1 & 2 Culver Street, CO1 1JG, 16-20 Head Street, Colchester CO1 1NY

Application Valid 260782 - Change of Use Office to Dwelling
Council
Date received
28 Apr 2026
Date validated
11 May 2026
Postcode
CO1 1JG
Type
Change of Use Office to Dwelling

Description

Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed:Change of use from first floor Class E office/retail to Class C3 to create 6 residential flats under Class MA

Colchester
Planning Authority Score
6.1/10
Average
#91 of 292 councils
Relevant to this application:
Change of use

Colchester is faster than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #49 out of 292. Only 27% of applications have the time limit extended, well below the 40% 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 82% approved vs 90% nationally.

One of the strictest councils
only 82% 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, 2025
80%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #257 of 292
82%
Householder approved
Below avg (90%) #259 of 292
78%
Decided in 8 weeks
Above avg (64%) #49 of 292
27%
Extended time limit
Below avg (40%) #39 of 292
68%
Minor dwellings approved
69 decided (1-9 homes)
67%
Major dwellings approved
12 decided (10+ homes)
70%
Change of use approved
84 decided
1,059
Total decisions
216 refused in 2025