Merton
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Merton is a London planning authority that covers a significant part of south London. The council takes a generally supportive approach to householder applications, approving the vast majority of what comes through the door. It's worth noting that the authority processes applications at a reasonable pace, though not all are decided as quickly as you might hope.
Approval Rate
91%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
62%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
24%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a householder planning application to Merton, you have a good chance of approval. Around 91 percent of householder applications are approved, which is an encouraging sign that the council is open to reasonable proposals from homeowners. However, you should be prepared for the process to take a little longer than the standard 8 week target, as only around 62 percent of applications are decided within that timeframe. Even if your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success on appeal, with 24 percent of refused applications being overturned.
Local Planning Considerations
Like many parts of London, Merton contains a mix of conservation areas and other protected spaces where extra planning rules apply. You should check early on whether your property falls within a conservation area, as this may affect what you can do and require additional considerations in your application. Green belt considerations and other local designations may also apply depending on where exactly your home is located within the borough.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by getting to know your local area's planning policies and any designations that might affect your property, as this will help you design proposals that fit with local expectations. Make sure your application clearly explains what you want to do and why it works for your home and neighbourhood, as this helps officers process your application smoothly. If you are refused, remember that appeals do succeed at a reasonable rate in Merton, so do not lose heart straight away. Finally, build in extra time for your application timeline beyond the 8 week target, since many decisions take longer than this standard period.
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