Colchester is faster than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #43 out of 296. Only 27% of applications have the time limit extended, well below the 41% national average - the council usually decides on time. Colchester is also one of the strictest councils - it refuses more householder applications than almost any other, with only 84% approved vs 90% nationally.

One of the strictest councils

only 84% approved vs 90% nationally

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

Colchester decision performance

Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026

82%

Overall approval rate

Below avg (87%) #245 of 296

84%

Householder approved

Below avg (90%) #255 of 296

79%

Decided in 8 weeks

Above avg (63%) #43 of 296

27%

Extended time limit

Below avg (41%) #39 of 296

67%

Minor dwellings approved

69 decided (1-9 homes)

85%

Major dwellings approved

13 decided (10+ homes)

75%

Change of use approved

89 decided

1,074

Total decisions

188 refused in the year to March 2026