Free planning check
Free Merton planning permission check
Check in 23 seconds whether your Merton project needs planning permission, and what the council has approved near you. £995 planning drawings, paid only when the council approves. Council and Portal fees are paid separately at submission.
About the planning data
Checked against 20.6 million UK planning applications on file across 420 planning authorities. Approval rates from 2,343,419 decisions we classified across 181 councils in England.
Merton approval rates by project type
Historical approval rates in our archive, grouped by project type. These describe recorded decisions, not the chance of approval for your proposal. Checked against 20.6 million UK planning applications on file across 420 planning authorities. Approval rates from 2,343,419 decisions we classified across 181 councils in England.
| Project type | Approval rate | Decided |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey rear extension | 81% | 4,141 |
| Two-storey rear extension | 77% | 872 |
| Wraparound extension | 91% | 758 |
| Side extension | 83% | 861 |
| Loft conversion and dormer | 87% | 1,418 |
| Rooflight | 93% | 1,814 |
| Outbuilding and garden room | 82% | 413 |
| Porch | 89% | 128 |
| Garage conversion | 96% | 157 |
| Basement | 90% | 472 |
| Window and door | 94% | 456 |
A rate is only shown where at least 8 applications of that type were decided; smaller samples are shown as unknown. Withdrawn and undecided records are excluded. These figures cover all recorded years, including records without a year. Full Merton approval rates.
Application guidance in Merton
Merton's application page links its 2025 validation checklist, updated to reflect the Local Plan 2024, and identifies application types with separate checklists. Its supplementary guidance includes basement, small-site and sustainable-design material; select documents relevant to the scale and nature of your scheme.
- Merton Article 4 directions
- Merton conservation-area controls and maps
- Merton application validation checklist
- Merton supplementary planning guidance
Sources reviewed . Check the source maps, wording and effective dates against your property and proposed work.
Application records to compare
Selected archive records, not a representative sample or a prediction for your address. The descriptions below are archive excerpts and may be shortened; read the original decision and plans before relying on them.
- 25/P2919 · Recorded approved (2026)
ERECTION OF A GROUND FLOOR REAR EXTENSION AND PROPOSED FRONT PORCH EXTENSION
Open the council record for 25/P2919 - 25/P3113 · Recorded approved (2026)
APPLICATION FOR THE ERECTION OF A SINGLE STOREY SIDE/REAR INFILL EXTENSION.
Open the council record for 25/P3113
Compare the property type, works and application route. A scheme involving flats or several alterations is not directly comparable to a simple house extension. Read the archive's coverage and limitations.
Merton planning resources
Check the authority's current records for the property's planning history, application requirements and local restrictions.
Prepare for your planning application
Questions about planning in Merton
Do I need planning permission for my project in Merton?
Some house extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings can use permitted development rights in Merton, but size alone does not establish eligibility. Check the property type, previous extensions, planning conditions and the rules for the proposed work. Householder rights do not apply to flats. Conservation areas and Article 4 directions restrict particular rights; they do not automatically require an application for every change. Listed building consent is a separate requirement for works affecting a listed building's special interest.
What is the planning approval rate in Merton?
It depends on the project type. 81% of 4,141 decided single-storey rear extension applications in Merton were approved. 87% of 1,418 decided loft conversion and dormer applications in Merton were approved. Checked against 20.6 million UK planning applications on file across 420 planning authorities. Approval rates from 2,343,419 decisions we classified across 181 councils in England. Every project type is on the Merton approval rates page.
Read the official guidance on when permission is required, listed buildings and conservation areas and planning decision periods.
Approval rates are computed from 2,343,419 decided applications across 181 councils, published by each council. The free check is guidance from the public record, not a council decision.