Planning permission in Babergh

We don't yet have enough recent decisions in Babergh to show a reliable approval rate. The figures below cover all application types on record.

Across all application types, 91.3% of 1,385 applications decided since February 2023 were approved. Based on Babergh's public planning register. Data last updated: 10 April 2026.

1,541Total applications

1,385Decided

91.3%Approval rate (of decided)

1,264 Approved+121 Refused+81 Withdrawn+5 Pending+70 Outcome not determined=1,541 Total

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By Development Category

All applications on record, not only the last 12 months.

Category	Decided	Approved	Refused	Approval rate
Home extensions and alterations (householder)	389	348	41	89.5%
Discharging planning conditions	270	258	12	95.6%
Full planning applications	212	180	32	84.9%
Protected tree works (TPO)	204	201	3	98.5%
Listed Building Consent	178	168	10	94.4%
Minor amendment to an approved scheme (S96a)	55	53	2	96.4%
Prior approval (permitted development)	24	15	9	62.5%
Other*	53	41	12	mixed types

* Other combines smaller categories: Development by statutory undertaker (18), Barn to home conversion (prior approval, Class Q) (8), Advertisement Consent (8), Outline Planning (6), Reserved matters (detail after outline approval) (3), Certificate of lawfulness (existing use) (2), Enforcement (2), Phone masts and telecoms (2), County Reg 3 (1), Certificate of lawfulness (confirming permitted development) (1), Change of Use (1), Modify or Discharge S106 (1).

Quarterly Trend

The most recent three years. Earlier decisions are included in the totals above but not in this chart.

Quarter	Decided	Approved	Approval rate
Q3 2023	91	82	90.1%
Q4 2023	126	112	88.9%
Q1 2024	159	143	89.9%
Q2 2024	120	111	92.5%
Q3 2024	121	109	90.1%
Q4 2024	141	128	90.8%
Q1 2025	171	157	91.8%
Q2 2025	118	111	94.1%
Q3 2025	82	72	87.8%
Q4 2025	23	19	82.6%
Q1 2026	5	5	sample too small

By Ward

The 12 wards with the most decided applications, across all years. 141 further decided applications fall in wards not shown.

Among wards with at least 20 decided applications, approval rates range from 83.9% in Hadleigh South to 97.2% in Box Vale, a gap of 13.3 percentage points.

Ward	Decided	Approved	Refused	Approval rate
Bures St Mary & Nayland	112	105	7	93.8%
Box Vale	109	106	3	97.2%
Long Melford	101	93	8	92.1%
Brett Vale	100	95	5	95.0%
Lavenham	90	83	7	92.2%
South East Cosford	81	76	5	93.8%
Copdock & Washbrook	80	70	10	87.5%
Sudbury South West	64	61	3	95.3%
Hadleigh South	62	52	10	83.9%
North West Cosford	58	49	9	84.5%
East Bergholt	55	53	2	96.4%
Chadacre	51	47	4	92.2%

Frequently asked questions

What is the planning approval rate in Babergh?

Across all application types, 91.3% of 1,385 applications decided in Babergh since February 2023 were approved.

Do I need planning permission in Babergh?

It depends on the project and the property. Many home projects fall under permitted development rights, but constraints such as conservation areas, listed buildings and Article 4 directions change what needs permission at a specific address. See our guides to permitted development rights and Article 4 directions.

Do I need a planning consultant in Babergh?

Many home projects do not need one. A straightforward extension on an unconstrained property is often handled directly with the council, or with an architect or agent preparing the drawings. A consultant is more likely to earn their fee where the site is constrained, the council has refused similar schemes, or an appeal is in prospect. Understanding your property's constraints and the council's recent decisions first makes any conversation with a professional a better-informed one.

Planning guides

Not sure what you can build without planning permission? See our guides to permitted development rights, Article 4 directions and planning costs.

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