Arun

South East·E07000224·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
85

Excellent

Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes

Arun is a planning authority in West Sussex that covers a diverse area including coastal towns and rural communities. The council has a positive and supportive approach to householder applications, with a strong track record of approving proposals and processing them quickly. You can expect a straightforward experience when dealing with Arun, as they maintain high standards of efficiency whilst remaining approachable.

Approval Rate

94%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

99%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

33%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a householder planning application to Arun, you have an excellent chance of approval. Around 94 percent of householder applications are approved, which is well above average and shows the council takes a pragmatic view of reasonable proposals. You can also expect a quick decision, with 99 percent of applications determined within the 8 week target timeframe. This means you won't be left waiting around wondering about your application status.

Local Planning Considerations

Arun's area includes some sensitive coastal locations and areas with established character that the council seeks to protect. You should check whether your property falls within a conservation area or is near green belt land, as these designations can affect what you're able to do. It's worth spending a few minutes understanding any local design guidance specific to your neighborhood before you apply.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a helpful conversation with Arun's planning team before you submit anything formal. Given their positive approval rate, they're usually keen to work with applicants to get schemes right, and a quick chat can save you time and money. Make sure your application is clear and complete with good quality drawings and photographs, as this helps the council process things smoothly within their fast timescales. Finally, if your application is refused, know that there's a reasonable chance of success on appeal (around 33 percent), though you should always aim to get it right first time by following local guidance.

About the performance rating: The score out of 100 is calculated from three factors: householder application approval rate (up to 40 points), the percentage of decisions made within the 8-week statutory target (up to 30 points), and the appeal overturn rate, where a lower rate means the authority makes sound decisions that hold up on appeal (up to 20 points). A further 10 points are available for data completeness. Source: MHCLG PS2 planning statistics and Planning Inspectorate appeal decisions, 2025 Q1-Q4.

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