What percentage of planning applications does Bristol approve?

Bristol approves approximately 85% of planning applications, based on 17,284 decisions analysed by PlanningLens from the council's planning portal.

How many planning applications has Bristol decided?

PlanningLens has analysed 17,284 planning decisions published by Bristol.

What is the refusal rate for Bristol planning applications?

Bristol refuses approximately 15% of planning applications.

How long does a planning application take in Bristol?

The typical planning application in Bristol takes 8.0 weeks from validation to decision, which is within the statutory 8-week target for householder applications. That is the median of 20,741 applications decided since January 2020 with both dates on record. See how Bristol compares in the UK ranking: How long does a planning application take in the UK?

Recent Planning Applications in Bristol

Name: Bristol Planning Decisions
Creator: PlanningLens
License: https://planninglens.co.uk/methodology.html

Every planning decision on record, from May 2018 to September 2026.

17,284Decisions

85%Approved

2,527Refused

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Recent planning decisions in Bristol

3 weeks ago

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed loft conversion.

26/13492/CP · Bishopston & Ashley Down

Approved

3 weeks ago

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed single storey re

26/13286/CP · Bishopston & Ashley Down

Approved

3 weeks ago

Demolition of existing side extensions, and the erection of 2no. two-storey side

26/13014/F · Lawrence Hill

Refused

3 weeks ago

Alterations to existing mezzanine floor including new staircase and new glazed b

26/12877/LB · Clifton

Approved

3 weeks ago

Front bay window, rear extension and associated works.

26/12830/H · Knowle

Approved

3 weeks ago

Remove some 21st Century plasterboard walls.

26/12449/LB · Central

Approved

3 weeks ago

Single storey outbuilding.

26/12346/H · Stoke Bishop

Approved

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Ward-level approval rates and trends
Refusal patterns and key factors
Extension-by-extension approval patterns

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About this data

This page analyses 17,284 planning decisions made by Bristol, from May 2018 to September 2026. Data is sourced directly from the council’s planning portal. For the full approval rate breakdown, ward-level analysis, and extension-type approval patterns, see the Bristol planning approval rates page.

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