6. Making a Planning Application in France

1. 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site within two years of the planning consent, and proceed in a reasonably regular manner, or risk having the consent rescinded.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.

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.