Planning Permission in Hammersmith & Fulham

The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) is one of the capital’s most architecturally distinctive and tightly regulated boroughs. From the elegant Victorian terraces of Fulham and Parsons Green to the historic streets of Hammersmith and the mansion blocks of Shepherd’s Bush, the borough blends heritage character with modern urban living. This makes H&F a highly desirable place to live — but also a borough with firm planning expectations, strong conservation protections, and detailed design guidance.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, façade alteration, or basement development, Hammersmith & Fulham requires proposals to be sensitive, well justified, and aligned with the borough’s planning policies.

Understanding Hammersmith & Fulham’s Planning Environment

H&F is known for its strong conservation focus and its commitment to preserving the architectural character of its neighbourhoods. The borough contains numerous conservation areas, including Parsons Green, Walham Grove, Barons Court, Hammersmith Grove, and Shepherd’s Bush. These areas are protected for their historic and architectural significance, meaning external alterations must preserve or enhance local character.
One of the most distinctive features of H&F’s planning environment is its strict approach to roof alterations. Mansard roofs, dormers, and roof extensions are heavily controlled, especially in conservation areas. The council expects roof additions to be modest, well integrated, and subordinate to the main roof. Roof terraces are particularly sensitive due to privacy and overlooking concerns.
Basement development is another major consideration. H&F has detailed policies governing basements, requiring structural reports, flood risk assessments, and construction management plans. Multi level basements are generally discouraged, and proposals must demonstrate minimal impact on neighbouring properties.
Neighbour amenity is a key factor in planning decisions. Extensions must be designed to avoid harming daylight, sunlight, privacy, or the sense of openness enjoyed by neighbouring properties. Even modest proposals may require detailed analysis, especially in terraced streets.
H&F also places strong emphasis on high quality materials, sustainability, and design coherence. Proposals must demonstrate that they complement the host property and the surrounding streetscape.

What SMARTePLANS Provides

SMARTePLANS offers a comprehensive planning service tailored to Hammersmith & Fulham’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 H&F’s character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential in conservation 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 H&F’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.
• Basement Impact Documentation
Where required, we coordinate structural reports, flood risk assessments, and construction method statements to support basement applications.
• 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 Hammersmith & Fulham

1. Conservation Areas
H&F contains numerous conservation areas. Proposals must preserve or enhance local character, affecting:
• Rooflines
• Windows and doors
• Materials
• Extensions
• Boundary treatments
2. Mansard Roofs & Dormers
Roof alterations are tightly controlled. Dormers must be modest, well integrated, and subordinate to the main roof. Mansard roofs are often restricted in conservation areas.
3. Neighbour Amenity
Extensions must demonstrate minimal impact on:
• Daylight
• Sunlight
• Privacy
• Sense of enclosure
4. Basements
Basement development requires detailed structural and environmental documentation.
5. Materials & Design Quality
H&F expects high quality materials and designs that complement the host property.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for H&F Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Hammersmith & Fulham’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 H&F’s unique constraints
• We produce high quality, policy aligned designs
• We manage the entire process from survey to submission
• We specialise in conservation and heritage sensitive proposals
• We deliver fast turnaround times without compromising quality
Whether you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, or a basement, we ensure your application is robust, compliant, and positioned for approval.

Start Your Hammersmith & Fulham 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.