Planning permission in New Forest

In the last 12 months, 95.5% of home project applications were approved in New Forest (264 decided): extensions, loft conversions and similar work. A typical home project decision takes about eight weeks (median 54 days).

Across all application types, 91.1% of 2,831 applications decided since January 2023 were approved. Based on New Forest's public planning register. Data last updated: 9 April 2026.

3,579Total applications

2,831Decided

91.1%Approval rate (of decided)

2,580 Approved+251 Refused+136 Withdrawn+44 Pending+568 Outcome not determined=3,579 Total

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By Development Category

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

Category	Decided	Approved	Refused	Approval rate
Full planning applications	2,219	2,034	185	91.7%
Listed Building Consent	188	173	15	92.0%
Changing a planning condition (S73)	142	137	5	96.5%
Advertisement Consent	75	62	13	82.7%
Prior approval (permitted development)	39	26	13	66.7%
Larger extensions (householder prior approval)	32	25	7	78.1%
Demolition	21	20	1	95.2%
Other*	115	103	12	mixed types

* Other combines smaller categories: Reg 75 of the Habitat Regulations (19), PA Commercial/Busine/Service to dwelling (18), Environmental impact screening and scoping (11), Application by Hampshire County Council (10), Outline Planning (9), Minerals and waste (9), Reserved matters (detail after outline approval) (8), Phone masts and telecoms (8), Overhead Lines (8), Home extensions and alterations (householder) (7), PA alteration to University building (2), Reg 3 Council's Own Development (1), Hazardous Substances Consent (1), Conservation Area Consent (1), PA new dwell on det bldg in comm/mix use (1), PA new dwel onterrace bldgs comm/mix use (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	149	141	94.6%
Q4 2023	213	197	92.5%
Q1 2024	223	208	93.3%
Q2 2024	237	217	91.6%
Q3 2024	213	203	95.3%
Q4 2024	204	181	88.7%
Q1 2025	226	203	89.8%
Q2 2025	251	230	91.6%
Q3 2025	223	205	91.9%
Q4 2025	230	201	87.4%
Q1 2026	206	183	88.8%
Q2 2026	26	21	80.8%

By Ward

The 12 wards with the most decided applications, across all years. 272 further decided applications fall in wards not shown.

Among wards with at least 20 decided applications, approval rates range from 80.0% in Downlands & Forest North to 95.9% in Pennington, a gap of 15.9 percentage points.

Ward	Decided	Approved	Refused	Approval rate
Lymington	344	306	38	89.0%
Milford & Hordle	311	286	25	92.0%
Ringwood South	192	173	19	90.1%
Fordingbridge, Godshill & Hyde	177	160	17	90.4%
Barton & Becton	161	148	13	91.9%
Ringwood North & Ellingham	155	145	10	93.5%
Pennington	145	139	6	95.9%
Downlands & Forest North	135	108	27	80.0%
Milton	111	94	17	84.7%
Marchwood & Eling	110	105	5	95.5%
Totton Central	99	93	6	93.9%
Fawley, Blackfield, Calshot & Langley	97	89	8	91.8%

Frequently asked questions

What is the planning approval rate in New Forest?

In the last 12 months, 95.5% of home project applications (extensions, loft conversions and similar work) were approved in New Forest, based on 264 decided applications. Across all application types, 91.1% of 2,831 applications decided since January 2023 were approved.

How long does a planning decision take in New Forest?

The median time from submission to decision for home project applications decided in New Forest in the last 12 months was 54 days (about eight weeks). Times vary case by case.

Do I need planning permission in New Forest?

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 New Forest?

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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