was counted
Postcode district. usual period in which a permission must be started.
Reading the file
Compare the proposed height, massing, windows, access and working hours with the home you are considering. The decision notice and approved drawings establish what was allowed.
England
- Eia weeks
- 16
- Major weeks
- 13
- Standard weeks
- 8
How this was counted
Postcode district. statutory determination periods unless a written extension is agreed.
England
- Usual start years
- 3
How this was counted
Postcode district. usual period in which a permission must be started.
Sources and method
- Planning Inspectorate procedural guide. applications dated on or after 2026-04-01. Retrieved 2026-08-03.
- MHCLG plain English guide to the planning system. guidance verified 2026-08-03. Retrieved 2026-08-03.
For an address-specific desk check, Property Diligence’s paid report adds the more detailed property-level information available from public sources.