Ashford

South East·E07000105·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
73

Good

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

Ashford is a planning authority in the South East that handles applications with a solid track record of approving householder projects. The authority takes a balanced approach to development, approving 9 out of 10 householder applications while maintaining reasonable processing times. You can expect a straightforward and positive experience when submitting most types of residential planning requests here.

Approval Rate

91%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

79%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

29%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a householder planning application to Ashford, you have a very good chance of approval, with 91% of applications getting the green light. Around 4 out of 5 applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe, so you can usually expect a decision within a reasonable period. The authority processes applications fairly consistently, and most homeowners find the process manageable and transparent.

Local Planning Considerations

Ashford is located in the South East region, which can have various local planning sensitivities including conservation areas and green belt land that may affect your specific property. Before submitting your application, it is worth checking whether your home falls within any protected areas or has any special designations that could influence what you are allowed to do. The authority may have specific policies around certain types of development, so reviewing the local plan beforehand can save you time.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a clear conversation with the planning department about your project ideas before you formally apply, as they can often point out potential issues early and help you avoid rejection. Make sure your application is thorough and complete when you submit it, as missing information can slow things down even in an authority that generally works quickly. If your application is refused, remember that nearly 3 in 10 refusals are overturned on appeal, so do not assume a no is final if you believe your case is strong.

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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