Hammersmith and Fulham
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Hammersmith and Fulham is a London borough council that handles planning applications for this vibrant west London area. The council has a very positive approval rate, meaning most householder applications succeed. One notable characteristic is that the council tends to be supportive of residential development, though like all London boroughs it operates within strict policies around protecting green space and heritage.
Approval Rate
98%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
34%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
31%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a planning application to Hammersmith and Fulham, you can be quite confident about approval, as 98% of householder applications are granted. However, you should be prepared for the decision to take longer than the standard 8 weeks, as only 34% of applications are decided within this target timeframe. This isn't unusual for London councils, and patience is simply part of the process. The good news is that if your application is refused, there's a reasonable chance of success on appeal, with 31% of refused applications being overturned.
Local Planning Considerations
Much of Hammersmith and Fulham contains conservation areas where stricter rules apply to changes you can make to your property, particularly affecting the appearance of the front elevation and roof. The borough also has several heritage assets and listed buildings, so if your home has special historic status, you'll need to follow additional guidelines. It's worth checking whether your property falls within any of these designations before you apply, as it will affect what you can do.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by checking whether your property is in a conservation area or is listed, as this will shape what you can propose and how you should present your application. Make sure your application is thorough and well presented with clear drawings and a detailed design statement, since the council receives many applications and a professional submission helps yours stand out. Be prepared for a longer wait than 8 weeks, so don't plan your project around the standard decision timeframe. Finally, if you're refused, remember that appeals do succeed in this borough, so it may be worth considering this option rather than giving up entirely.
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