Wiltshire
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Wiltshire is a large planning authority covering a significant area of the South West, known for its mix of rural countryside and historic settlements. The authority has a straightforward approach to planning and approves the vast majority of householder applications. One thing worth noting is that while most applications do get approved, the decision process can take a bit longer than the standard 8-week target.
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
You can feel confident submitting a householder application here, as Wiltshire approves 95% of them. However, be prepared for the possibility that your application might take longer than 8 weeks to be decided, since only just over half of applications are decided within the target timeframe. If your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success on appeal, with 36% of refused applications being overturned. Overall, Wiltshire is a reasonably straightforward authority to work with.
Local Planning Considerations
Wiltshire contains several areas of significant historic importance, including parts of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so conservation and heritage considerations are important in many parts of the authority. You should check whether your property falls within a conservation area or is near a listed building, as this will affect what you can do. The authority also has green belt land and various areas with Article 4 directions, which can restrict certain types of development that would normally be permitted.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by checking the Wiltshire Council website to see if your property is in a conservation area or has any other designations, as this will shape what is and is not possible. Take time to prepare a clear and detailed application with good quality drawings and a thorough description of what you want to do, since this helps the council assess your proposal more quickly. Given that the authority can take longer than 8 weeks on average, submit your application well in advance of any deadline you might have, and consider contacting the planning department before you apply to discuss your ideas informally.
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