If I have a spouse UK visa for how long can I stay outside of the UK?

• I am looking forward to become a British permanent resident. For now I still have a spouse/partner UK visa,and my partner is a British citizen. For how long can I stay outside of the UK in order for me to not have problems when I apply for my UK permanent residence. I have read that is 270 days but would that affect me later on when I apply for the permanent residence?
  
  Thank you!

  14 ago 2008, 03:05 Nicole