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 the historic city of Exeter and surrounding areas in Devon. The council approves the majority of householder applications, showing a generally positive approach to residential development. However, you should be prepared for a potentially longer wait than the standard timeframe.

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

When you submit a householder planning application to Exeter, there is an 86% chance it will be approved, which is encouraging news for most homeowners. The less positive side is that only 57% of applications are decided within the standard 8 week target, meaning your application may take longer than you might hope. If your application is refused, there is a reasonable 30% chance of success if you decide to appeal the decision.

Local Planning Considerations

Exeter has significant conservation areas throughout the city, and many buildings are listed, which means certain properties will have stricter rules about what changes you can make. The South West region as a whole is under pressure for housing, so the council may be particularly interested in applications that increase the local housing stock. You should check whether your property falls within any of these protected designations before you start planning your project.

Tips for Homeowners

Take time to understand whether your property or the surrounding area has any special protections, as this will shape what you can and cannot do. Since the council takes slightly longer than average to make decisions, build extra time into your project planning and do not assume an 8 week turnaround. Consider engaging with the council informally before submitting your application, as this can help iron out potential issues early and may smooth the process.

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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