Trafford

North West·E08000009·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
71

Good

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

Trafford is a planning authority in the North West of England that handles applications for homeowners across its area. The council has a positive approach to planning decisions, approving the vast majority of householder applications. One thing worth noting is that while most applications are approved, the council does take a bit longer than average to make decisions on some applications.

Approval Rate

89%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

75%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

25%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a householder planning application to Trafford, you have a good chance of getting approval. Around 89 out of every 100 householder applications are approved here, which is well above average. You can expect a decision within 8 weeks for about three quarters of applications, though some may take a little longer. The council is generally helpful and supportive towards homeowners looking to improve their properties.

Local Planning Considerations

Trafford covers several distinct areas, and some parts have conservation areas where certain types of work need extra consideration. You should check whether your property falls within a conservation area, as this may affect what you can do without needing permission. It's also worth checking if your area has any specific local policies about green spaces or particular building styles that the council wants to protect.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having a clear conversation with the council's planning team before you submit your application, as they can give you specific advice about what will work on your property. Make sure your application is as complete and detailed as possible from the start, with good quality drawings and photos, as this helps the council make decisions faster. If you're proposing something unusual or if your property is in a sensitive location, it's worth getting professional planning advice to make sure you're putting your best foot forward. Finally, keep in mind that while decisions usually come within 8 weeks, building in some extra time into your plans is sensible, as some applications do take longer.

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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