Waverley
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Waverley is a planning authority covering parts of Surrey in the South East of England. The council takes a balanced approach to planning decisions, approving the vast majority of householder applications while maintaining local character. Notable for having a relatively high appeal overturn rate, which suggests that refusals sometimes don't hold up under scrutiny.
Approval Rate
91%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
71%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
39%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a planning application to Waverley, you can feel fairly confident about your chances. Around 91 percent of householder applications are approved, which is a strong approval rate. However, you should be prepared for the process to take a little longer than ideal, as only 71 percent of applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe. This means some applications may take 2 to 3 months or even longer, so it's worth factoring this into your building plans.
Local Planning Considerations
Waverley covers an area with significant green space and several conservation areas, so the location of your property will be important. If your home is in a conservation area or near to protected countryside, you may face tighter restrictions on what you can do. It's worth checking whether your property falls within any special designations before you start planning your project, as this can significantly affect what will be approved.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having a thorough conversation with the planning team at Waverley before you submit anything formally, as this can help you understand exactly what will and won't be acceptable for your particular property. Make sure your application is as detailed and clear as possible, with good quality drawings and photographs, because this helps officers make quick decisions and reduces the chance of requests for more information. Bear in mind that while Waverley approves most householder applications, some refusals do get overturned on appeal, so if you're refused don't assume it's the end of the story, though do think carefully about whether an appeal is worth pursuing.
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