Planning permission in the capital: where are you most likely to get accepted?

Planning permission is one of the most important aspects when it comes to home improvement, but it can also be one of the most confusing.

Toolstation sent FOI requests to local councils across the capital, to determine which Boroughs are more likely to approve or decline planning permission requests.

Approved Requests

The research reveals the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to be the best area in London for obtaining planning permission, with 89% of all applications receiving approval.

The Boroughs of Islington and Haringey follow behind with 86%, and Barnet comes third with 83% of all planning applications being granted since 2020.

Denied Requests

Those living in the Boroughs of Enfield, Havering, and Waltham Forest may have a harder time with their applications, with over a quarter (28%) of all planning applications being declined across these Boroughs.

There are many reasons why a planning permission request can be denied, but the topmost reasons are:

• The work involves a listed property
• The property is located in a protected area
• The building would overlook another property of a neighbour
• The building would block or restrict the daylight of a neighbour
• The work would impact local trees

Denied applications can be re-submitted with the required amends free of charge, if the resubmission falls within the 12-month period.

Appeals

When it comes to appeals, the Boroughs of Brent and Sutton grant the highest number, with over a third (36%) of all planning permission appeals being successfully granted.

However, the same cannot be said for the Boroughs of Redbridge, Barnet, and Wandsworth, with all these areas failing to approve any planning permission appeals since 2020.

A spokesperson from Toolstation commented on these findings: “Planning permission is a fundamental part of many home improvement projects, but many people find the process confusing.

“Not all areas of London will have the exact same standards when it comes to planning permission applications, so it is always best to consult your local council’s website for details specific to your area.”