Islington
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Islington is a London borough planning authority that covers a diverse urban area with a strong track record of approving householder applications. The authority takes a generally positive approach to residential development and improvements. One thing worth noting is that a significant proportion of applications do take longer than the standard 8 week decision period, so patience may be needed.
Approval Rate
93%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
43%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
23%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a householder planning application in Islington, you have a very good chance of approval, with 93% of applications being granted permission. However, you should be prepared for the process to potentially take longer than the standard 8 week target, as only 43% of applications are decided within that timeframe. Despite this slower pace, the high approval rate means that most homeowners do eventually get the green light for their projects. If your application is refused, there is a reasonable prospect of success on appeal, with 23% of refused applications being overturned.
Local Planning Considerations
Islington contains many conservation areas and listed buildings, particularly in areas like Canonbury and around the Angel, so if your property falls within one of these designations you may face additional restrictions on what you can do. The borough also has Article 4 directions in place in some areas which remove certain permitted development rights, meaning you may need planning permission for work that would normally be allowed elsewhere. It is worth checking whether your property is affected by these designations before you start planning any work.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by checking whether your property is in a conservation area or listed, as this will significantly affect what you can propose and how detailed your application needs to be. Given that only 43% of applications meet the 8 week target, submit your application as early as possible if you have any time constraints, and consider phoning the planning department to discuss your ideas informally before you formally apply, as this can help smooth the process. Finally, if your application is refused, do not assume it is the end of the road, since appeals have a reasonable success rate in Islington, so it is worth seeking advice on whether an appeal would be worthwhile for your particular project.
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