Planning Permission Hotspots

Townscape Architects have explored the planning permission approval rates across the UK. The research reveals the locations across the UK, including London Boroughs and National Parks, with the best and worst approval rates.

The following article will explore the locations where the most significant percentage of planning permission was granted. It also includes helpful tips for getting planning approval approved.

The town with the best planning permission approval rate is Bolsover, with 98.4% of planning permission being approved. Bolsover is a small market town in Derbyshire; it houses roughly 55 listed buildings and the National Trust house, Hardwick Hall.

Halton is the second-best location for planning permission in the UK, with an approval rate of 97.5%. Halton is a small village adopted by the town of Runcorn; it boasts a beautiful grade two listed vicarage that was built in 1739.

The third best location is Richmondshire, with 97% approval ratings on planning permission applications. Located in North Yorkshire, Richmondshire covers 1,319 km² of land. It is home to beautiful villages such as Hawes and Leyburn, famous for their beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages.

Carlisle and South Tyneside share the spot for the fourth and fifth-best locations for planning permission approval. 95.7% of applications received consent across these locations.

Both of these locations boast beautiful architecture. Carlisle is home to many historical buildings, including Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral.

South Tyneside can be found in the North of England, close to Newcastle. One of the most recognisable buildings in the area is the Souter Lighthouse, with its signature red and white striped tower.

The location with the worst planning permission approval rates is Watford, with 54.1%. Watford is a town based in Hertfordshire; it is on the outskirts of Watford that the Warner Brothers Studio Tour for Harry Potter is based.

In second place is Basildon, with only 59.8% of planning permission applications being approved. The town, based in the county of Essex, is home to Ingatestone Hall, a Tudor house that is open to the public.

The third worst location for planning permission approval is Epping Forest, with an approval rate of 60.5%. Epping Forest is located in Essex; it derives its name from the vast amount of ancient forest within its borders. Alongside the woods, there are many grade listed buildings, one of which is now Chigwell School.

Gravesham came in fourth place, with 60.6% of planning permission applications being approved. With a partial border on the river Thames, Gravesham is best known as a maritime town. Owletts can be found in Gravesham; it was the home of renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker.

Taking the title for fifth-worst location, with an approval rating of 60.8%, is Maldon. Situated in Essex, Maldon is a small town known for the famous Maldon sea salt made in the area. The area has a historic heritage centre that gives talks on local history and heritage.

Northumberland National Park takes the top spot for the best national park planning permission approval rate, with 100% of (28) applications being accepted. This park is the most northern national park in England and is home to Hadrian’s wall.

The Broads Authority has the second-best approval rate, with 95.1% of applications being approved. This area is the largest protected wetland in Britain and is known for the presence of rare wildlife and plant life.

The North Yorkshire Moors National Park came in third place. 93% of planning permission applications were approved. The North Yorkshire Moors have a diverse landscape ranging from coast to forest to moorland.

The national park with the fourth-best application approval rate is Exmoor National Park.

86.2% of the planning applications were approved in this national park. Exmoor National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it has one of the most phenomenal night sky views in the world.

In fifth place, Wyre Forest approved 85.7% of planning permission applications. Located west of Birmingham, Wyre Forest is one of the largest forest national parks in the country, with trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riding.

The City of London had a 100% planning permission approval rate, making it the number 1 London Borough for planning application approval. Being the capital of the UK, The City of London has a wide variety of buildings of all sizes and shapes.

Wandsworth, one of the largest London boroughs, is in second place with an approval rate of 90.8%. There are many historic listed buildings in the borough of Wandsworth; one of the most eye-catching is the Granada Cinema and Bingo hall. The building opened in 1931 and has many features, such as large columns, that fit the 30s building style.

Westminster has the third-highest planning permission approval rate, with 89.7% of applications being approved. The borough is primarily known to be the home of extraordinary buildings such as Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

In fourth place is Camden. 89.6% of planning permission applications were approved in Camden. Explosions of colour can be found around Camden, especially at Camden Lock, where colour translates into food and fashion.

The London borough of Kensington and Chelsea took the fifth best location for planning permission approval, with 87.2% of applications being approved. This borough is home to many large scale buildings, such as the Natural History Museum and Kensington Palace.

Across the UK, each borough and council has its own set of development goals and laws. Being fully aware of your local parameters can set you off on the best foot.

Consulting a qualified professional to arrange quality drawings is one of the most important aspects of having your planning permission accepted. Without these plans, the local council won’t accept the changes to a property.

It is also important to consider your surroundings, including letting your neighbours know of the proposed plans. Considering the area in which you live can also play a large part in receiving approval. If your home is in a rural village, adding an oversized extension that detracts from the natural beauty of the area, may lead to planning permission being denied.

Being realistic with the designs and informed about your local planning laws is the best and most simple way to get planning permission approved.

Townscape Architects are a RIBA chartered architectural practice based in the north of England. Passionate about design, Townscape Architects provide expert architectural services for projects such as residential, renovation and commercial developments throughout Yorkshire and across England. With a broad range of skills, they have an award winning team of six architects and technologists.

Methodology: Townscapes Architects analysed the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government data regarding planning application decisions across the UK.