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 covering the coastal areas of West Sussex in the South East, serving communities along the Sussex coast and inland. The council has a positive track record with planning applications and operates with a practical, supportive approach to householder developments. One notable strength is their quick decision making, with nearly all applications resolved within the standard timeframe.

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 be genuinely optimistic about the outcome. The council approves 94 percent of householder planning applications, which is a strong approval rate that reflects their reasonable approach to home improvements and extensions. You can also expect a quick decision, with 99 percent of applications being determined within the standard 8 week period, so you won't be left waiting in uncertainty for months. This combination of high approval rates and fast decisions makes Arun a straightforward authority to work with.

Local Planning Considerations

The South East region includes some protected landscapes and conservation areas, so if your property is in a designated area or near the coast, additional considerations may apply to your application. Some older properties and villages in Arun's area have conservation status, which means certain types of alterations or extensions may need extra care in how they are designed and presented. It's worth checking whether your property sits within any of these protected designations before you start planning your project.

Tips for Homeowners

First, invest time in getting the design right from the start, because Arun's high approval rate suggests that well thought through applications breeze through the process. Second, if your property is in a conservation area or near the coast, engage with the council early to understand any special requirements, as this can help you avoid delays or rejections. Finally, take advantage of Arun's quick turnaround times by being thorough with your submission, as you may get a decision within weeks rather than months, so you want everything correct the first time.

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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