Planning permission statistics are published quarterly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and paint a revealing picture of how dramatically outcomes differ depending on where you live. In 2025/26, national approval rates across England averaged around 87% for all categories of planning application — but this headline figure masks significant regional and local variation that directly affects homeowners.
The 87% national figure includes the full range of applications: householder extensions, change of use, commercial development, and major residential schemes. For householder applications specifically (extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings) — the category most relevant to homeowners — average approval rates run higher, at around 91–93%.
However, at the district level, figures can range from above 97% in rural or low-demand authorities to below 80% in highly constrained urban areas.
London remains the most challenging region for householder applications. The combined pressures of Conservation Areas (covering large swathes of inner London boroughs), Article 4 Directions removing Permitted Development rights, and high-density neighbourhoods where overlooking concerns are acute create a more adversarial planning environment.
Approval rates: Several inner London boroughs — including Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, and Camden — report householder approval rates of 78–84%. In outer boroughs such as Bromley or Havering, rates rise to 90–93%.
Most common refusal reasons: Design incongruity, harm to conservation area character, overlooking, loss of light.
The South East shows a bifurcated picture. Areas within the Metropolitan Green Belt (parts of Surrey, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire) face significant additional scrutiny, while market towns and coastal areas tend to be more permissive.
Approval rates: Broadly 87–93%, with Green Belt authorities tracking lower.
Key pressure point: Extensions in Conservation Areas in historic market towns (Rye, Farnham, Henley-on-Thames) face disproportionate refusal rates.
The South West's appeal as a lifestyle destination has driven high demand for residential development, but much of the region falls within protected landscapes — the Cotswolds AONB, the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, and the Jurassic Coast.
Approval rates: 89–94% outside designated areas; 76–85% within.
Notable: Cornwall Council has maintained consistently high approval rates for rural conversion projects while being tougher on coastal and AONB extensions.
The Midlands generally represents a more permissive planning environment, particularly for householder applications. Less of the region falls within designated protected landscapes, and many LPAs have been actively trying to boost housing numbers.
Approval rates: 91–95% across much of the region.
Exception: Stratford-on-Avon District (partly AONB), and parts of the Peak District (Derbyshire) track significantly lower.
Manchester's growth trajectory has created a pressurised planning environment in the city-region, while outlying districts tend to be more permissive.
Approval rates: City of Manchester and Salford: 83–88%. Wider Greater Manchester and Lancashire: 91–94%.
These regions generally maintain high approval rates and are among the most permissive in England for householder applications, reflecting lower development pressure.
Approval rates: 92–96% for the majority of districts.
In Wales, the planning system operates under its own framework via the Welsh Government. Overall householder approval rates are broadly comparable to England, but the presence of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Parks, and extensive AONB coverage, creates localised constraint.
A council's overall approval rate doesn't tell you your individual probability of success. A council that approves 93% of applications might still refuse yours for a specific reason that is disproportionately applied. What matters is the refusal pattern within your specific proposal type (rear extension, loft conversion, change of use), and how your project aligns with those known pressure points.
For example: Eastbourne Borough Council has a high overall approval rate but has historically refused a higher-than-average proportion of rear extensions that affect the setting of unlisted buildings in its Victoria Drive and Upperton Road character areas. That nuance doesn't show up in aggregate statistics.
The intelligence that matters most is the decision history of your specific council, for proposals similar to yours, in areas with similar characteristics to your site.
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