Planning permission in Folkestone and Hythe

In the last 12 months, 80.0% of home project applications were approved in Folkestone and Hythe (30 decided): extensions, loft conversions and similar work. A typical home project decision takes about six weeks (median 45 days).

Across all application types, 88.9% of 2,862 applications decided since March 2026 were approved. Based on Folkestone and Hythe's public planning register. Data last updated: 23 May 2026.

3,964Total applications

2,862Decided

88.9%Approval rate (of decided)

2,544 Approved+318 Refused+100 Withdrawn+24 Pending+978 Outcome not determined=3,964 Total

Reports for Folkestone and Hythe are coming soon.

We are not yet generating property reports for Folkestone and Hythe. You can still look up an address to see its planning constraints (conservation area, listed building, Article 4 direction, flood zone), and leave your email to hear when Folkestone and Hythe reports go live.

Look up a property in Folkestone and Hythe See a sample report

By Development Category

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

Category coverage for Folkestone and Hythe is currently limited. We're expanding our analysis as more data becomes available.

Category	Decided	Approved	Refused	Approval rate
Home extensions and alterations (householder)	41	33	8	80.5%
Discharging planning conditions	39	38	1	97.4%
Full planning applications	32	27	5	84.4%
Other*	2,750	2,446	304	mixed types

* Other combines smaller categories: Certificate of lawfulness (confirming permitted development) (19), Protected tree works (TPO) (14), Tree works in a conservation area (12), Minor amendment to an approved scheme (S96a) (10), Changing a planning condition (S73) (8), Extension notification (4), Listed Building Consent (3), Certificate of lawfulness (existing use) (2), Prior approval (permitted development) (2), Advertisement Consent (2), Prior approval Part 3 Class R: Agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use (2), Prior notification: Road (agricultural/forestry) (1), PA - Offices to dwellings (1), PA - from Shop/ Bank to dwellings (1), Part 1: Class AA Enlargement to dwellinghouses by the construction of additional storeys (1), Permission in Principle (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
Q1 2026	23	19	82.6%
Q2 2026	110	95	86.4%

By Ward

The 12 wards with the most decided applications, across all years. 5 further decided applications fall in wards not shown.

Among wards with at least 20 decided applications, approval rates range from 82.1% in Folkestone Central to 90.5% in Walland & Denge Marsh, a gap of 8.4 percentage points.

Ward	Decided	Approved	Refused	Approval rate
North Downs East	31	28	3	90.3%
Folkestone Central	28	23	5	82.1%
Hythe	21	18	3	85.7%
Walland & Denge Marsh	21	19	2	90.5%
North Downs West	16	14	2	sample too small
New Romney	15	13	2	sample too small
Sandgate & West Folkestone	13	12	1	sample too small
Cheriton	11	9	2	sample too small
Romney Marsh	10	8	2	sample too small
East Folkestone	8	6	2	sample too small
Folkestone Harbour	8	7	1	sample too small
Hythe Rural	8	7	1	sample too small

Frequently asked questions

What is the planning approval rate in Folkestone and Hythe?

In the last 12 months, 80.0% of home project applications (extensions, loft conversions and similar work) were approved in Folkestone and Hythe, based on 30 decided applications. Across all application types, 88.9% of 2,862 applications decided since March 2026 were approved.

How long does a planning decision take in Folkestone and Hythe?

The median time from submission to decision for home project applications decided in Folkestone and Hythe in the last 12 months was 45 days (about six weeks). Times vary case by case.

Do I need planning permission in Folkestone and Hythe?

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 Folkestone and Hythe?

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.

Reports for Folkestone and Hythe are coming soon. Look up an address now to see its constraints, and join the waitlist.

Look up a property in Folkestone and Hythe See a sample report