How long do planning decisions take near Sopwell?

The average planning decision time near Sopwell is 63 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 Sopwell?

The planning approval rate near Sopwell is 79%. The national average across England and Wales is approximately 87%.

What types of planning applications are most common near Sopwell?

The most common type of planning application near Sopwell is full planning applications, with 25 submissions in the last 24 months.

How can I track planning applications near Sopwell?

You can search and track planning applications near Sopwell on Planning Signal. Create a free account to save searches, watch specific applications, and receive email alerts when new plans are submitted nearby.

Sopwell, Hertfordshire Planning Applications

Recent planning applications near Sopwell, Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire · England · settlement

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About Sopwell

St Albans, located in Hertfordshire, England, is a historic cathedral city situated approximately 20 miles north-west of London and 8 miles south-west of Welwyn Garden City. Once known as Verulamium, it served as a significant waypoint for travelers on the ancient Roman road, Watling Street. With a population of 82,146, St Albans offers a rich heritage and a vibrant community, making it a key area for planning applications and developments in the region.

District: St Albans

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Town Insights

Property Prices

Average property sale price: £629,944 (based on 50 recent transactions from HM Land Registry).

Area Information

Admin district: St Albans
Parliamentary constituency: St Albans
LSOA: St Albans 012A

Crime Statistics

0 crimes reported in 2026-02.

Flood Risk

No active flood warnings near Sopwell.

Keyword Scorecard

Planning constraint analysis based on the last 24 months of applications near Sopwell.

Ecology & Wildlife Constraints (keywords: bats, bat survey, bat roost, great crested newt, GCN...)
Trees & Landscape (keywords: tree preservation order, TPO, arboricultural, tree survey, root protection area...)
Flood & Drainage (keywords: flood zone 2, flood zone 3, flood risk assessment, FRA, surface water...)
Heritage & Conservation (keywords: listed building, grade II, grade II*, grade I, conservation area...)
Green Belt (keywords: green belt, inappropriate development, very special circumstances, openness)
Highways & Access (keywords: visibility splays, highway authority objection, access arrangement, parking provision, transport statement...)
Refusal & Risk Indicators (keywords: refusal, delegated refusal, appeal dismissed, overdevelopment, character and appearance...)
Planning Process & Appeals (keywords: appeal lodged, appeal allowed, appeal dismissed, public inquiry, inspector)

Planning Activity Summary

Approval rates, average decision times, and application type distribution for Sopwell based on the last 24 months of planning data.

Nearby Applications

8 planning applications found near Sopwell.

- Block 9-15 Lectern Lane St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Lz
The removal and replacement of existing double glazed windows to block with flats 9-15
Status: Undecided | Council: St Albans | Date: 2026-01-26
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- 45 Berners Drive St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Hz
Single storey side extension and front porch
Status: Conditions | Type: Full | Council: St Albans | Date: 2026-01-05
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- 45 Berners Drive St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Hz
Demolition of garage. Part single, part two storey side extension, single storey rear extension, and single storey front extension.
Status: Undecided | Type: Full | Council: St Albans | Date: 2025-10-14
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- 28 Holyrood Crescent St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Ls
Single storey front and rear extension
Status: Conditions | Type: Full | Council: St Albans | Date: 2024-03-15
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- Sopwell Gate Lodge Cottonmill Lane St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Hh
Frontage T1 Horse Chestnut - Crown reduction by 1-2m approx (previous pruning points).
Status: Undecided | Type: Trees | Council: St Albans | Date: 2023-12-11
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- 135 Holyrood Crescent St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Lu
Single storey side and rear extension
Status: Undecided | Type: Full | Council: St Albans | Date: 2023-11-13
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- 37 Gorham Drive St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Hu
Part single, part two storey side and rear extensions, hip to gable loft conversion to habitable accommodation with front and rear rooflights
Status: Conditions | Type: Full | Council: St Albans | Date: 2023-10-12
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- St Julians Church 3 Abbots Avenue St Albans Hertfordshire Al1 2Hy
Replacement of existing single glazed windows with new double glazed windows and retention of existing double glazed windows
Status: Undecided | Council: St Albans | Date: 2023-03-22
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A brief summary of Sopwell in Hertfordshire

Property prices in Sopwell show an average sale price of £629,944, based on 50 recent transactions recorded by HM Land Registry.

There were no crimes reported in the immediate area during the most recent reporting period. This makes Sopwell a particularly low-crime area.

Sopwell has 4 conservation areas within its boundaries: Park Street and Frogmore, St Albans, Cunningham Avenue, Sopwell. Planning applications within or near these conservation areas are subject to additional scrutiny to preserve the architectural and historic character of the area. Homeowners and developers should be aware that permitted development rights may be restricted.

For anyone interested in property development or monitoring local planning decisions, Sopwell 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.

Planning Activity in Sopwell

In the last 24 months, 57 planning applications were submitted near Sopwell. Of these, 79% were approved, with an average decision time of 63 days.

This is below the national average of approximately 87%, which may reflect stricter local policies, sensitivity of the area, or higher levels of speculative applications. Pre-application advice is particularly worthwhile near Sopwell.

At 63 days on average, decisions near Sopwell slightly exceed the 8-week statutory target for minor applications, though this is common across many councils.

The most common application types near Sopwell were full planning applications (25), tree works (11), outline applications (7). Full planning applications account for 44% of all submissions, covering new builds, change of use, and works that go beyond permitted development rights.

In terms of development scale, 1 large-scale (major) development, 6 medium-scale applications, 50 smaller schemes were submitted.

Nearby Towns

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Related Planning Guides

What Is Planning Permission in the UK? — Planning permission is the formal approval you need from your local council before making certain changes to a building or piece of land.
What Is Permitted Development? — Permitted development rights allow certain building works and changes of use without the need to apply for planning permission.
How Long Does Planning Permission Take? — Typical timelines for planning permission decisions in the UK, from submission to approval, and what can cause delays.