In the last 12 months, 87.7% of full planning applications were approved in Chelmsford (810 decided). A typical decision takes about eight weeks (median 54 days).
Across all application types on record (2023-02-02–2026-05-18): 87.0% of 6,353 decisions approved.
| Category | Total | Approved | Refused | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Planning Application | 2,953 | 2,435 | 518 | |
| Tree Works (TPO) | 966 | 931 | 35 | |
| Discharge of Conditions | 830 | 822 | 8 | |
| Outline Planning | 528 | 386 | 142 | |
| Non-Material Amendment (S96a) | 456 | 400 | 56 | |
| Advertisement Consent | 186 | 157 | 29 | |
| Heritage | 160 | 155 | 5 | |
| Uncategorised | 155 | 131 | 24 | |
| Other | 87 | 79 | 8 | |
| Tree Works (Conservation Area) | 32 | 31 | 1 |
| Quarter | Decided | Approved | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-Q3 | 575 | 489 | |
| 2023-Q4 | 641 | 526 | |
| 2024-Q1 | 597 | 493 | |
| 2024-Q2 | 559 | 471 | |
| 2024-Q3 | 592 | 519 | |
| 2024-Q4 | 579 | 522 | |
| 2025-Q1 | 568 | 497 | |
| 2025-Q2 | 325 | 296 | |
| 2025-Q3 | 482 | 443 | |
| 2025-Q4 | 534 | 488 | |
| 2026-Q1 | 507 | 439 | |
| 2026-Q2 | 254 | 217 |
| Ward | Total | Approved | Refused | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No ward data available | ||||
Not sure what you can build without planning permission? See our guides to permitted development rights and Article 4 directions.