In the last 12 months, 87.7% of full planning applications were approved in Sunderland (284 decided). A typical decision takes about ten weeks (median 73 days).
Across all application types on record (2023-01-20–2026-06-19): 86.5% of 3,158 decisions approved.
| Category | Total | Approved | Refused | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discharge of Conditions | 1,187 | 913 | 274 | |
| Full Planning Application | 1,108 | 1,015 | 93 | |
| Tree Works (TPO) | 156 | 148 | 8 | |
| Advertisement Consent | 139 | 128 | 11 | |
| Non-Material Amendment (S96a) | 105 | 95 | 10 | |
| Tree Works (Conservation Area) | 80 | 80 | 0 | |
| Variation/Removal of Conditions (S73) | 75 | 72 | 3 | |
| Listed Building Consent | 61 | 61 | 0 | |
| Local Authority (Reg 3 ) | 42 | 42 | 0 | |
| Prior Approval (Other) | 39 | 38 | 1 | |
| PCZ Other solar photovoltaics | 30 | 30 | 0 | |
| Telecommunications | 23 | 23 | 0 | |
| Demolition | 20 | 19 | 1 | |
| Resubmission | 18 | 11 | 7 | |
| Biodiversity Gain Condition | 17 | 12 | 5 | |
| Householder | 11 | 8 | 3 | |
| Reserved Matters | 8 | 8 | 0 | |
| Deed of Variation Request | 6 | 6 | 0 | |
| Environmental Impact Assessment (Screening/Scoping) | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| Outline Planning | 4 | 2 | 2 | |
| Certificate of Lawfulness (Existing) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Uncategorised | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| County/Minerals/Waste | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| PSI Variation | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Resubmission (Reg 4) | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Technical Details Consent - Minor Dwel | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| PA to a university building | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| PS4 Public Infrast Dev Reg 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Change of Use | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Consultation with Adjoining Authority | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| ES and (Reg)4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Hazardous Substance Consent | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Hedgerow Removal | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Quarter | Decided | Approved | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-Q3 | 267 | 239 | |
| 2023-Q4 | 254 | 226 | |
| 2024-Q1 | 267 | 231 | |
| 2024-Q2 | 231 | 193 | |
| 2024-Q3 | 262 | 216 | |
| 2024-Q4 | 262 | 228 | |
| 2025-Q1 | 240 | 204 | |
| 2025-Q2 | 254 | 212 | |
| 2025-Q3 | 236 | 208 | |
| 2025-Q4 | 256 | 218 | |
| 2026-Q1 | 275 | 239 | |
| 2026-Q2 | 48 | 46 |
| Ward | Total | Approved | Refused | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Michaels | 282 | 258 | 24 | |
| Doxford | 227 | 180 | 47 | |
| Millfield | 219 | 197 | 22 | |
| Hendon | 217 | 173 | 44 | |
| Southwick | 211 | 186 | 25 | |
| Washington North | 191 | 166 | 25 | |
| Hetton | 184 | 138 | 46 | |
| Fulwell | 148 | 132 | 16 | |
| Ryhope | 132 | 106 | 26 | |
| Copt Hill | 128 | 108 | 20 | |
| St Peters | 123 | 115 | 8 | |
| Washington Central | 114 | 97 | 17 |
Not sure what you can build without planning permission? See our guides to permitted development rights and Article 4 directions.