Once the development has begun, the permit continues in effect until the local government issues a completion notice. If such a notice is issued, the development must be finished within a year. Otherwise, the license expires. In some cases, where there is no public interest in continuing the development, the local council can decide to cancel the license. In this case, too, the development must be completed within a year or the license is lost. Planning permission does not expire unless: • The development was granted with conditions including a requirement to renew the permission before it expires. If these requirements are not met then the permission may also expire. • The development was granted as a temporary measure and there is no further application pending before an authority with decision-making powers over the use of land. • The development was refused by the planning authority but an appeal against the refusal has been lodged with a higher authority or court. If you are unsure about whether your planning permission will expire soon, we can help. Just contact us with your details and we will send you a free copy of our expiry report, which includes information on all applicable planning permissions. Planning permission is required for any building project.