Barnsley, situated in South Yorkshire, is known for its coal mining history and industrial heritage. The town centre features a mix of Victorian and modern architecture. Notable buildings include the Grade II* listed Barnsley Town Hall. Approximately 68.0% of Barnsley is designated as Green Belt, which plays a significant role in shaping development policies.
In the last year Barnsley decided 647 applications which is well below the national average of 988. The approval rate was 93% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 52% of applications were decided on time, (significantly below the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Barnsley performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Significantly, 68.0% of Barnsley is within the Green Belt and proposals in these areas can be subject to high levels of scrutiny.
The Green Belt near Barnsley and surrounding villages limits expansion to protect landscape and open space.
In our experience, one of the top reasons poorly conceived Green Belt proposals are refused is causing 'harm to openness'. We can lower the risk of refusal with site-specific guidance. Contact us here.
You can also check whether your land is within the Green Belt using our interactive Green Belt map.
Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We advise on and prepare planning applications across a range of development types, including:
Thoughtful, well-considered design is often the key to securing Planning Permission, particularly on sites where others struggle to find a way forward. Let’s discuss your project.
Barnsley, situated in South Yorkshire, is known for its coal mining history and industrial heritage. The town centre features a mix of Victorian and modern architecture. Notable buildings include the Grade II* listed Barnsley Town Hall. Approximately 68.0% of Barnsley is designated as Green Belt, which plays a significant role in shaping development policies.
In the last year Barnsley decided 647 applications which is well below the national average of 988. The approval rate was 93% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 52% of applications were decided on time, (significantly below the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Barnsley performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.
Significantly, 68.0% of Barnsley is within the Green Belt and proposals in these areas can be subject to high levels of scrutiny.
The Green Belt near Barnsley and surrounding villages limits expansion to protect landscape and open space.
In our experience, one of the top reasons poorly conceived Green Belt proposals are refused is causing 'harm to openness'. We can lower the risk of refusal with site-specific guidance. Contact us here.
You can also check whether your land is within the Green Belt using our interactive Green Belt map.
Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We advise on and prepare planning applications across a range of development types, including:
Thoughtful, well-considered design is often the key to securing Planning Permission, particularly on sites where others struggle to find a way forward. Let’s discuss your project.
