Planning Atlas
InvestigationsThe Objection Effect
Planning Atlas›Investigations›The Objection Effect
Community · Free · London-wide

Does objecting actually work?

For discretionary applications with recorded consultation data, objection counts are associated with different approval rates. This page measures that relationship without assuming the objections caused the outcome.

Application type
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At a glance · All discretionary · London
82.8%
no objections
131,329 decided applications
45.1%
50+ objections
617 decided applications
37.7pts
observed gap
association, not causation
19.3%
with an objection
all discretionary applications
2/33
borough map coverage
requires usable first and 50+ cohorts
Approval rate by objection count
100%50%0%No objections82.8%1-566.7%6-2047.7%21-5042.6%50+45.1%
Solid sample
Small sample (shown muted)

Five objection bands show approval rates across 180,640 all discretionary applications. Bars marked with sample size (n) represent smaller decision cohorts.

Approved despite objections

Real applications approved even with extreme objection counts.

22/02489/FUL
2,518 objections
Lambeth
Demolition of 99-101 Waterloo Road, 103-107 Waterloo Road, 124 and 126 Cornwall
203275FULR3
2,395 objections
Ealing
Demolition of existing buildings and phased redevelopment of the site to provide
20/3564/OUT
2,210 objections
Barnet
APPLICATION CALLED IN BY SECRETARY OF STATE - ITEM RELATES TO AN UPDATE ON THE A
23/00178/FULL1
1,237 objections
Bromley
Phased development including demolition of existing buildings and erection of fo
233551FUL
1,094 objections
Ealing
Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a mixed-use development compris
Coverage & scope

Discretionary, consultable applications only: full planning, householder, outline, listed building consent, reserved matters. Excludes permitted development, prior approval, lawful-development certificates, condition discharge and tree works (automatic or non-consultable).

Current view: All discretionary — 180,640 applications tracked. 19.3% received at least one objection.

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