Planning Permission Odds for House Extensions in 2025 (UK Data)
If you’re planning a house extension in 2025, your first question is probably: “What are my chances of approval?” The short answer: approval rates at a national level remain relatively high—but volumes and the mix of applications have shifted, and local nuance matters more than ever. The latest accredited government statistics show that about 86–88% of decisions are granted at district level, depending on the quarter. In Q2 2025, for instance, district planning authorities decided ~80.8k applications and granted ~70.8k—88% of decisions (up two percentage points year‑on‑year). Householder development accounted for ~54% of all decisions that quarter. [searchworks.ph]
Back in Q2 2024, authorities granted 70.2k decisions, or 86% of the total for that quarter, while overall application volumes were lower than the previous year—a trend widely noted across 2024. [centori.io]
Key takeaway: While national approval rates are strong, the likelihood for your specific extension depends on your LPA’s policies, site context (overlooking, streetscape, conservation status), design quality, and how well your proposal addresses known risks.
2024–2025: What the numbers say
2024 slowdown: District authorities received 84.4k applications in Apr–Jun 2024 (‑9% YoY), decided 81.8k (‑6%), and granted 70.2k (86%). [centori.io]
2025 uptick in grant rate: In Apr–Jun 2025, authorities received 80.4k (‑5%), decided 80.8k (‑1%), and granted 70.8k, which is 88% of decisions (↑2 pp YoY). Householder decisions rose to ~44k (↑4% vs 2024 Q2). [searchworks.ph]
Wider commentary: Independent round‑ups through 2024 show fewer applications and approvals overall across the year—even as grant proportions stayed high. [developers...google.com], [searchengi...ournal.com]
What most affects householder approval odds in 2025
Local policy alignment
Every Local Planning Authority (LPA) has design guidance and policies (Local Plan, SPD). Failing a clear policy test (e.g., excessive height/overbearing impact) is a common refusal reason. You can explore national and LPA‑level datasets via DLUHC live tables to understand volumes/performance, then dive into your LPA’s householder SPD. [developers...google.com]Neighbour amenity
Overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, and sense of enclosure are frequent grounds for refusal. Early dialogue and measured drawings (sections with 45°/25° daylight lines where relevant) help.Design quality & context
Proposals that respect the host building and street fare better—think roof forms, materials, ridge/eaves lines, and alignment with established plot rhythm.Heritage & constraints
Conservation areas, listed buildings, and Article 4 Directions tighten tolerances. Consent rates for Listed Building Consent are generally high nationally (~92% in recent years) but require robust justification and sensitive detailing. [gtechme.com]Technical risks
Flood risk and SuDS, access/parking on classified roads, ecology, and trees can all sway outcomes or introduce conditions. Government guidance sets out when FRAs or sequential/exception tests are needed and how to approach them. [gov.uk], [urbanissta.co.uk]
Householder vs. Permitted Development (PD)
Some extensions fall within Permitted Development Rights (PDR)—no full planning permission, but rules and prior approval processes still apply (e.g., larger single‑storey rear extensions). Government fact‑sheets show high prior‑approval “grant” proportions; the Q2 2025 factsheet notes 88% granted under PDRs. [support.google.com]
PD Pros: Faster route, lower risk if you meet all criteria.
PD Cons: Strict dimensional limits; design flexibility is limited; an evidence pack (existing/proposed plans, elevations, site plan, certs) must be airtight.
When in doubt, a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) confirms PD status and avoids future conveyancing issues.
How to improve your extension’s odds (practical steps)
Do your homework on policy
Read your LPA’s householder design guide and check recent approvals/refusals on your street; note patterns (depths commonly accepted, roof forms that worked). Use Planning Data to explore local datasets and context. [onely.com]Design to pass known tests
Keep mass and depth proportionate to neighbours’ extensions.
Protect privacy (e.g., obscure glazing/high‑level windows within 1.7m sill where appropriate).
Prove daylight/sunlight resilience with simple section studies if depth/height is near limits.
Respect roof forms/materiality; avoid discordant bulk—especially in conservation areas.
Engage early
Many LPAs offer pre‑application advice. The Planning Portal is your hub for process essentials and application routes. Go in with a sketch scheme and specific questions. [theconstru...ndex.co.uk]De‑risk with evidence
Heritage statements where relevant.
FRA/SuDS notes where mapping or policy triggers them. [www.planni...london.com], [gov.uk]
Trees: survey if within Root Protection Areas; avoid harm to roots/canopies.
Use prediction & benchmarking
Before you commit fees, run a probability check (this is exactly what Planning Probability provides) against your LPA’s track record, your street context, and constraints to set a realistic strategy.
FAQs
Is 2025 a “good” time to apply?
Approval proportions remain high nationally (≈88% in Q2 2025), and householder volumes have picked up from 2024’s trough in some areas. Well‑designed, policy‑aligned extensions are regularly granted. [searchworks.ph]
What’s the typical approval rate for householder applications?
Central releases report overall decision grant rates (86–88%) depending on the quarter. Householder is the largest category of decisions (≈50–54% of totals), but grant rates vary by LPA. Check your authority’s data via DLUHC live tables. [centori.io], [developers...google.com]
Does PD guarantee success?
No—PD has precise rules. If you breach any dimension or condition, you’re back into full planning territory. Prior approval is still a decision point; however, recent fact‑sheets show a high proportion being confirmed. [support.google.com]
