Reading
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Reading is a busy town in the South East with a moderate approach to planning decisions. The council approves the vast majority of householder applications, though it does take longer than the national average to make decisions. Overall, Reading shows a fairly balanced performance when it comes to helping homeowners get their projects approved.
Approval Rate
91%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
44%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
24%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can feel reasonably confident about your application here, as Reading approves about 9 in every 10 householder planning applications. However, you should be prepared for a longer wait than you might hope for, as just under half of applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe. This means you may need to allow extra time in your plans, though most applications do eventually get the green light. If your application is refused, you do have a reasonable chance of success if you appeal, with about 1 in 4 appeals overturning the original decision.
Local Planning Considerations
Reading has various conservation areas where stricter rules apply to what you can do with your property, so check whether your home falls within one before you apply. The town also has some green belt land on its edges, which means certain types of development are restricted in those areas to protect open space. It is worth investigating your local area's specific planning policies before you start designing your project.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by checking whether your property is in a conservation area or any other protected area, as this will significantly affect what you can and cannot do. Get clear information about Reading's local planning policies from the council website or by calling them directly, as these will guide what the planners are likely to accept. Because decisions can take longer than 8 weeks, build in extra time to your project schedule and consider submitting your application well before you need a decision. Finally, make sure your application is thorough and well presented, as this gives you the best chance of approval first time and helps the council process it more smoothly.
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