Bath and North East Somerset
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Bath and North East Somerset is a planning authority covering a beautiful part of the South West that includes the historic city of Bath and surrounding countryside. The authority approves the vast majority of householder applications, showing a generally supportive approach to homeowners looking to improve their properties. However, it is worth noting that decision times can be longer than the national target, so patience is needed.
Approval Rate
96%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
52%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
26%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can feel confident that your householder application has a very good chance of approval here, with 96% of applications being granted permission. This high approval rate reflects a generally pragmatic attitude towards residential improvements. You should be prepared for a longer wait than ideal though, as only around half of applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe, so building in extra time to your project planning is wise. If your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success on appeal, with just over a quarter of appeals overturning the original decision.
Local Planning Considerations
Bath and North East Somerset contains significant heritage assets, including conservation areas and listed buildings, so if your property falls within these designations you will need to pay careful attention to how your proposals respect the local character. The authority is also surrounded by areas of green belt and countryside, which means there are particular sensitivities around development in rural locations. Before submitting your application, it is worth checking whether your property has any of these designations, as they will shape what is and is not possible.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having an early conversation with the planning team at Bath and North East Somerset, as they are generally helpful and can point you towards any local policies or constraints that might affect your scheme before you invest time and money in detailed drawings. Pay particular attention to how your proposals fit with the existing character of your street or area, especially if you are in a conservation area, as this is often what planning officers focus on most carefully. Finally, allow yourself extra time in your project schedule beyond the standard 8 week target, as this authority tends to take a bit longer to make decisions, and you do not want to be caught out by delays if you have other work depending on planning approval.
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