Many owners still search for the “4-year rule” in planning enforcement. In England, that shortcut mostly ended on 25 April 2024. You now often need 10 years to gain immunity from enforcement action.
The current time limits in England
Government guidance now sets these time limits.
- Operational development: 10 years if you substantially completed it on or after 25 April 2024.
- Operational development: 4 years if you substantially completed it before 25 April 2024.
- Change of use to a single dwellinghouse: 10 years if the change happened on or after 25 April 2024.
- Change of use to a single dwellinghouse: 4 years if the change happened before 25 April 2024.
- Other breaches of planning control: 10 years.
Why the date matters
The cut-off date drives the outcome. If you built an extension in May 2024, the council has 10 years to enforce. If you finished it in March 2024, the old 4-year limit can still apply.
Wales works differently
Wales has not adopted this England change.
What you should do now
Do not rely on “four years” without checking the completion date. Keep dated records that prove the timeline and the use. Use a Certificate of Lawfulness when you need certainty for sale or finance.
Bottom line: in England, treat 10 years as the default after 25 April 2024.
Find out more about the 4 year rule here https://www.planningdirect.co.uk/find-out-about/4-and-10-year-rules