Planning Permission in Greenwich

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is one of London’s most historically significant, architecturally diverse, and rapidly evolving boroughs. From the UNESCO designated Maritime Greenwich to the modern developments of Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich Arsenal, and Kidbrooke Village, the borough blends deep heritage with large scale regeneration. Its neighbourhoods — including Blackheath, Charlton, Eltham, Plumstead, Abbey Wood, and Thamesmead — offer homeowners excellent opportunities to extend, modernise, and reconfigure their homes. However, Greenwich also has a structured and often stringent planning framework, meaning proposals must be carefully prepared to meet the council’s expectations around design, heritage, neighbour amenity, and sustainability.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, outbuilding, or a more ambitious redevelopment, Greenwich requires proposals to be well designed, policy aligned, and sensitive to the borough’s varied architectural and historic context.

Understanding Greenwich’s Planning Environment

Greenwich is known for its rigorous design expectations and its commitment to preserving the borough’s historic and architectural character. Maritime Greenwich is a World Heritage Site, and the borough contains numerous conservation areas, including West Greenwich, Blackheath, Charlton Village, and parts of Woolwich. External alterations must preserve or enhance local character, and proposals affecting listed buildings or heritage streetscapes require careful justification and often heritage statements.
Neighbour amenity is a major consideration in Greenwich. Extensions must be designed to avoid harming daylight, sunlight, privacy, or the sense of openness enjoyed by neighbouring properties. The borough frequently applies the 45 degree and 25 degree rules when assessing extensions, particularly in terraced and semi detached streets.
Greenwich is particularly known for its structured approach to rear extensions, loft conversions, and roof alterations. Rear extensions — including wrap arounds and side returns — are common but must respect scale, materials, and the character of the host property. Loft conversions are widely accepted when designed sensitively, with dormers kept subordinate to the main roof. Roof terraces are especially sensitive due to privacy concerns.
Regeneration areas such as Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich Arsenal, and Kidbrooke Village have additional design frameworks and masterplans that influence planning outcomes. Proposals in these areas must align with site specific design codes and development guidelines.
Flood risk is a consideration in areas near the Thames, including Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich, and Thamesmead. Properties in these zones may require flood risk assessments or resilient design measures.
Sustainability is another key priority. Greenwich 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 Greenwich’s heritage rich and regeneration focused planning environment. 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 Greenwich’s character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential in historic and riverside 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 Greenwich’s key concerns.
• Heritage & Conservation Expertise
For properties in conservation areas or listed buildings, we prepare sensitive, policy compliant designs supported by heritage statements where necessary.
• Daylight/Sunlight Analysis
Where required, we arrange specialist assessments to support your application and address neighbour amenity considerations.
• Flood Risk & Environmental Documentation
For riverside or low lying properties, we coordinate flood risk assessments and resilient design measures.
• 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 Greenwich

1. Conservation Areas & Heritage Zones
Proposals must preserve or enhance local character, affecting:
• Rooflines
• Windows and doors
• Materials
• Extensions
• Boundary treatments
2. Neighbour Amenity
Extensions must demonstrate minimal impact on:
• Daylight
• Sunlight
• Privacy
• Sense of enclosure
3. Loft Conversions & Roof Alterations
Dormers must be modest, well integrated, and subordinate to the main roof. Roof terraces are often restricted.
4. Regeneration Areas
Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich Arsenal, and Kidbrooke Village have additional design codes and frameworks.
5. Flood Risk
Properties near the Thames or low lying areas may require flood risk assessments.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Greenwich Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Greenwich’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 Greenwich’s unique heritage and regeneration context
• We produce high quality, policy aligned designs
• We manage the entire process from survey to submission
• We specialise in conservation, riverside, and heritage 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 Greenwich 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.