Buckinghamshire
Below Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Buckinghamshire is a planning authority covering a large area in the South East of England, with a generally positive approach to householder applications. The council approves the majority of applications it receives, though it does take longer than average to reach decisions. You can expect a straightforward process for most straightforward projects, though patience may be required.
Approval Rate
85%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
46%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
36%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a planning application to Buckinghamshire, you have a good chance of success: around 85% of householder applications are approved. However, be prepared for a longer wait than the standard 8 week target, as only about 46% of applications are decided within this timeframe. This means some applications may take considerably longer, so building in extra time to your project planning is wise. Despite the slower pace, the high approval rate suggests the council is generally supportive of reasonable householder proposals.
Local Planning Considerations
Buckinghamshire contains several conservation areas and green belt land, which can affect what you're able to do with your property depending on where you live. Before you apply, check whether your home falls within any of these designations, as they bring additional planning rules and considerations. The South East region generally has stricter controls on certain types of development, so understanding your local context is particularly important here.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having an early conversation with the council's planning team about your proposal, as this can help you understand any local issues before you invest time in a full application. Make sure your application is as complete and well presented as possible, since this authority takes time to make decisions and a thorough submission from the start can help avoid delays. Given that nearly two thirds of applications take longer than 8 weeks, it's sensible to submit well ahead of any deadline you're working towards. Finally, if your application is refused, remember that 36% of appeals succeed here, so you have a reasonable chance of overturning a decision if you believe it was wrong.
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