Stockport

North West·E08000007·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
80

Excellent

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

Stockport is a planning authority in the North West of England that takes a positive and supportive approach to householder applications. The council approves the vast majority of applications it receives, making it a relatively straightforward place to get planning permission for your home improvement project. With a strong overall performance score, Stockport demonstrates a commitment to helping homeowners navigate the planning process efficiently.

Approval Rate

96%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

81%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

41%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a planning application to Stockport, you can be confident in a positive outcome. The council approves 96% of householder planning applications, which is an exceptionally high rate and suggests they take a pragmatic approach to residential development. You can also expect a fairly quick decision, with 81% of applications being determined within the standard 8 week timeframe. This combination of high approval rates and reasonable speed means you're likely to get a straightforward experience.

Local Planning Considerations

Stockport has several conservation areas where additional restrictions may apply to your plans, so it's worth checking whether your property falls within one before you apply. The authority also has areas of green belt land where development is more restricted, so understanding your property's location is important. If your home is listed or located in a particularly sensitive area, you may face additional considerations that could affect your application.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a clear conversation with the council's planning team before you submit anything formal, as they can give you practical advice about what is and isn't likely to be acceptable for your property. Make sure your application is thorough and includes good quality drawings and photographs, as this helps the council understand your proposals quickly and reduces the chance of requests for more information. If your application is refused, remember that Stockport sees 41% of refused applications succeed on appeal, so don't lose heart as there may be a route forward through the appeals process.

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.

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