Tower Hamlets planning statistics
Householder applications decided in the year to June 2026, compared with the rest of England.
How long does planning permission take in Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets decided 52.9% of householder applications within 8 weeks without an extension in the year to June 2026, against 62.7% across England.
Tower Hamlets is highlighted on the map. See on the map
Within 8 weeks, no extension
52.9%
217th of 297
9.8 points slower than England
Granted
92.7%
140th of 297
2.2 points higher than England
Extension of time
42.9%
228th of 297
10.6 points higher than England
Decisions (12 months)
191
Tower Hamlets decided 191 householder applications in the year to June 2026, granting 92.7%.
52.9% were decided within 8 weeks with no extension, against 62.7% across England (217th of 297 for speed).
A further 42.9% were decided under an extension of time agreed with the applicant.
That is down from 64.2% a year earlier.
Of 10 householder appeals decided in the same period, 10.0% were allowed.
How quickly decisions are made
Tower Hamlets against England, share of householder decisions each quarter
- Within 8 weeks, no extension
- Extension of time
- England, within 8 weeks
Show data
| Quarter | Within 8 weeks, no extension | Extension of time | England, within 8 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Q1 | 87.2% | 0.0% | 89.5% |
| 2008 Q2 | 90.5% | 0.0% | 89.4% |
| 2008 Q3 | 92.0% | 0.0% | 89.7% |
| 2008 Q4 | 92.7% | 0.0% | 90.3% |
| 2009 Q1 | 94.3% | 0.0% | 90.3% |
| 2009 Q2 | 100.0% | 0.0% | 91.7% |
| 2009 Q3 | 88.9% | 0.0% | 91.4% |
| 2009 Q4 | 100.0% | 0.0% | 91.0% |
| 2010 Q1 | 91.7% | 0.0% | 88.8% |
| 2010 Q2 | 86.7% | 0.0% | 89.8% |
| 2010 Q3 | 95.8% | 0.0% | 88.4% |
| 2010 Q4 | 98.2% | 0.0% | 87.7% |
| 2011 Q1 | 100.0% | 0.0% | 86.4% |
| 2011 Q2 | 87.5% | 0.0% | 85.9% |
| 2011 Q3 | 97.1% | 0.0% | 84.9% |
| 2011 Q4 | 58.3% | 0.0% | 84.9% |
| 2012 Q1 | 53.2% | 0.0% | 83.7% |
| 2012 Q2 | 46.6% | 0.0% | 84.2% |
| 2012 Q3 | 66.7% | 0.0% | 82.9% |
| 2012 Q4 | 67.2% | 0.0% | 85.2% |
| 2013 Q1 | 72.5% | 0.0% | 85.7% |
| 2013 Q2 | 92.6% | 0.0% | 86.3% |
| 2013 Q3 | 85.3% | 0.0% | 85.3% |
| 2013 Q4 | 100.0% | 0.0% | 86.3% |
| 2014 Q1 | 88.2% | 0.0% | 85.4% |
| 2014 Q2 | 89.9% | 0.0% | 84.9% |
| 2014 Q3 | 93.6% | 0.0% | 82.5% |
| 2014 Q4 | 93.4% | 1.6% | 82.1% |
| 2015 Q1 | 70.5% | 1.6% | 80.4% |
| 2015 Q2 | 80.0% | 1.3% | 80.6% |
| 2015 Q3 | 72.7% | 8.0% | 79.2% |
| 2015 Q4 | 82.9% | 3.7% | 80.0% |
