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 655 applications which is well below the national average of 959. The approval rate was 92% (roughly equal to the national average of 88%) and 64% of applications were decided on time, (slightly above the national average of 58%). Stats updated Sept 2026 from gov.uk 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.
As well as acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with over 25 years’ experience. We support clients through all stages of the planning process, offering the following services:
Creative architectural design is often what secures Planning Permission where standard approaches fall short. Tell us about 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 655 applications which is well below the national average of 959. The approval rate was 92% (roughly equal to the national average of 88%) and 64% of applications were decided on time, (slightly above the national average of 58%). Stats updated Sept 2026 from gov.uk 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.
As well as acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with over 25 years’ experience. We support clients through all stages of the planning process, offering the following services:
Creative architectural design is often what secures Planning Permission where standard approaches fall short. Tell us about your project.
