Hastings

South East·E07000062·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
72

Good

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

Hastings is a planning authority in East Sussex on the South East coast. The council takes a generally positive approach to householder planning applications, with a strong approval rate. The area has a mix of coastal charm and urban character that influences how planning decisions are made.

Approval Rate

92%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

69%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

17%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a planning application to Hastings, you can feel reasonably confident about your chances. Around 92 out of every 100 householder applications are approved, which is an encouraging sign. However, you should be prepared for a slightly longer wait than the standard 8 week target, as only about 69% of applications are decided within this timeframe. Your application will receive careful consideration, and the council will communicate with you throughout the process.

Local Planning Considerations

Hastings has several conservation areas where older buildings and streetscapes are protected, so if your property is in one of these areas, your options for external changes may be more limited. The town also has areas of green space that are valued locally, and the council takes environmental considerations seriously when reviewing applications. It's worth checking whether your property has any special designations before you start planning your project.

Tips for Homeowners

Take time to understand your local area and what makes it special, as this will help you design proposals that fit well with your surroundings and are more likely to be approved. Provide clear, detailed drawings and photographs with your application, as this helps the council visualize your plans properly and reduces the chance of requests for more information that could slow things down. If your application is refused, remember that there is a reasonable chance of success on appeal, so don't lose heart immediately and consider taking professional advice on the strengths of your case.

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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