Bolton is slower than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #229 out of 296. Bolton is also one of the strictest councils - it refuses more householder applications than almost any other, with only 83% approved vs 90% nationally.

One of the strictest councils

only 83% approved vs 90% nationally

These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application. View full council performance

Bolton decision performance

Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026

79%

Overall approval rate

Below avg (87%) #263 of 296

83%

Householder approved

Below avg (90%) #259 of 296

51%

Decided in 8 weeks

Below avg (63%) #229 of 296

44%

Extended time limit

Above avg (41%) #175 of 296

63%

Minor dwellings approved

70 decided (1-9 homes)

83%

Major dwellings approved

12 decided (10+ homes)

62%

Change of use approved

113 decided

996

Total decisions

208 refused in the year to March 2026