Planiverse / Authorities / Folkestone and Hythe

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 2,858 applications decided since March 2026 were approved. Based on Folkestone and Hythe's public planning register. Data last updated: 23 May 2026.

3,959Total applications
2,858Decided
88.9%Approval rate (of decided)
2,540 Approved+318 Refused+99 Withdrawn+24 Pending+978 Outcome not determined=3,959 Total
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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.
CategoryDecidedApprovedRefusedApproval 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* 2,746 2,442 304 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.

QuarterDecidedApprovedApproval 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.

WardDecidedApprovedRefusedApproval 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 2,858 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.

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