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How long does a planning breach last before it is time-barred?

Enforcement action for unauthorised development generally cannot be commenced more than seven years after the development was carried out, or after the expiry of the relevant permission where a condition was breached.

The seven-year period is a limit on enforcement, not a grant of permission. The development remains unauthorised, which continues to matter for sale, mortgage and any future application on the site.

Proving the start date is the practical difficulty. Aerial imagery, dated photographs, utility records and statutory declarations are all used to establish when the works were completed.

Where the limit does not help

  • Unauthorised change of use continuing today
  • Works to a protected structure
  • Breaches involving EIA or appropriate assessment
  • Situations where the authority acts on other statutory powers

Sources

Last reviewed 28 August 2026. General information only — not legal or planning advice.

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