Windsor and Maidenhead

South East·E06000040·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4
50

Average

Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes

Windsor and Maidenhead is a planning authority in the South East that covers an area rich in history and character. The council takes a measured approach to planning applications, approving around 7 in 10 householder applications. One notable feature is that a meaningful proportion of refused applications succeed on appeal, suggesting that initial decisions can sometimes be overturned if applicants choose to challenge them.

Approval Rate

70%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

72%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

33%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a householder planning application to Windsor and Maidenhead, you can expect a fair hearing with around a 70% chance of approval. The council aims to make decisions quickly, with about 7 in 10 applications being decided within the standard 8 week timeframe, though some will inevitably take longer. You should be prepared for a thorough assessment of your proposals, and remember that refusal is not the end of the road as appeals do succeed here.

Local Planning Considerations

Windsor and Maidenhead contains several conservation areas and historic neighbourhoods that the council seeks to protect, so if your property is in one of these areas you may face tighter restrictions on what you can do. The region also has green belt land, which means certain types of development may face additional scrutiny. It is worth checking your specific location early on, as these designations can significantly affect what is possible for your home.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by understanding your property's setting and any local designations that might apply, as this will shape what the council is likely to support. Submit an application that shows you have thought carefully about how your proposal fits with the local area and its character, as this tends to strengthen your chances. If your application is refused, do not despair straight away, as the appeal statistics suggest that challenging a decision can be worthwhile, so take time to consider your options and potentially seek advice before deciding your next step.

About the performance rating: The score out of 100 is calculated from three factors: householder application approval rate (up to 40 points), the percentage of decisions made within the 8-week statutory target (up to 30 points), and the appeal overturn rate, where a lower rate means the authority makes sound decisions that hold up on appeal (up to 20 points). A further 10 points are available for data completeness. Source: MHCLG PS2 planning statistics and Planning Inspectorate appeal decisions, 2025 Q1-Q4.

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