Croydon
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Croydon Council handles planning applications across a large part of South London, covering everything from suburban residential areas to town centres. The council approves the vast majority of householder applications, suggesting a generally supportive approach to homeowners looking to improve their properties. Like much of London, Croydon has a mix of conservation areas and other protected sites that can affect what you're able to do.
Approval Rate
87%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
64%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
21%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can feel reasonably confident about your application, as Croydon approves around 87 percent of householder planning applications. However, you should be prepared for decisions to take a bit longer than the standard 8 weeks, as the council currently meets this target in just under two thirds of cases. This means some applications may take 10, 12 or even more weeks to decide, so it is worth planning ahead if you have timelines in mind. If your application is refused, there is still hope, as roughly 1 in 5 refusals are overturned on appeal.
Local Planning Considerations
Croydon contains numerous conservation areas where stricter rules apply to alterations, particularly around the appearance of your property and what you can do to the outside. You should check whether your home falls within one of these protected areas before you start planning work, as it may affect what you can do. The council also has various other designations and protections in place across the borough, so it is always worth checking your specific location first.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by visiting the council's planning portal to check whether your property has any special designations or protections that might affect your plans, which can save you time and disappointment later on. Make sure your application is as clear and complete as possible from the start, with good quality drawings and a thorough explanation of what you want to do, as this helps the council process it faster and reduces the chance of requests for more information. If you are working on a project in a conservation area or near listed buildings, consider getting professional advice early on, as this will help you design something the council is likely to support. Finally, factor in extra time beyond the 8 week target when you are planning your project, as Croydon takes a bit longer than average to reach decisions.
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