Mole Valley
Below Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Mole Valley is a planning authority in the South East that covers a semi rural area with a mix of villages and countryside. The authority approves most householder applications, though it takes longer than average to reach decisions. This is a authority where patience and thorough preparation tend to pay off.
Approval Rate
78%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
55%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
29%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a householder planning application to Mole Valley, you have a reasonable chance of approval, with about 78% of applications getting the green light. However, you should be prepared for a longer wait than the standard 8 weeks, as only 55% of applications are decided within that timeframe. Most decisions do come through eventually, and if your application is refused, you have a reasonable prospect of success on appeal, with 29% of refused applications succeeding at that stage. It is worth taking time to get your application right from the start rather than rushing it.
Local Planning Considerations
Mole Valley contains a number of conservation areas and areas of green belt land where planning rules are stricter, so check whether your property falls within any of these designations before you apply. The area also has particular concerns about protecting its rural character and existing green spaces, which means some types of development face closer scrutiny than they might elsewhere.
Tips for Homeowners
Take advantage of the pre application advice service to discuss your plans with the planning officers before you submit formally, as this can help you understand local sensitivities and avoid potential problems. Be thorough and detailed in your application documents and drawings, because the longer decision times here mean applications that are clear and complete from the start tend to progress more smoothly. If you are refused, do not despair too quickly, as the appeal overturn rate shows that a significant proportion of refusals do succeed on appeal, so it is worth taking professional advice on your chances before deciding whether to pursue an appeal.
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