Planning permission in Harlow

In the last 12 months, 74.5% of home project applications were approved in Harlow (102 decided): extensions, loft conversions and similar work. A typical home project decision takes about eight weeks (median 56 days).

Across all application types, 88.2% of 1,366 applications decided since January 2023 were approved. Based on Harlow's public planning register. Data last updated: 12 April 2026.

1,685Total applications

1,366Decided

88.2%Approval rate (of decided)

1,205 Approved+161 Refused+54 Withdrawn+13 Pending+252 Outcome not determined=1,685 Total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)	396	338	58	85.4%
Full planning applications	278	221	57	79.5%
Discharging planning conditions	214	212	2	99.1%
Advertisement Consent	74	71	3	95.9%
Protected tree works (TPO)	73	59	14	80.8%
Tree works in a conservation area	71	69	2	97.2%
Prior approval (permitted development)	70	65	5	92.9%
Minor amendment to an approved scheme (S96a)	52	51	1	98.1%
Listed Building Consent	42	37	5	88.1%
Phone masts and telecoms	38	34	4	89.5%
Changing a planning condition (S73)	31	29	2	93.5%
Other*	27	19	8	mixed types

* Other combines smaller categories: Outline Planning (6), Demolition (6), Section 106 Discharge Application (4), Environmental impact screening and scoping (3), Reserved matters (detail after outline approval) (2), Local Development Order (2), App of Det Pursuant to Legal Agreement (1), Enforcement (1), Dwellinghouse Additional Storeys (1), Prior App Office - Residential (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	53	49	92.5%
Q4 2023	106	101	95.3%
Q1 2024	107	100	93.5%
Q2 2024	106	89	84.0%
Q3 2024	122	109	89.3%
Q4 2024	96	84	87.5%
Q1 2025	96	85	88.5%
Q2 2025	99	94	94.9%
Q3 2025	114	102	89.5%
Q4 2025	136	111	81.6%
Q1 2026	100	91	91.0%
Q2 2026	10	10	sample too small

By Ward

The 12 wards with the most decided applications, across all years. 81 further decided applications fall in wards not shown.

Among wards with at least 20 decided applications, approval rates range from 80.0% in Little Parndon West to 97.4% in Netteswell North, a gap of 17.4 percentage points.

Ward	Decided	Approved	Refused	Approval rate
Not Available	672	592	80	88.1%
Mark Hall North	67	60	7	89.6%
Old Harlow West	57	49	8	86.0%
Sumners And Kingsmoor East	46	38	8	82.6%
Great Parndon North	42	35	7	83.3%
Town Centre	41	39	2	95.1%
Mark Hall South	40	36	4	90.0%
Newhall	39	36	3	92.3%
Netteswell North	38	37	1	97.4%
Churchgate	36	32	4	88.9%
Potter Street	32	26	6	81.2%
Little Parndon West	30	24	6	80.0%

Frequently asked questions

What is the planning approval rate in Harlow?

In the last 12 months, 74.5% of home project applications (extensions, loft conversions and similar work) were approved in Harlow, based on 102 decided applications. Across all application types, 88.2% of 1,366 applications decided since January 2023 were approved.

How long does a planning decision take in Harlow?

The median time from submission to decision for home project applications decided in Harlow in the last 12 months was 56 days (about eight weeks). Times vary case by case.

Do I need planning permission in Harlow?

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 Harlow?

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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