Mid Sussex

South East·E07000228·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
62

Average

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

Mid Sussex is a planning authority in the South East of England that takes a generally positive approach to householder applications. With a strong approval rate of 93%, the council is supportive of homeowners looking to improve their properties. However, it's worth noting that the authority takes a moderate amount of time to make decisions, so patience is needed during the process.

Approval Rate

93%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

68%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

37%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a planning application to Mid Sussex, you can be fairly confident in a positive outcome. Around 93% of householder applications are approved, which is an encouraging statistic for anyone considering making an application. You should expect a decision within 8 weeks in about 68% of cases, though some applications may take a little longer. The council is generally supportive, but it's still important to submit a well prepared application to avoid unnecessary delays.

Local Planning Considerations

Mid Sussex covers a popular part of the South East, and the area includes several conservation areas and green belt land where additional planning controls apply. Before you apply, check whether your property sits within a conservation area or green belt, as these designations mean the council will take a more careful look at how your extension or alteration fits with its surroundings. It's also worth researching any Article 4 directions that may apply to your property, as these can restrict certain types of work that would normally be permitted development.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a clear conversation with the planning team at Mid Sussex before you submit your application, as they can give you helpful feedback on whether your scheme is likely to be acceptable. Make sure your drawings and documents are accurate and complete, because incomplete applications will delay the process and eat into that 8 week decision period. Finally, pay careful attention to how your proposal looks from the street and how it relates to neighbouring properties, since Mid Sussex takes design and context seriously, particularly in sensitive areas like conservation zones.

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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