Hounslow
Poor
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Hounslow is a London borough planning authority that covers a diverse area of the capital with a mix of residential, commercial and green spaces. The council approves around 7 in 10 householder planning applications, showing a reasonably open approach to home improvements and extensions. However, the authority does take longer than average to make decisions on applications.
Approval Rate
72%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
57%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
47%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a planning application to Hounslow, you have a reasonable chance of approval, with about 72% of householder applications being granted. You should be prepared for a longer wait than the standard 8 weeks though, as only around 57% of applications are decided within this timeframe. Some applications will take considerably longer, so it's worth building extra time into your project plans. The good news is that if your application is refused, you do have a strong case for appealing, as nearly half of all refused applications succeed at appeal.
Local Planning Considerations
Hounslow contains several conservation areas where you'll face stricter rules about changes to the exterior of your property, so it's worth checking if your home falls within one before you apply. The borough also has areas of green belt land where building is tightly controlled, and you may find Article 4 directions in some neighbourhoods that remove permitted development rights for certain types of work. Understanding these local restrictions early will save you time and help you plan realistically for your project.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by speaking to the planning team at Hounslow before submitting your application, as they can often guide you through local considerations and help you avoid common mistakes that might delay or derail your scheme. Make sure your application is thorough and well presented with clear drawings and supporting information, since good quality submissions tend to be processed more smoothly even if they take time. Given the longer decision timescales here, consider submitting your application well in advance of when you'd like to start building work, and don't hesitate to chase the council for updates if you haven't heard anything after 8 weeks.
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