Top 3 Planning Conditions That Can Delay Your Project – And How to Avoid Them
Planning permission may feel like the major hurdle, but getting the green light is only the beginning. Developers often underestimate the time, cost, and complexity involved in discharging planning conditions – and the delays these can cause.
At ProHort Ltd, we work with developers across the UK to keep projects moving forward. Here’s our guide to the five most common planning conditions that can cause delays – and how to stay one step ahead.
1. Landscaping Scheme
The Delay: Many local authorities require a detailed landscaping plan as part of the reserved matters or as a condition of full planning approval. These aren’t just decorative; they often need to meet biodiversity, screening, and amenity standards.
How to Avoid It: Engage with a landscape consultant early in the process. A well-prepared landscape strategy aligned with local policy will assist your planning application. However please note your landscaping scheme will be one of the last documents to be created as this will incorporate findings from your ecological reports, tree surveys and will need to be based on the most up to date architectural plan.
2. Ecology Surveys
The Delay: Conditions relating to protected species, habitats, or biodiversity net gain can halt development entirely, especially if surveys are missed or poorly timed.
How to Avoid It: Plan surveys well in advance. Most ecological surveys are seasonal, and missing the survey window can cause year-long delays. ProHort can prepare a survey calendar and manage this process from start to finish.
3. Arboricultural Impact Assessments
The Delay: If trees on-site are protected (TPOs or within a conservation area), councils may require tree surveys and protection plans before construction begins.
How to Avoid It: Commission an Arboricultural Impact Assessment early, ideally at design stage. Our team can liaise with tree officers and create mitigation plans to avoid unnecessary removals or last-minute objections.
What’s the Common Thread?
Most planning condition delays stem from late engagement and poor documentation. ProHort Ltd is here to ensure you stay ahead of the curve – with commercially minded, compliant, and timely solutions.
Whether you’re at the pre-application stage or managing post-permission requirements, our consultants can help discharge conditions quickly, avoid costly standstills, and keep your development on track.
Need Help Navigating Planning Conditions?
Get in touch with our expert team today. We’ll handle the red tape so you can focus on building.
Call us on 01782 479 479 or email us at [email protected] our friendly office team will get back to you within the hour.