| 2016 Q1 | 66.0% | 1.9% | 78.3% |
| 2016 Q2 | 81.7% | 3.3% | 79.8% |
| 2016 Q3 | 69.1% | 7.3% | 77.7% |
| 2016 Q4 | 48.1% | 18.5% | 78.0% |
| 2017 Q1 | 76.1% | 9.0% | 77.3% |
| 2017 Q2 | 72.2% | 14.8% | 78.5% |
| 2017 Q3 | 75.4% | 23.1% | 76.1% |
| 2017 Q4 | 76.7% | 18.6% | 77.1% |
| 2018 Q1 | 54.2% | 35.4% | 73.7% |
| 2018 Q2 | 62.7% | 32.8% | 74.0% |
| 2018 Q3 | 58.6% | 36.2% | 72.7% |
| 2018 Q4 | 59.3% | 35.2% | 72.7% |
| 2019 Q1 | 57.1% | 36.7% | 69.9% |
| 2019 Q2 | 76.2% | 19.0% | 72.1% |
| 2019 Q3 | 52.7% | 32.7% | 69.6% |
| 2019 Q4 | 58.5% | 34.0% | 71.5% |
| 2020 Q1 | 42.0% | 42.0% | 68.4% |
| 2020 Q2 | 52.3% | 31.8% | 63.9% |
| 2020 Q3 | 65.1% | 23.3% | 63.8% |
| 2020 Q4 | 61.9% | 27.0% | 65.3% |
| 2021 Q1 | 72.5% | 21.6% | 59.4% |
| 2021 Q2 | 73.9% | 20.3% | 58.4% |
| 2021 Q3 | 66.7% | 28.2% | 53.1% |
| 2021 Q4 | 75.5% | 20.8% | 53.0% |
| 2022 Q1 | 64.6% | 27.7% | 51.6% |
| 2022 Q2 | 69.1% | 27.3% | 56.0% |
| 2022 Q3 | 72.9% | 27.1% | 53.3% |
| 2022 Q4 | 73.1% | 23.1% | 54.1% |
| 2023 Q1 | 57.6% | 30.5% | 53.5% |
| 2023 Q2 | 62.7% | 27.5% | 58.5% |
| 2023 Q3 | 50.0% | 36.7% | 59.0% |
| 2023 Q4 | 66.0% | 24.0% | 59.8% |
| 2024 Q1 | 66.7% | 21.2% | 58.8% |
| 2024 Q2 | 75.5% | 22.6% | 64.4% |
| 2024 Q3 | 65.8% | 28.9% | 64.2% |
| 2024 Q4 | 54.1% | 45.9% | 65.6% |
| 2025 Q1 | 68.4% | 28.9% | 62.1% |
| 2025 Q2 | 66.7% | 31.7% | 65.0% |
| 2025 Q3 | 48.6% | 35.1% | 62.5% |
| 2025 Q4 | 51.7% | 46.7% | 64.7% |
| 2026 Q1 | 51.2% | 48.8% | 60.6% |
| 2026 Q2 | 58.8% | 39.2% | 62.7% |
Share of applications granted
Tower Hamlets against England
- Tower Hamlets
- England
Show data
| Quarter | Tower Hamlets | England |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Q1 | 79.5% | 85.1% |
| 2008 Q2 | 85.7% | 86.1% |
| 2008 Q3 | 88.0% | 86.3% |
| 2008 Q4 | 74.5% | 85.3% |
| 2009 Q1 | 91.4% | 85.9% |
| 2009 Q2 | 66.7% | 86.8% |
| 2009 Q3 | 77.8% | 87.4% |
| 2009 Q4 | 82.6% | 86.9% |
| 2010 Q1 | 83.3% | 87.0% |
| 2010 Q2 | 80.0% | 88.0% |
| 2010 Q3 | 89.6% | 87.7% |
| 2010 Q4 | 87.5% | 87.5% |
| 2011 Q1 | 73.1% | 87.9% |
| 2011 Q2 | 77.5% | 88.5% |
| 2011 Q3 | 70.6% | 88.3% |
| 2011 Q4 | 88.9% | 88.3% |
| 2012 Q1 | 82.3% | 88.2% |
| 2012 Q2 | 79.3% | 89.2% |
| 2012 Q3 | 78.6% | 89.0% |
| 2012 Q4 | 85.1% | 88.9% |
| 2013 Q1 | 78.4% | 89.8% |
| 2013 Q2 | 79.6% | 90.6% |
| 2013 Q3 | 85.3% | 90.3% |
| 2013 Q4 | 84.1% | 89.6% |
| 2014 Q1 | 78.4% | 89.8% |
| 2014 Q2 | 87.3% | 90.5% |
| 2014 Q3 | 79.5% | 90.0% |
| 2014 Q4 | 88.5% | 89.2% |
| 2015 Q1 | 73.8% | 89.3% |
