Melton

East Midlands·E07000133·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
62

Average

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

Melton is a planning authority in the East Midlands that takes a positive approach to householder applications, with a very high approval rate. The council covers a diverse area with a mix of market towns and rural communities. What stands out is that most applications do get the green light, though the council does take longer than average to make its decisions.

Approval Rate

95%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

7%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

30%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

The good news is that Melton approves 95% of householder planning applications, so if your project is reasonable and well presented, you have a strong chance of success. However, you should be prepared for a longer wait than the standard 8-week target, as only 7% of applications are decided within that timeframe. This means you may need to allow considerably more time in your planning schedule. That said, if your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success on appeal, with 30% of refused applications overturned.

Local Planning Considerations

Like much of the East Midlands, Melton has areas of Green Belt where building is strictly controlled, so check whether your property falls within this designation. The authority also contains several conservation areas and listed buildings where special rules apply to extensions and alterations, so if your home is in one of these areas, you will need to be particularly thoughtful about design and materials. It is always worth checking your property's status before you begin planning any work.

Tips for Homeowners

Given that decisions take longer here than the national standard, submit your application as early as possible and allow plenty of time in your project timeline. Spend time getting your design right before you apply, because the high approval rate suggests the council responds well to well thought out, appropriate proposals that respect the local area. Make sure you understand whether your property is listed or in a conservation area, as these bring additional requirements that could affect your application. Finally, if you are refused, remember that appeals have a reasonable success rate here, so do not assume your project is impossible if you receive an initial refusal.

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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