Planning permission in Reading

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

Across all application types, 80.6% of 939 applications decided since August 2021 were approved. Based on Reading's public planning register. Data last updated: 23 May 2026.

1,349Total applications
939Decided
80.6%Approval rate (of decided)
757 Approved+182 Refused+86 Withdrawn+213 Pending+111 Outcome not determined=1,349 Total
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By Development Category

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

CategoryDecidedApprovedRefusedApproval rate
Full planning applications 602 449 153
74.6%
Protected tree works (TPO) 80 74 6
92.5%
Discharging planning conditions 72 71 1
98.6%
Tree works in a conservation area 41 41 0 no refusals recorded
Changing a planning condition (S73) 34 28 6
82.4%
Listed Building Consent 24 21 3
87.5%
Home extensions and alterations (householder) 23 21 2
91.3%
Other* 63 52 11 mixed types

Tree works in a conservation area: no refusals are recorded in this category for this authority, so no approval rate is shown.

* Other combines smaller categories: Advertisement Consent (18), Certificate of lawfulness (existing use) (11), Certificate of lawfulness (confirming permitted development) (7), Reserved matters (detail after outline approval) (6), Regulation 3 Planning Approval (5), Minor amendment to an approved scheme (S96a) (4), Demolition in a conservation area (4), Larger extensions (householder prior approval) (4), Environmental impact screening and scoping (1), Adjacent Authority Consultation (1), Hazardous Substance consent (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
Q4 2023 3 3 sample too small
Q1 2024 3 3 sample too small
Q2 2024 3 3 sample too small
Q3 2024 3 3 sample too small
Q4 2024 8 8 sample too small
Q1 2025 11 11 sample too small
Q2 2025 5 5 sample too small
Q3 2025 10 10 sample too small
Q4 2025 8 7 sample too small
Q1 2026 12 10 sample too small
Q2 2026 57 50
87.7%
By Ward

The 12 wards with the most decided applications, across all years. 8 further decided applications fall in wards not shown.

WardDecidedApprovedRefusedApproval rate
Emmer Green Ward 10 9 1 sample too small
Abbey Ward 7 7 0 sample too small
Katesgrove Ward 6 5 1 sample too small
Redlands Ward 6 6 0 sample too small
Norcot Ward 6 5 1 sample too small
Southcote Ward 6 5 1 sample too small
Caversham Heights Ward 5 5 0 sample too small
Tilehurst Ward 5 4 1 sample too small
Kentwood Ward 4 2 2 sample too small
Caversham Ward 3 3 0 sample too small
Coley Ward 3 3 0 sample too small
Park Ward 3 2 1 sample too small
Frequently asked questions
What is the planning approval rate in Reading?
Across all application types, 80.6% of 939 applications decided in Reading since August 2021 were approved.
Do I need planning permission in Reading?
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 Reading?
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 Reading are coming soon. Look up an address now to see its constraints, and join the waitlist.