Section 154: Duration of order granting development consent
257.This section provides that after a development consent order is granted, the development must be begun before the end of the period prescribed by the Secretary of State or such other (shorter or longer) period as is specified in the order. Failure to begin development within this timescale leads to the order ceasing to have effect. The section also sets time limits for taking prescribed steps where the order authorises the compulsory acquisition of land. If the steps are not taken within the time limits the authority to compulsorily acquire the land ceases to have effect.