Unfortunately I agree with Woodsmith. I know it's frustrating but it's best not to annoy them. Sometimes that means you have to smile and say thank you sir when they mess up.
http://planningguidance.communities.gov.uk/blog/guidance/making-an-application/r... Quote:"What should happen if there is delay in validating an application?"
Applications should be validated as soon as practicable to allow the formal process of publicising and consulting on the application to begin. Sometimes delays can occur if there are concerns about the validity of an application. In such circumstances, it is advisable for local planning authorities to:
•discuss their concerns with the applicant at the earliest opportunity; and
•give clear advice about what steps need to be taken to address their concerns.
The requirements for a valid application are set out here.
Planning applications should be determined within 8 weeks from the date they are validated. However I don't think there is a target time to validate an application so my guess is they won't backdate the validation. Sorry.
If they fail to determine an application in 8 weeks from the validation date you can appeal for non-determination. However it's probably best to give them extra time first because there is usually a long backlog of appeals. The moment you appeal they may put your application on the back burner because they know they have another 6+ months before the appeal will be held.
In some areas of the country as soon as they receive an application they send out a letter stating that unless they hear otherwise they will assume you will waive your right to go to appeal if it's not determined in 8 weeks! If they send you such a letter I would write back and tell them that you are happy to discuss an extension to the 8 week deadline but reserve the right to appeal for non determination it drags out too long.
Beware that there are time limits for appealing for non-determination. You must submit an appeal within six months from the date the decision should have been made (eg 6 months and 8 weeks from validation).
If the application will have to go to a committee meeting put the meeting dates in your diary. Then about two weeks before each meeting contact the planning officer and ask if your application will be on the agenda of the next meeting just to prod him. He might just make the effort to do that saving you a 4 week wait for the next one. Likewise there is no point chasing him for a decision if it has to go to the next meeting and that's not for a few weeks.
Good luck.