Building and Renovation in France

French Planning System
- 1. Introduction
- 2. National Planning Framework
- 3. Local Plans
- 4. Planning Advice Certificates
- 5. Planning Permission
- 6. Planning Application
- 7. Challenging a Planning Decision
- 8. Works Declaration
- 9. Demolition Permit
- 10. Starting on Site
- 11. Completion Notice
- 12. Planning Taxes

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6. Making a Planning Application in France

6.1. Who Decides?
6.2. Getting Planning Advice
6.3. Submitting the Planning Application
6.4. Decision Process
6.5. Notice of Planning Consent
6.6. Extension of Planning Consent

6.6. Extension of Planning Consent in France

You must start work on site within two years (but see below) of the planning consent, and proceed in a reasonably regular manner, or risk having the consent rescinded.

If you are not able to start within two years planning consent can be extended for a further year, provided application is made at least two months before the expiry of the existing consent.

If you need another year before you can make a start, then you should write a letter to the mairie, sent by recorded delivery (two copies), and if there is no response within two months, then permission is considered to have been tacitly agreed for a further year.

If works are started on site within the two-year period, but then cease for a period of at least a year, then the planning permission is deemed to have been rescinded.

Any recommencement of works must have been ‘significant’ for it to be considered valid.

As a general rule, the planning authorities take a relaxed attitude to slow progress, but this may not always be the case with neighbours if they oppose the development. If they make a formal complaint about any lack of progress, the mayor or DDE may be forced to act.

In November 2008 the government temporarily increased to three years the period by which you must start on site. This provision applies to all consents granted or in process up to the end of 2010.

Next: Planning Appeals in France

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