South Kesteven
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
South Kesteven is a planning authority covering a large part of Lincolnshire in the East Midlands, serving communities across rural and market town settings. The authority takes a fairly permissive approach to planning, approving the vast majority of householder applications. One thing worth noting is that while decisions are generally favourable, the speed of processing can be variable.
Approval Rate
92%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
42%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
36%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can be reasonably confident about getting approval for your householder application here, with around 92 out of every 100 applications being approved. However, you should be prepared for decisions to take a bit longer than the standard 8 week target, as only about 42% of applications are decided within this timeframe. Most applications do eventually get a positive outcome, which is encouraging for homeowners planning work on their properties. Even if your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success on appeal, so it is worth understanding your options.
Local Planning Considerations
South Kesteven includes some notable conservation areas, particularly around historic market towns and village centres, so you should check whether your property falls within one of these designations before applying. Parts of the authority also fall within or near green belt land, which can affect what types of development are permitted. It is worth having a look at the local planning policy documents to understand any particular sensitivities in your specific area.
Tips for Homeowners
Take time to understand whether your property has any special designations like conservation area status or green belt restrictions, as these can significantly affect what you are allowed to do. Because the authority takes a little longer than average to process applications, submit your application as early as possible and be prepared for a wait of more than 8 weeks. Make sure your application is complete and detailed from the outset, as this helps the planning team assess your proposal more quickly and reduces the chances of requests for further information. If you are uncertain about whether you need planning permission at all, consider asking for a Certificate of Lawfulness first, which can save you time and money.
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