Wandsworth
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Wandsworth is a London authority that takes a positive approach to householder planning applications, with a strong approval rate that should give you confidence in your project. The council covers a significant part of south west London and demonstrates a generally supportive attitude towards homeowner improvements. One thing to note is that while most applications are approved, the council takes a little longer than the target timeframe to make decisions on average.
Approval Rate
93%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
63%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
30%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a planning application to Wandsworth, you should know that around 9 in 10 householder applications are approved, which is an encouraging sign for most straightforward projects. However, you should be prepared for the decision to take a bit longer than the standard 8 week target, as only about 6 in 10 applications are decided within that timeframe. This does not mean your application will be refused, just that you may need to be patient and plan accordingly. If your application is refused, it is worth noting that roughly 3 in 10 appeals succeed, suggesting there may be room to challenge a decision if you believe it was wrong.
Local Planning Considerations
Wandsworth has various conservation areas and periods properties scattered throughout the authority, so if your home is in one of these areas or is itself historic, you will need to take extra care with your application design. The council also has green belt land and other protected areas where development is more restricted, so it is worth checking your property's location before you start planning. Being in London, the council also takes seriously matters like overlooking, loss of privacy and impacts on neighbouring properties, so your scheme will need to be designed with these factors in mind.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by visiting the council's planning portal to check whether your property is in a conservation area or has any other designations that might affect what you can do, as this will shape your whole approach from the beginning. Take time to prepare detailed and professional drawings and supporting information, as this really does help the planning officers understand your scheme quickly and can speed up the decision process. Consider engaging with your neighbours early on, especially if your scheme is visible from their properties, as local support can make a real difference. Finally, if you are at all uncertain about whether you need planning permission, use the council's pre application advice service, as a small investment here can save you time and money later on.
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