Watford is faster than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #76 out of 292. Only 19% of applications have the time limit extended, well below the 40% national average - the council usually decides on time. Watford 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

Watford decision performance

Based on MHCLG data, 2025

79%

Overall approval rate

Below avg (87%) #268 of 292

82%

Householder approved

Below avg (90%) #264 of 292

76%

Decided in 8 weeks

Above avg (64%) #76 of 292

19%

Extended time limit

Below avg (40%) #18 of 292

59%

Minor dwellings approved

44 decided (1-9 homes)

100%

Major dwellings approved

3 decided (10+ homes)

56%

Change of use approved

9 decided

522

Total decisions

109 refused in 2025