What constitutes 'starting' a build for planning purposes?

[davidb2000]

I have planning permission for a 2 holiday cabins on my land and need to start the build within the 3 year time limit. However, I want to do the minimum possible amount of work to satisfy the requirement, as I have no intention of completing the build at this time, but want to preserve the permission. Local council say this is fine in principle but are very vague about what constitutes a 'start'.
Would it be ok to just dig the drainage, for example? I'd prefer not to have to lay foundations, because then I would be left looking at ugly concrete footings.
Thanks.

[bd3cc]

I would think it is possibly the 1st phase that needs to be inspected by BC.
This could be the trenches for the footings. Personnally doubt that it would be the drainage, as this needs to be pressure tested.
You should have a list of where BC needs to inspect, but in the long run, it could be cheaper to renew the permission after 3 yrs

[kbrownie]

i'd hold back the work for two and half years, then reconsider my options.
KB

[holboob]

in my experience it is minimum of the foundations being laid

thanks