| 2015 Q2 | 80.0% | 90.2% |
| 2015 Q3 | 79.5% | 90.0% |
| 2015 Q4 | 76.8% | 89.2% |
| 2016 Q1 | 77.4% | 90.0% |
| 2016 Q2 | 80.0% | 90.3% |
| 2016 Q3 | 76.4% | 90.2% |
| 2016 Q4 | 77.8% | 89.7% |
| 2017 Q1 | 83.6% | 89.9% |
| 2017 Q2 | 83.3% | 90.5% |
| 2017 Q3 | 75.4% | 90.0% |
| 2017 Q4 | 83.7% | 90.1% |
| 2018 Q1 | 83.3% | 90.5% |
| 2018 Q2 | 86.6% | 91.0% |
| 2018 Q3 | 87.9% | 91.2% |
| 2018 Q4 | 70.4% | 90.5% |
| 2019 Q1 | 85.7% | 90.3% |
| 2019 Q2 | 81.0% | 91.0% |
| 2019 Q3 | 90.9% | 90.6% |
| 2019 Q4 | 98.1% | 89.8% |
| 2020 Q1 | 90.0% | 89.9% |
| 2020 Q2 | 79.5% | 90.2% |
| 2020 Q3 | 83.7% | 90.6% |
| 2020 Q4 | 76.2% | 90.3% |
| 2021 Q1 | 74.5% | 90.9% |
| 2021 Q2 | 78.3% | 91.2% |
| 2021 Q3 | 75.6% | 91.0% |
| 2021 Q4 | 73.6% | 90.1% |
| 2022 Q1 | 76.9% | 90.0% |
| 2022 Q2 | 74.5% | 90.4% |
| 2022 Q3 | 79.2% | 89.8% |
| 2022 Q4 | 75.0% | 89.4% |
| 2023 Q1 | 86.4% | 89.3% |
| 2023 Q2 | 82.4% | 89.2% |
| 2023 Q3 | 83.3% | 88.6% |
| 2023 Q4 | 78.0% | 88.2% |
| 2024 Q1 | 75.8% | 88.2% |
| 2024 Q2 | 92.5% | 89.1% |
| 2024 Q3 | 92.1% | 89.4% |
| 2024 Q4 | 89.2% | 88.6% |
| 2025 Q1 | 78.9% | 89.3% |
| 2025 Q2 | 90.5% | 90.4% |
| 2025 Q3 | 81.1% | 90.1% |
| 2025 Q4 | 98.3% | 90.1% |
| 2026 Q1 | 95.3% | 90.6% |
| 2026 Q2 | 92.2% | 91.0% |
How long decisions took
Householder decisions over the last 12 months
- Within 8 weeks52.9%
- 8 to 13 weeks3.1%
- 13 to 26 weeks1.0%
- Over 26 weeks0.0%
- Extension of time agreed42.9%
Show data
| Time taken | Decisions |
|---|---|
| Within 8 weeks | 101 |
| 8 to 13 weeks | 6 |
| 13 to 26 weeks | 2 |
| Over 26 weeks | 0 |
| Extension of time agreed | 82 |
Appeals
- Decided
- 10
- Allowed
- 10.0%
- Median wait
- 10 weeks
Householder appeals to the Planning Inspectorate decided in the same 12 months. England: 34.4% allowed.
Refusals overturned at appeal
7.1% of refusals were later overturned at appeal (July 2021 to June 2026): 12 appeals allowed against 170 refusals.
89th lowest of 299 planning authorities. England: 8.9% (July 2021 to June 2026).
Householder refusals from MHCLG table PS2; appeals allowed from the Planning Inspectorate. Approximate: appeals decided in the period, which can relate to earlier refusals.
Larger home extensions (prior approval)
Single-storey rear extensions deeper than 4 metres on a detached house (3 metres otherwise), up to 8 metres (6 metres), can use prior approval instead of a planning application, except in conservation areas, National Landscapes and other protected areas.
