Planning Permission in Brent

The London Borough of Brent is one of the most diverse and fast changing boroughs in the capital. From the leafy suburban streets of Kingsbury and Queensbury to the vibrant neighbourhoods of Willesden, Harlesden, and Kilburn — and the major regeneration hub around Wembley — Brent offers homeowners a wide range of opportunities to extend, modernise, and reconfigure their homes. However, the borough’s mix of conservation areas, dense terraced streets, and regeneration zones means planning applications must be carefully prepared to meet Brent’s expectations around design, neighbour amenity, and character preservation.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, outbuilding, internal reconfiguration, or a more ambitious redevelopment, Brent requires proposals to be well designed, policy aligned, and sensitive to the borough’s varied architectural context.

Understanding Brent’s Planning Environment

Brent is known for its strong emphasis on neighbour amenity and its commitment to maintaining the character of its suburban neighbourhoods. The borough contains several conservation areas, including Mapesbury, Kilburn, Roe Green Village, and Queen’s Park. These areas are protected for their architectural and historic significance, meaning external alterations must preserve or enhance local character. Proposals affecting listed buildings or heritage streetscapes require careful justification and may need heritage statements.
Neighbour amenity is a major consideration in Brent. Extensions must be designed to avoid harming daylight, sunlight, privacy, or the sense of openness enjoyed by neighbouring properties. The council uses clear amenity tests, including the 45 degree and 25 degree rules, to assess the impact of extensions on neighbouring windows and gardens. Even modest proposals may require detailed analysis, especially in terraced streets.
Brent also has specific guidance on extensions, loft conversions, and outbuildings. Rear extensions must be subordinate to the main house, roof dormers must be modest and well integrated, and outbuildings must not dominate the garden. Roof terraces are particularly sensitive due to privacy concerns.
Flats and HMOs are common in Brent, and the council has strict policies governing conversions, extensions to flats, and changes of use. Proposals must demonstrate adequate internal space, amenity, and compliance with Brent’s residential standards.
Sustainability is another key priority. Brent encourages energy efficient design, sustainable materials, and proposals that reduce carbon impact. This can influence glazing choices, insulation, and the overall design approach.

What SMARTePLANS Provides

SMARTePLANS offers a comprehensive planning service tailored to Brent’s unique requirements. Our expertise ensures your proposal is robust, policy aligned, and positioned for approval.
• Detailed Planning Drawings
We produce precise architectural drawings for extensions, loft conversions, internal alterations, and façade changes. Our designs respect Brent’s character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential in dense urban areas. Our 3D surveys capture every detail, enabling us to produce highly accurate plans and visualisations.
• Design & Access Statements
We prepare clear, persuasive statements that explain the design rationale, demonstrate policy compliance, and address Brent’s key concerns.
• Daylight/Sunlight Analysis
Where required, we arrange specialist assessments to support your application and address neighbour amenity considerations.
• Heritage & Conservation Expertise
For properties in conservation areas or listed buildings, we prepare sensitive, policy compliant designs supported by heritage statements where necessary.
• Planning Agent Representation
We manage the entire process — liaising with planning officers, responding to queries, and ensuring your application is complete and professionally presented.

Key Local Planning Considerations in Brent

1. Conservation Areas
Brent contains several conservation areas. Proposals must preserve or enhance local character, affecting:
• Rooflines
• Windows and doors
• Materials
• Extensions
• Boundary treatments
2. Neighbour Amenity
Brent uses clear amenity tests, including the 45 degree and 25 degree rules. Extensions must demonstrate minimal impact on:
• Daylight
• Sunlight
• Privacy
• Sense of enclosure
3. Loft Conversions
Dormers must be modest, well integrated, and subordinate to the main roof. Roof terraces are often restricted.
4. Rear Extensions & Outbuildings
These are common but must respect scale, materials, and the character of the host property.
5. Flats & HMOs
Brent has strict policies governing flat conversions and HMOs. Proposals must meet internal space standards and amenity requirements.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Brent Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Brent’s planning framework. Our 99% approval rate reflects our commitment to policy led design, meticulous preparation, and proactive communication with planning officers.

Homeowners choose us because:

• We understand Brent’s unique constraints
• We produce high quality, policy aligned designs
• We manage the entire process from survey to submission
• We specialise in extensions, loft conversions, and conservation sensitive proposals
• We deliver fast turnaround times without compromising quality

Whether you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, or a more complex redevelopment, we ensure your application is robust, compliant, and positioned for approval.

Start Your Brent Planning Application Today

SMARTePLANS offers a free, no obligation quote and expert guidance tailored to your property. Our team handles everything — from surveys to submission — so you can move forward with confidence.