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 covering towns like Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Arundel. It has a positive approach to householder applications and works efficiently to process them quickly. The authority stands out for its strong track record of making timely decisions on planning applications.

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 planning application to Arun, you can expect a high chance of approval since 94% of householder applications are granted. The good news is that 99% of applications are decided within the standard 8-week target, so you will not be left waiting unnecessarily. Officers at Arun generally engage constructively with applicants, and if your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success if you appeal, with 33% of refused applications being overturned at appeal.

Local Planning Considerations

Arun covers a diverse landscape from coastal areas to countryside, and you should check whether your property falls within a conservation area or is affected by green belt restrictions, as these can affect what you are able to build. Some parts of the authority have Article 4 directions in place which remove certain permitted development rights, so it is worth checking your specific location before assuming you have automatic approval for minor works.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a clear conversation with Arun's planning team before you submit, as they are generally approachable and can give you early guidance on whether your proposal is likely to be acceptable. Make sure your application is complete and includes all necessary supporting documents from the outset, because this helps officers process it within the 8-week window and reduces the risk of delays. If your application is refused, do not lose heart, as the appeal overturn rate suggests there may be a path forward through the appeals process if you believe the decision was wrong.

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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