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Planning in Southampton

Approved
87%
69 of 75 decided
Decision time
about 9 weeks
on average

Applications within 1 km of the centre of Southampton in the last 24 months, from Southampton City Council's planning register.

Decided by Southampton City CouncilCouncil page

Around Southampton

Postcode districts

SO17 119 applications in the last 12 monthsSO15 200 applications in the last 12 monthsSO14 110 applications in the last 12 months

Applications in each district in the last 12 months.

Planning authority: Southampton City Council

For home projects and trades

About Southampton

Southampton is a vibrant port city and unitary authority in Hampshire, England, situated about 80 miles southwest of London and 20 miles from both Portsmouth and Salisbury. With a population of 253,651 as of the 2011 census, it ranks among the most populous cities in southern England, making it a key area for potential planning applications and urban development initiatives. The city has a population of approximately 271,173 (2016 estimate). It sits within the City of Southampton district.

Southampton covers an area of approximately 51.5 km². The surrounding landscape and character of the area play an important role in how planning applications are assessed by the local authority.

There are currently no active flood warnings for the Southampton 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 Southampton a particularly low-crime area, which is often reflected in its desirability and property values.

The area around Southampton has 9 nature designations nearby, which may affect how planning applications are assessed.

For anyone interested in property development or monitoring local planning decisions, Southampton 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 https://www.southampton.gov.uk/.

To comment on or object to a planning application near Southampton, 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, 149 planning applications were submitted near Southampton. Of these, 87% were approved, with an average decision time of 62 days.

The most common types were amendments (33), tree works (15), outline applications (8).

Common questions

How many planning applications have been submitted near Southampton?
In the last 24 months, 149 planning applications were submitted near Southampton. The approval rate is 87%.
How long do planning decisions take near Southampton?
The average planning decision time near Southampton is 62 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 Southampton?
The planning approval rate near Southampton is 87%. The national average across England and Wales is 87%.
What types of planning applications are most common near Southampton?
The most common type of planning application near Southampton is amendment applications, with 33 submissions in the last 24 months.
How can I track planning applications near Southampton?
You can search and track planning applications near Southampton on Planning Signal. Create a free account to save searches, watch specific applications, and receive email alerts when new plans are submitted nearby.