Westminster
Poor
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Westminster is a planning authority covering central London, including some of the capital's most iconic and historic neighbourhoods. The council approves around four out of every five householder applications, suggesting a generally positive approach to home improvements. However, it's worth noting that decisions can take longer than the standard eight week timeframe in some cases.
Approval Rate
79%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
53%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
45%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a householder planning application to Westminster, you have a good chance of getting approval, with 79% of applications succeeding. However, you should be prepared for the process to potentially take longer than eight weeks, as only about half of applications are decided within this target timeframe. The good news is that if your application is refused, you have a reasonable prospect of success on appeal, with 45% of refused applications being overturned. This suggests the planning team may sometimes take a cautious first approach, but higher level review often finds merit in applications.
Local Planning Considerations
Westminster contains numerous conservation areas and listed buildings, which means many properties have extra planning restrictions to protect their historic character and appearance. You should check whether your property falls within a conservation area or is listed, as this will significantly affect what changes you can make without needing planning permission. The council also has strict policies around protecting views of important landmarks like Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral, so extensions or tall structures may face particular scrutiny.
Tips for Homeowners
Take time to research whether your property is in a conservation area or near a protected view, as this will shape what's possible and help you submit a stronger application from the start. Consider submitting a pre application enquiry to the council before formally applying, as this can help clarify what they will and won't accept and may speed up the eventual decision. Be prepared for the process to take longer than eight weeks and build this into your planning, so you're not caught out by delays. Finally, make sure your application is thorough and well presented, since the 45% appeal overturn rate suggests that quality matters when decisions are reviewed.
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