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Surrey’s streets are having a facelift, thanks to a surge in planning applications as residents look to improve their homes.

With an astonishing 7,317 planning applications made in the past year alone, Surrey is now the second-biggest renovation hub in England.

And, with 86% of applications approved by local councils, the county is the perfect location for those looking to create their dream home.

The analysis, conducted by leading aluminium doors and windows manufacturer, Origin, also reveals some of the most unusual planning applications submitted to local councils.

Surrey’s streets are having a facelift, thanks to a surge in planning applications as residents look to improve their homes. Picture contributed

In Surrey, ex-Chelsea captain, John Terry, added a wine and cigar room, swimming pool, and luxury kitchen to his seven-bedroom home in the countryside.

Elsewhere in England, an avid Leeds United supporter applied to extend his property specifically to create a room to hold his football memorabilia collection.

Meanwhile, in Dorset, a World War Two RAF radar base built into the Ringstead Bay hillside, was renovated to become a £350-a-night holiday let.

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin, said: “Every day, our team advises homeowners and local installers on the best glazing products to use for their home renovations, so it was interesting to look at the renovation hotspots ahead of the seasonal ‘deadline’. Spring is the most popular time for renovations to start due to the drier weather.

“Planning applications take an average of 8-12 weeks to be approved, so homeowners need to get their 2024 applications in soon to ensure they don’t face delays.

“The impact of home renovations is significant, not just for the families who are upgrading their properties, but for the wider neighbourhood too. In Surrey, in particular, many of the applications we analysed were homeowners upgrading their properties to better accommodate family living. Whilst the housing market remains turbulent, this is a positive sign for the future.”

England’s top 10 renovation hotspots:

Greater London – 25,215
Surrey – 7,317
Greater Manchester – 6,851
Kent – 6,792
West Midlands – 6,243
Essex – 5,930
West Yorkshire – 5,825
Hertfordshire – 5,820
Hampshire – 5,589
Gloucestershire – 3,926

Find out more about Origin.

This is where Surrey ranks in the list of renovation hubs in England, according to planning data analysis