Rear extensions are the bread and butter of UK planning — and one of the most common reasons homeowners face a refusal. Here's what 305 real decisions tell us about rear extension outcomes in Bolton.
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Rear extensions sit in the middle of the pack nationally. They're common enough that councils have clear precedent — but that cuts both ways. If your neighbours have been refused, that precedent works against you too.
| # | Ward | Decisions | Approved | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hulton | 7 | 7 | 100.0% |
| 2 | Westhoughton North & Hunger Hill | 6 | 5 | 83.3% |
A rear extension has a 100.0% approval rate in Hulton but just 83.3% in Westhoughton North & Hunger Hill.
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Not all applications are treated equally. Here's how rear extensions stack up against other common projects in Bolton.
| Type | Decisions | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Conservatory | 165 | 91.5% |
| Garage / Parking | 393 | 85.2% |
| Rear Extension | 305 | 84.3% |
| Wraparound Extension | 36 | 83.3% |
| Extension (General) | 967 | 81.8% |
| Side Extension | 194 | 80.9% |
| New Build | 254 | 80.7% |
| Flat Conversion | 24 | 79.2% |
| Dormer | 163 | 79.1% |
| Front Extension | 56 | 75.0% |
| Outbuilding | 55 | 74.5% |
| Loft Conversion | 28 | 71.4% |
| Change of Use (Residential) | 271 | 69.0% |
| HMO | 61 | 41.0% |
48 rear extension applications in Bolton have been refused since 2020. Many of those homeowners had already paid for drawings and application fees. A free, property-specific report shows you what gets approved — and what gets refused — near your property.
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