Planning permission in Milton Keynes

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

Across all application types, 84.6% of 2,036 applications decided since August 2021 were approved. Based on Milton Keynes's public planning register. Data last updated: 27 May 2026.

2,574Total applications
2,036Decided
84.6%Approval rate (of decided)
1,723 Approved+313 Refused+98 Withdrawn+308 Pending+132 Outcome not determined=2,574 Total
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By Development Category

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

CategoryDecidedApprovedRefusedApproval rate
Home extensions and alterations (householder) 397 353 44
88.9%
Full planning applications 361 288 73
79.8%
Larger extensions (householder prior approval) 301 258 43
85.7%
Discharging planning conditions 263 220 43
83.7%
Certificate of lawfulness (confirming permitted development) 139 98 41
70.5%
Tree works in a conservation area 110 108 2
98.2%
Listed Building Consent 94 85 9
90.4%
Advertisement Consent 76 70 6
92.1%
Minor amendment to an approved scheme (S96a) 61 48 13
78.7%
Protected tree works (TPO) 57 52 5
91.2%
Certificate of lawfulness (existing use) 28 21 7
75.0%
Adjoining Authority Consultation 25 19 6
76.0%
Prior approval: Agricultural Buildings to Dwellings House 23 10 13
43.5%
Changing a planning condition (S73) 22 22 0 no refusals recorded
Other* 79 71 8 mixed types

Changing a planning condition (S73): no refusals are recorded in this category for this authority, so no approval rate is shown.

* Other combines smaller categories: Phone masts and telecoms (12), Prior Notification/Approval (9), Change of Use (8), Prior notification: Demolition (7), Prior approval: Solar equipment on non-domestic premises (6), Reserved matters (detail after outline approval) (5), Prior notification: Agricultural/forestry (building) (5), Consultation on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (5), Environmental impact screening and scoping (4), Consultations from Adjoining Authorities (4), Prior approval: Agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses (3), Permission in Principle (3), Reg 3 Application (2), Reg 4 Application (1), Outline Planning (1), Prior notification: Agricultural/forestry (excavation/waste material) (1), Prior approval: Commercial, business and service uses to mixed use and up to two flats (1), Notice (1), Prior approval: Development under an Act (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 13 9 sample too small
Q2 2026 132 113
85.6%
By Ward

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

Among wards with at least 20 decided applications, approval rates range from 82.6% in Olney to 85.7% in Danesborough & Walton, a gap of 3.1 percentage points.

WardDecidedApprovedRefusedApproval rate
Olney 23 19 4
82.6%
Danesborough & Walton 21 18 3
85.7%
Loughton & Shenley 14 10 4 sample too small
Central Milton Keynes 11 10 1 sample too small
Stony Stratford 11 9 2 sample too small
Newport Pagnell North & Hanslope 9 9 0 sample too small
Wolverton 8 7 1 sample too small
Bletchley East 6 4 2 sample too small
Newport Pagnell South 6 5 1 sample too small
E05009421 5 5 0 sample too small
Bletchley Park 5 5 0 sample too small
Campbell Park & Old Woughton 5 5 0 sample too small
Frequently asked questions
What is the planning approval rate in Milton Keynes?
Across all application types, 84.6% of 2,036 applications decided in Milton Keynes since August 2021 were approved.
Do I need planning permission in Milton Keynes?
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 Milton Keynes?
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 Milton Keynes are coming soon. Look up an address now to see its constraints, and join the waitlist.