Duration of listed building consent
46.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, every listed building consent shall be granted subject to the condition that the works to which it relates must be begun not later than the expiration of—
(a)five years beginning with the date on which the consent is granted; or
(b)such other period (whether longer or shorter) beginning with the said date as the Department may direct, being a period which the Department considers appropriate having regard to any material considerations.
(2) If listed building consent is granted without the condition required by paragraph (1), it shall be deemed to have been granted subject to the condition that the works to which it relates must be begun not later than the expiration of five years beginning with the date of the grant.
(3) Nothing in this Article applies to any consent to the retention of works granted under Article 44(3).