Examples: Rear extension, loft conversion, porch, garage
This is an estimate only. The consultation end date on the portal is the only date that counts.
Typical consultation window
~21 days
- Many councils consult for about 21 days from validation.
- Neighbour notification letters often set out the closing date — treat the portal as definitive.
Always confirm on the official portal
Find your council in our UK directory or use GOV.UK planning search.
Bank holiday data from GOV.UK, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains public sector information © Crown copyright.
Concerned about a nearby proposal?
In about 5 minutes, see which of your worries may count as material planning grounds — free. You only pay if you want a draft letter to edit and send yourself.
Consultation may still be open — start now so you have time to edit your letter before the council deadline.
If the application may go to committee, the Full Toolkit (£9.99) adds a councillor briefing and a 3-minute speaking script — see pricing.
Not legal advice. Planning Guard is a planning tool to help you explore material planning issues and draft letters — not a solicitor or planning consultant. See Terms.
Planning objection deadline — how long you usually have
When a neighbour's planning application lands on the portal, the clock starts. Most minor applications in England and Wales are consulted for about 21 days from validation — but there is no single national rule that fits every case.
Major schemes, listed building consent, advertisement consent, and applications with Environmental Impact Assessment can run longer. Amended drawings may reset or extend consultation. The only date that counts is the consultation end date published on your council's planning register.
How to use this deadline helper
- Select the application type that best matches the proposal (householder, full planning, listed building, major, and so on).
- Optionally enter the validation date from the council portal to see an indicative last day — this is an estimate only.
- Read the typical notes for that application type.
- Open your council's official register and confirm the published consultation closes date before you rely on any estimate.
Do not miss the consultation window
Late comments are sometimes accepted at a council's discretion, but you cannot rely on that — especially before delegated decisions are issued.
If the deadline is soon, research the application today and use our free scan to prioritise material points. A draft letter you can edit beats a rushed paragraph submitted at midnight.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to object to a planning application?
- Many minor applications consult for about 21 days from validation, but there is no single national rule. The consultation end date on your council's planning portal is the only date that counts.
- When does the consultation period start?
- Usually from validation — when the council accepts the application as complete — not from when you personally received a neighbour notification letter. Check the portal as soon as you hear about a scheme.
- What happens if I miss the deadline?
- Late comments may sometimes be accepted at the council's discretion, but you cannot rely on that. Submit before the published closing date.
- Do major applications have longer consultation?
- Often yes. Major developments, EIA schemes, and some heritage cases may consult for several weeks and use site notices or press adverts in addition to neighbour letters.
- Can amended plans change the deadline?
- Yes. If the applicant submits material amendments, the council may re-consult for a fresh period. Check the portal whenever the application file is updated.
- Can Planning Guard submit my objection for me?
- No. You submit comments yourself on the council portal. Planning Guard helps you draft a letter after a free material-grounds scan.
- Where is the official deadline shown?
- On your council's online planning register — look for consultation end, comments by, or similar wording on the application page. GOV.UK can help you find your council if needed.
- Does the deadline calculator account for bank holidays?
- Yes. The estimate skips weekends and England & Wales bank holidays when counting working days. Always confirm the exact closing date on your council's planning portal — this is an estimate only.