North York Moors National Park

Yorkshire and The Humber·E26000005·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
78

Good

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

North York Moors National Park covers a beautiful and protected landscape across Yorkshire and The Humber. The planning authority takes a balanced approach to development, approving the vast majority of householder applications while carefully protecting the character of this special area. You can expect a straightforward process for most home improvement projects.

Approval Rate

95%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

76%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

25%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a planning application to North York Moors National Park, you have a very good chance of getting approval. Around 95% of householder applications are approved, which is an excellent rate that reflects how well prepared most applicants are. Just over three quarters of applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe, so while most people get a quick decision, some applications do take a bit longer. The authority is generally supportive of reasonable home improvements that respect the local area.

Local Planning Considerations

Because you are in a National Park, there are stricter rules about what you can change compared to other parts of the country. The planning authority pays particular attention to how any changes might affect the landscape, views, and character of the moorland and countryside. Extensions, new buildings, and changes to the appearance of your home are assessed more carefully here than they might be elsewhere, so it is worth thinking about how your plans fit with the natural surroundings.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by looking at similar properties in your area to understand what the planning authority considers acceptable, as this will give you confidence about your own plans. Get in touch with the planning team early on to discuss your ideas informally before you submit a formal application, as they can point out any concerns and help you refine your proposals. Take time to explain how your project respects the character of the National Park in your application, as this demonstrates that you understand local sensitivities and shows the authority you have thought carefully about your plans. Finally, make sure your drawings and descriptions are clear and detailed, as this helps the authority process your application quickly and reduces the chance of them asking for more information.

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.

Does your project need planning permission?

Get an instant answer tailored to your address and project type.

Assess My Project