Exeter

South West·E07000041·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4

Average

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

Exeter City Council handles planning applications for Devon's county town and surrounding areas in the South West. The council approves the majority of householder applications, showing a generally positive approach to residential development. However, the authority takes longer than average to make decisions, so patience is needed when you submit your application.

Approval Rate

86%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

57%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

30%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

You can be fairly confident about your chances, as Exeter approves around 86 out of every 100 householder applications. The less positive news is that only about 57 out of every 100 applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe, meaning you may need to wait longer than you'd ideally hope. If your application is refused, there's a reasonable chance of success on appeal, with around 30 percent of refused applications overturned, which shows the initial decision isn't always final.

Local Planning Considerations

Exeter has several conservation areas where additional rules apply to protect the town's historic character, so check whether your property sits within one before you start planning work. The South West region also includes areas of green belt and other protected landscapes, and you should verify whether your property is affected by any local designations that might affect what you can build or alter.

Tips for Homeowners

Given that decisions can take longer here, submit your application well in advance of any deadline you have in mind, and don't assume the 8 week target will apply to you. Make sure your application is as complete and detailed as possible from the start, as this helps the council process it smoothly and reduces the chance of delays caused by requests for missing information. If you're working on a property in a conservation area or near any protected feature, engage with the council informally before you submit your formal application, as their early feedback can save you time and money.

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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