Tonbridge and Malling

South East·E07000115·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
58

Average

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

Tonbridge and Malling is a planning authority in the South East that covers a mix of urban and rural areas. The council is generally supportive of householder applications, with a strong approval rate that suggests a positive attitude towards homeowners looking to improve their properties. However, the authority takes a moderate amount of time to process applications, so patience will be needed during the decision period.

Approval Rate

95%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

51%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

45%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

You can feel reasonably confident about your application, as Tonbridge and Malling approves around 95 percent of householder planning applications. This is a very positive sign and suggests the council is generally receptive to well thought out proposals from homeowners. However, do be prepared to wait a little longer than the standard 8 week target, as only about half of applications are decided within this timeframe. This doesn't mean your application will be refused, just that it may take a bit longer than you might hope.

Local Planning Considerations

The South East contains many areas of special character and environmental importance, so conservation areas and green belt restrictions may apply to your property. Before submitting your application, it's worth checking whether your home is in a conservation area or near green belt land, as these designations can affect what you're allowed to do. Getting this information early will help you understand what's possible and avoid disappointment later.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a thorough chat with the planning team at Tonbridge and Malling before you submit anything formal, as they can give you helpful guidance on what might work for your particular property. Make sure your application is as complete and clear as possible, with good quality drawings and a clear explanation of what you're proposing, since this can speed things up and reduce the chance of requests for more information. Finally, factor in some extra time into your plans beyond the standard 8 week target, so you're not caught out if your application takes a little longer to be decided.

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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