Hillingdon
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Hillingdon is a London authority that covers a large area in West London, including diverse communities from urban neighbourhoods to more suburban settings. The council approves the majority of householder applications, taking a generally supportive approach to home improvements. However, it's worth knowing that the authority takes longer than average to make decisions on applications.
Approval Rate
88%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
61%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
43%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a householder application to Hillingdon, you can be fairly confident about your chances of approval, with 88% of applications being granted. The trade off is that the council takes its time with decisions: only about 61% are decided within the standard 8 week target, so you should plan for a slightly longer wait. If your application is refused, there's a reasonable chance of success on appeal, with 43% of refused applications overturned, which shows the initial decision isn't always the final word. Overall, most homeowners do get the outcome they want, even if patience is required.
Local Planning Considerations
Hillingdon has several conservation areas where changes to the outside of your property are more restricted, so check whether your home falls within one before applying. The authority also has areas of Green Belt where certain types of development are tightly controlled, and some properties may be affected by Article 4 directions that remove permitted development rights. It's essential to establish these constraints early, as they can significantly affect what you're able to do.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by getting clear advice on whether your property is in a conservation area, Green Belt, or subject to any Article 4 directions, as these will shape what's possible. Given that decisions take longer here than the standard 8 weeks, build extra time into your plans and don't assume you'll hear back quickly. Submit a thorough application with good quality drawings and clear explanations of your proposal, as detailed applications tend to be processed more smoothly. Finally, if you do receive a refusal, remember that the appeal statistics suggest it's worth considering an appeal, particularly if you believe the decision was unreasonable.
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