Kingston upon Thames
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Kingston upon Thames is a planning authority covering a large part of southwest London, including the town centre and surrounding residential areas. The council takes a moderately positive approach to householder applications, approving the majority of what comes through. One thing that stands out is that appeals against refusals here succeed reasonably often, suggesting there may be some room for improvement in how initial decisions are made.
Approval Rate
81%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
82%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
37%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can expect a good chance of approval when you submit a householder planning application to Kingston upon Thames, with around 81% of applications being approved. The council is also fairly quick at making decisions, with about 82% of applications decided within the standard 8 week timeframe. This means you should have clarity on your project within a reasonable timeframe, and the odds are in your favour if your application is straightforward and well prepared.
Local Planning Considerations
Kingston upon Thames has several conservation areas where additional planning rules apply, so if your property is in one of these areas you may face stricter controls over external changes. The authority also covers parts of the Green Belt, where new building is generally restricted, so check your property's location carefully before investing time in an application. It's worth getting familiar with local heritage considerations as they can significantly affect what you're allowed to do.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by checking whether your property falls within a conservation area or the Green Belt, as this will determine what you can realistically propose. Take time to understand what your neighbours and the local community might think about your plans, and consider engaging with them early, as this can smooth the approval process. Make sure your application is complete and clearly presented from the start, because incomplete applications will delay your decision date, and finally don't be discouraged if you receive a refusal, as the data shows a reasonable number of appeals succeed here, though of course you should try to get it right first time.
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