Wiltshire
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Wiltshire is a large rural authority in the South West covering a mix of countryside, market towns and villages. The council takes a generally supportive approach to householder applications, with very high approval rates. You'll find this is a fairly straightforward authority to work with, though decisions can take a little longer than the government's target timeframe.
Approval Rate
95%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
52%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
36%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
The good news is that Wiltshire approves 95% of householder planning applications, so there's a strong likelihood your project will be welcomed. However, you should be prepared for a slightly longer wait than ideal, as only about half of applications are decided within the standard 8-week timeframe. It's worth budgeting extra time into your plans, though the high approval rate does mean that when a decision comes through, it's very likely to be positive.
Local Planning Considerations
Wiltshire contains several important heritage areas and historic landscapes, including parts of Salisbury Plain and numerous conservation areas around its towns and villages. If your property is near any listed buildings, in a conservation area, or in a sensitive rural location, you should pay particular attention to how your plans fit with local character and heritage considerations before submitting your application.
Tips for Homeowners
Take time to understand whether your property falls within any special designations like conservation areas or green belt, as these will shape what you can do and how carefully you need to present your plans. Given that decisions take longer than the 8-week target here, submit your application well ahead of any deadlines you're working to, and don't be surprised if the process stretches to 10 or 12 weeks. Make sure your drawings and supporting information are clear and detailed, since thorough applications tend to move through the process more smoothly, and consider getting professional advice if you're proposing anything substantial or your property is in a sensitive location.
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