West Lancashire is slower than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #265 out of 296. The council extends the time limit on 60% of applications - one of the highest rates in England. Expect your application to take longer than the standard deadline. West Lancashire is also one of the strictest councils - it refuses more householder applications than almost any other, with only 85% approved vs 90% nationally.

One of the strictest councils

only 85% approved vs 90% nationally

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

West Lancashire decision performance

Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026

82%

Overall approval rate

Below avg (87%) #253 of 296

85%

Householder approved

Below avg (90%) #252 of 296

41%

Decided in 8 weeks

Below avg (63%) #265 of 296

60%

Extended time limit

Above avg (41%) #271 of 296

73%

Minor dwellings approved

62 decided (1-9 homes)

60%

Major dwellings approved

5 decided (10+ homes)

59%

Change of use approved

34 decided

564

Total decisions

103 refused in the year to March 2026