Of 16 larger extension notifications between July 2025 and June 2026, 10 needed no approval, 3 were approved and 3 were refused.
Fewer than 10 decided in the period.
Figures as first published (provisional).
MHCLG live table PDR 1.
Enforcement
20 planning enforcement notices issued in the year to June 2026.
0.13 per 1,000 homes, against 0.17 across England. 120th highest of 294 planning authorities.
Covers all types of development, not only extensions.
MHCLG table P130; homes from the VOA Council Tax stock of properties.
Protected areas
59 conservation areas: Albert Gardens, All Saints Church Pop., Artillery Passage, Balfron Tower, Bethnal Green Gardens, Boundary Estate, Brickfield Gardens, Carlton Square, Chapel House, Clinton Road, Coldharbour, Commercial Road and 47 more.
63 Article 4 areas: Aberfeldy Street, Aldgate East, Aldgate West, Artillery Lane, Barkantine Estate 1, Barkantine Estate 2, Barkantine Estate 3, Ben Jonson Road, Bethnal Green, Blackwall Trading Estate, Bow Road, Brick Lane and 51 more.
Both can remove permitted development rights, so check with the council before relying on them. Permitted development rules
To check one postcode for a conservation area, listed buildings nearby, flood zone and radon, use the address check.
planning.data.gov.uk.
Builders
645 registered building and trade firms in 2026, 4.3 per 1,000 homes, about 0.3 householder decisions per firm a year.
3rd lowest of 294 planning authorities. England median: 10.1 per 1,000 homes and 0.5 decisions per firm.
Counts VAT or PAYE registered firms only, rounded to 5 by ONS; self-employed builders below the VAT threshold aren't included.
ONS UK Business Counts; homes from the VOA Council Tax stock of properties; decisions from MHCLG table PS2.
Compared with neighbouring councils
Decisions and approvals in the year to June 2026; overturns over each council's appeal window; builders per 1,000 homes in 2026.
Decided within 8 weeks, no extension
Granted
Refusals overturned at appeal
Questions about planning in Tower Hamlets
How long does planning permission take in Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets decided 52.9% of householder applications within 8 weeks without an extension in the year to June 2026, against 62.7% across England.
Is my house in a conservation area in Tower Hamlets?
59 conservation areas: Albert Gardens, All Saints Church Pop., Artillery Passage, Balfron Tower, Bethnal Green Gardens, Boundary Estate, Brickfield Gardens, Carlton Square, Chapel House, Clinton Road, Coldharbour, Commercial Road and 47 more. Most councils publish a conservation area map showing whether a street is inside one.
How many builders are there in Tower Hamlets?
645 registered building and trade firms in 2026, 4.3 per 1,000 homes, about 0.3 householder decisions per firm a year. Counts VAT or PAYE registered firms only, rounded to 5 by ONS; self-employed builders below the VAT threshold aren't included.
Do I need planning permission for an extension in Tower Hamlets?
Many extensions can be built under permitted development without an application, but conservation areas and Article 4 directions can remove those rights, so check whether your address is in a conservation area or covered by an Article 4 direction before relying on them. Do you need planning permission?
Property prices and energy performance in Tower Hamlets
Homes sold July 2023 to June 2026, matched to the floor area and energy rating on their Energy Performance Certificate.
Median price per m²
£7,647
6,332 sales
17% above London
Homes sold rated EPC A to C
80.8%
Median energy score 78
33.1 points above London
Value added by extending, per m²
–
Too few extended houses
Energy upgrade, no extension
–
Sale-price uplift when the energy score rose 5+ points
The median home sold in Tower Hamlets was £496,000 for 68 m² of floor space. Price per m² is up 14% since 2015 (£6,757 to £7,692 per m², 2025). Across all 125,069 homes with a certificate, 79.4% are rated A to C on their latest one.
Medians from HM Land Registry sale prices and MHCLG Energy Performance Certificates; groups under 30 sales or 50 extended houses are not shown. These describe past sales across many homes, not a valuation of any one. How these are worked out
Next steps for your extension
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