Wigan
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Wigan Council covers a large area in Greater Manchester in the North West of England and serves a diverse community with a mix of urban and suburban neighbourhoods. The council approves the vast majority of householder applications, showing a generally positive attitude towards residential development. However, it's worth noting that the council takes a little longer than average to make decisions on planning applications.
Approval Rate
87%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
51%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
32%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can feel fairly confident about your application, as Wigan approves around 87 out of every 100 householder planning applications. This is a good sign that the council is supportive of reasonable residential projects. The less encouraging news is that only about half of applications are decided within the standard 8 week timeframe, so you should budget for a longer wait than you might hope for. If your application is refused, there is still a decent chance of success on appeal, with around 32% of refused applications overturned.
Local Planning Considerations
Before you apply, take time to check whether your property is in a conservation area or on the edge of the Green Belt, as these designations can affect what you are allowed to do. The North West region has various local sensitivities around heritage and countryside protection that may influence how your application is assessed. Getting this research done early will help you understand any potential obstacles and design your project accordingly.
Tips for Homeowners
First, prepare yourself for a longer decision period than the 8 week target and use that time to get your application absolutely right rather than rushing to submit. Second, given the high approval rate, focus on presenting a clear, well designed scheme that shows you have thought about how your extension or alteration fits with the existing character of your property and neighbourhood. Third, if you are in any doubt about whether you need planning permission, ask the council for a Lawfulness Certificate or pre application advice, as this early conversation can save you time and expense later on.
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