Worthing

South East·E07000229·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4

Good

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

Worthing Council handles planning applications for this South East coastal area and has a straightforward, approachable planning service. The authority approves the vast majority of householder applications, making it a relatively friendly place to get planning permission. You can expect a practical and supportive approach to most residential projects.

Approval Rate

95%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

51%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

10%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a householder planning application to Worthing, you have a very good chance of getting approval, with 95% of applications succeeding. However, be prepared for decisions to take a little longer than the standard 8 week target, as only about half of applications are decided within this timeframe. Most applications will progress smoothly, but it is worth building some extra time into your project schedule just in case.

Local Planning Considerations

Worthing's coastal location means that many properties fall within areas of specific planning sensitivity, and some homes may be in conservation areas where stricter rules apply to external changes. It is worth checking whether your property sits in a protected area before you start planning your project, as this will affect what you can and cannot do without permission. The South East region also has particular considerations around green spaces and biodiversity that may influence what the council will approve.

Tips for Homeowners

Start by having an honest chat with the planning team at Worthing Council before you submit your application, as they are generally helpful and can flag any issues early on. Make sure your application is clear, complete and well presented, because incomplete submissions will cause delays and may push your decision well beyond the 8 week window. Finally, do not be discouraged if your application takes longer than expected to decide, as the council's strong approval rate suggests that patience usually pays off in the end.

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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