How long is a section 106 agreement enforceable?

Asked by: Jamey Crona II  |  Last update: February 28, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (55 votes)

Section 106 agreements can be enforceable indefinitely, as they often have no set time limit and bind future owners, but they typically cease to be useful or can be discharged after five years if not implemented or if they no longer serve a purpose, with mechanisms for modification or removal through agreement with the local authority or appeal, though specific obligations (like payments) might have shorter lifespans tied to development commencement.

Does a Section 106 agreement expire?

As developers have three years to commence a development once planning permission is granted, it can therefore take a number of years before S106 contributions are received by the Council from the time permission was Originally granted. Where a development does not commence at all, the S106 will most likely expire.

What is the 5 year rule for S106?

A Section 106 planning obligation may be changed (Deed of Modification) or discharged in two ways. 1) Within five years of the date of the completion of the obligation, at any time, by agreement between us and the person or persons against whom the obligation is enforceable.

Can a 106 agreement be removed?

These legal undertakings are often referred to as 'Section 106 agreements', after the relevant part of planning legislation. You can apply to change or remove a legal agreement.

How long does a section 106 agreement take?

The maximum recorded timescale was 2,679 days, or more than seven years, for a single S106 agreement to complete the agreement process. The shortest average timescale reported by any of the respondent councils was 192 days. Additionally, 35% of all S106 agreements took longer than 12 months to finalise.

Planning Obligations: What is Section 106?

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Does planning permission have a time limit?

Planning permission expires after a certain period. Generally, unless your permission says otherwise, you have three years from the date it's granted to begin the development. If you haven't started work by then, you will probably need to reapply or apply to extend the permission before it expires.

Do I need a retrospective after 10 years?

Starting from April 25, 2024, the building regulations 10-year rule allows unauthorised changes to buildings without needing retrospective planning permission if they've been there for a decade (10 years). This change from the previous 4-year rule affects how property developers handle planning and compliance.

How to get rid of section 106?

Either via an S73 application (provided your existing S106 agreement permits this) or through a new full planning application (you will have a free go if your consent is less than 12 months old). However it should be noted that this will not be effective if there is a pre-existing breach of the existing agreement.

How to get around non-compete?

Take a non-competitive job or role outside your current employer's specialty. Prove your employer breached the contract to invalidate the non-compete clause. Argue that the non-compete is overly restrictive or not enforceable. Negotiate or prove no legitimate business interests exist to uphold the agreement.

Can you rent out a section 106?

In some circumstances and in consultation with the Council you may rent-out your affordable home for a temporary period. Permission is usually required from the Council to do this. It is strictly prohibited under the terms of a Section 106 agreement to let out your affordable home for holiday use.

How is Section 106 enforced?

A vigilant public helps ensure federal agencies comply fully with Section 106. In response to requests, the ACHP can investigate questionable actions and advise agencies to take corrective action. As a last resort, preservation groups or individuals can litigate in order to enforce Section 106.

What happens if you ignore a planning enforcement notice?

Failure to comply with an Enforcement Notice

Such action may involve: prosecution of the parties concerned in the local courts – depending upon the availability, nature and strength of evidence. issuing an injunction through the high court.

What is Section 106 for dummies?

Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between a planning authority and a developer, or undertakings offered unilaterally by a developer, that ensure that certain extra works related to a development are undertaken.

How do you modify a Section 106 agreement?

A Section 106 Legal Agreement (S106) planning obligation may be changed, via a Deed of Variation (DOV). For example, amending the timing of when a contribution needs to be paid. The power to enter into a DOV is set out within Section 106A of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

What triggers Section 106?

The first step is Initiation of the Section 106 Process. This step is triggered whenever there is a Federal action, such as a project funded by a Federal agency or a project that requires a Federal approval or permit.

What's the difference between outline and full permission?

An outline application establishes the principle of a development without the need to provide all plans/documents. Once approved, a reserved matters application is required to provide all the details. In effect, an outline application plus a reserved matters application equals a full application.

What voids a noncompete agreement?

A noncompete agreement can be voided if it's unreasonable (too long, broad geography/scope), lacks a legitimate business interest, has no consideration, was signed under fraud/coercion, or violates specific state/federal laws (like California's ban or the new FTC rule). Key factors are if it unduly restricts work, harms competition, or wasn't properly supported, with enforceability varying significantly by state and circumstances like layoffs.
 

Do non-competes still hold up in court?

Noncompetes are already banned in California.

Can I work for a competitor if I signed a non-compete?

Yes, you might be able to work for a competitor after signing a non-compete, but it depends heavily on your location (state laws), the specific terms of the agreement (time, geography, scope of work), and if the terms are considered "reasonable" or overly broad. Courts often scrutinize non-competes for fairness, so getting legal advice from an employment lawyer is crucial to understand if your specific agreement is enforceable and how to minimize risk, such as by limiting your role and avoiding contact with former clients. 

How long does a S106 last?

How long do s106 obligations last? Section 106 agreements typically come into effect when the development in question is implemented and can be unlimited in duration depending on the nature of the obligation.

Who benefits from section 106 agreements?

Section 106 agreements, negotiated between developers and local authorities, ensure that new developments contribute to essential infrastructure, services, and community facilities, including schools, nurseries, community buildings, and green spaces.

What is the 4 year rule?

The 4 year rule or to give it its proper legal title, a Certificate of Lawfulness allows you to make any unlawful developments to a property (i.e. changes that should have had planning permission but where planning permission was neither sought nor granted) lawful once they have been in place for at least 4 years.

Does a certificate increase property value?

Certifications and Sustainable Features: Driving Value

These certifications enhance a property's marketability and value by demonstrating lower operating costs and sustainability commitments. LEED-certified buildings, for example, often command rental premiums and experience lower vacancy rates.

What happens if permission is refused?

Not all apps handle denied permissions well. Some become unstable or buggy. Others might refuse to open entirely, even if the permission they're requesting isn't actually essential to the app's core function. A calendar app that insists on camera access before it'll let you create an event is a red flag.