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GPDO Article 7 – prior approval decision periods
Article 7 sets the decision period for a prior approval application where a permitted development Class requires prior approval or a determination as to whether prior approval is required.
Article 7 is the general timing rule for prior approval. The first place to look is always the particular Class in Schedule 2, because many Classes specify their own decision period.
If the Class does not specify a period, Article 7 supplies a default of 8 weeks, beginning with the day immediately after the application is received by the local planning authority.
The Class-specific period comes first
Article 7(a) says that where Schedule 2 specifies a period for the relevant prior approval procedure, the authority must make its decision within that period.
That means you should not assume every prior approval runs for eight weeks. Some of the best-known permitted development rights have their own statutory periods.
Our prior approval guide explains how the process works and links to the individual GPDO rights.
The fallback period is 8 weeks
Where the relevant Schedule 2 provision does not specify a period, Article 7(b) requires the decision to be made within eight weeks, calculated from the day immediately following receipt of the application.
That wording matters when calculating the final day.
The applicant and authority can agree more time
Article 7(c) allows a longer period to be agreed in writing between the applicant and the local planning authority.
An agreed extension can therefore move the statutory decision deadline. Keep the written agreement and be clear about the new date.
Missing the deadline does not always mean deemed approval
Article 7 sets the time period for the decision. It does not, by itself, say what happens if that period expires without a decision.
Whether development can proceed after the deadline depends on the wording of the particular Class. See our guide to prior approval deemed consent.
Also remember Article 7ZA: a Secretary of State pause notice can stop the Article 7 clock while call-in is being considered.
Article 7 legislation
Prior approval applications: time periods for decision
7. Where, in relation to development permitted by any Class in Schedule 2 which is expressed to be subject to prior approval, an application has been made to a local planning authority for such approval or a determination as to whether such approval is required, the decision in relation to the application must be made by the authority—
(a) within the period specified in the relevant provision of Schedule 2,
(b) where no period is specified, within a period of 8 weeks beginning with the day immediately following that on which the application is received by the authority, or
(c) within such longer period than is referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) as may be agreed by the applicant and the authority in writing.
Need help with permitted development?
Permitted development can avoid a full planning application, but only if the right applies and every relevant limit and condition is met. Planning Geek can check the planning history, Article 4 directions and other restrictions, and help with a lawful development certificate or prior approval where needed.
Other GPDO Articles
The Articles are the framework for the General Permitted Development Order in England. Use the links below to move between the Articles or return to the main permitted development section.
Legal check: 6th September 2026