Reigate and Banstead
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Reigate and Banstead is a planning authority in the South East that serves homeowners across a mix of urban and suburban areas. The council takes a generally positive approach to householder applications, approving the vast majority of what comes through the door. It's worth noting that this is a fairly efficient authority when it comes to making decisions on your application.
Approval Rate
92%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
76%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
26%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a householder planning application to Reigate and Banstead, you can be reasonably confident about your chances. Around 92 percent of householder applications are approved, which is an excellent approval rate and should give you reassurance that most people get the answer they're hoping for. You can expect a decision within 8 weeks for about three quarters of applications, though some do take a little longer. The council is generally cooperative and aims to work through applications in a timely manner.
Local Planning Considerations
The Reigate and Banstead area includes a number of conservation areas and green belt land, which means some locations have stricter rules about what you can and cannot do. Before you apply, it's worth checking whether your property sits within a conservation area or designated green belt, as this will affect what changes you're allowed to make. The council also has various Article 4 directions in certain areas that remove some of the automatic rights you might otherwise have for smaller works.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by checking the local planning policy documents on the council's website, particularly if your property is in a conservation area or green belt location, as these will give you a clear sense of what the council does and doesn't support. Make sure your application is complete and well presented before you submit it, because thorough applications tend to move through the system faster and face fewer requests for additional information. If your application is refused, remember that about a quarter of refused applications succeed on appeal, so don't automatically assume the end of the road, though you should carefully consider the council's reasons first. Finally, consider having a pre application conversation with the planning team if you're unsure about your proposal, as this can save you time and money by catching any issues early on.
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