Epsom and Ewell

South East·E07000208·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
73

Good

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

Epsom and Ewell is a planning authority in the South East that handles applications at a steady pace with good approval rates. The authority takes a balanced approach to planning decisions, approving around nine out of every ten householder applications. One thing worth noting is that a significant proportion of refused applications do succeed on appeal, which suggests some decisions can be overturned with the right information.

Approval Rate

89%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

89%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

30%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a householder planning application to Epsom and Ewell, you can feel reasonably confident about your chances. The authority approves 89% of householder applications, which is a positive sign that most well prepared applications get the green light. You can also expect a fairly quick decision, with around 89% of applications decided within the standard 8 week timeframe. This means you are unlikely to be left waiting in limbo for months on end.

Local Planning Considerations

Before you apply, take time to check whether your property sits within a conservation area, as these carry special restrictions on what you can do. The South East generally has significant areas of green belt protection, so if your property is near green belt land, this may affect what development is possible. It is also worth finding out if there are any Article 4 directions affecting your area, as these can limit the types of work you can do without needing permission.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a thorough look at the local planning policies and guidance documents that Epsom and Ewell publishes, as understanding what the authority values will help you design an application that fits with local priorities. Take the time to prepare a clear and detailed application with good quality drawings and supporting information, because a well presented application is more likely to be approved quickly without the need for further questions. If you are at all uncertain about whether you need planning permission, contact the authority early for advice rather than guessing, as getting clarity upfront can save you time and stress later on.

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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