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Planning in Harpenden

Approved
89%
449 of 493 decided
Decision time
about 11 weeks
on average

Applications within 1 km of the centre of Harpenden in the last 24 months, from St Albans City and District Council's planning register.

Decided by St Albans City and District CouncilCouncil page

Around Harpenden

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About Harpenden

Harpenden, located in the City and District of St Albans, Hertfordshire, is a thriving commuter town with a population of 31,128 in the civil parish, according to the 2021 census. Its convenient direct rail connection to Central London makes it an attractive area for residents and businesses alike, providing opportunities for growth in planning applications and development projects. The town has a population of approximately 30,674 (2021 estimate). It sits within the Harpenden Town district.

Harpenden covers an area of approximately 4.9 km². The surrounding landscape and character of the area play an important role in how planning applications are assessed by the local authority.

Property prices in Harpenden show an average sale price of £738,472, based on 50 recent transactions recorded by HM Land Registry. There are currently no active flood warnings for the Harpenden area, indicating a relatively low flood risk at present. This is a positive factor for both existing residents and those considering property purchases or new developments.

In terms of safety, there were no crimes reported in the immediate area during the most recent reporting period (May 2026). This makes Harpenden a particularly low-crime area, which is often reflected in its desirability and property values.

The area around Harpenden has 1 nature designation nearby, which may affect how planning applications are assessed.

For anyone interested in property development or monitoring local planning decisions, Harpenden planning applications can be searched by entering a local postcode above. Results include full application details, decision status, and the ability to track applications over time and set planning alerts to help you monitor and review pending planning applications. Further local information can be found on the community website at http://www.harpenden.gov.uk/.

Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. This data is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

To comment on or object to a planning application near Harpenden, open it in the list above: each one links to the council's own page for it and shows any comment deadline.

In the last 24 months, 623 planning applications were submitted near Harpenden. Of these, 89% were approved, with an average decision time of 75 days.

The most common types were tree works (203), full planning applications (160), outline applications (36). 1 large-scale development was submitted during this period.

6 planning appeals were lodged, of which 2 were allowed and 3 were dismissed (40% success rate).

Common questions

How many planning applications have been submitted near Harpenden?
In the last 24 months, 623 planning applications were submitted near Harpenden. The approval rate is 89%.
How long do planning decisions take near Harpenden?
The average planning decision time near Harpenden is 75 days. The statutory target is 8 weeks (56 days) for minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications.
What is the planning approval rate near Harpenden?
The planning approval rate near Harpenden is 89%. The national average across England and Wales is 87%.
What types of planning applications are most common near Harpenden?
The most common type of planning application near Harpenden is tree works applications, with 203 submissions in the last 24 months.
How can I track planning applications near Harpenden?
You can search and track planning applications near Harpenden on Planning Signal. Create a free account to save searches, watch specific applications, and receive email alerts when new plans are submitted nearby.