Planning Permission in Haringey

The London Borough of Haringey is one of North London’s most architecturally varied, culturally rich, and topographically distinctive boroughs. With its mix of Victorian terraces, Edwardian villas, conservation areas, and modern regeneration zones, Haringey offers homeowners excellent opportunities to extend, modernise, and reconfigure their homes. From the conservation areas of Highgate, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, and Tottenham Green to the suburban neighbourhoods of Hornsey, Bounds Green, Wood Green, and Harringay Ladder, the borough blends heritage charm with vibrant urban living.
However, Haringey also has a structured and often stringent planning framework. The borough places strong emphasis on design quality, heritage protection, neighbour amenity, and environmental sustainability. This means that proposals must be carefully prepared to meet Haringey’s expectations and align with its detailed planning guidance.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, outbuilding, or internal reconfiguration, Haringey requires proposals to be well designed, policy aligned, and sensitive to the borough’s varied architectural and heritage context.
Understanding Haringey’s Planning Environment
Haringey is known for its rigorous design expectations and its commitment to preserving the borough’s historic and architectural character. The borough contains numerous conservation areas, including Highgate, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Tottenham Green, and parts of Hornsey. 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 Haringey. 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.
Haringey 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.
Topography is a unique factor in areas such as Highgate, Muswell Hill, and Crouch End. Properties on steep slopes may face additional scrutiny regarding height, massing, and visual impact.
Flats and maisonettes are common in Haringey, especially in areas like Tottenham, Wood Green, and Harringay Ladder. The council has strict policies governing extensions to flats, roof alterations, and changes of use. Proposals must demonstrate adequate internal space, amenity, and compliance with Haringey’s residential standards.
Flood risk is a consideration in areas near the Moselle Brook, Pymmes Brook, and parts of Tottenham Hale. Properties in these zones may require flood risk assessments or resilient design measures.
Sustainability is another key priority. Haringey 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 Haringey’s heritage rich and design sensitive 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 Haringey’s character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential in conservation and hillside 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 Haringey’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 properties near rivers or low lying areas, 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 Haringey

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. Flats & Intensification
Strict policies govern extensions to flats and intensification of residential plots.
5. Topography & Visual Impact
Hillside locations require careful consideration of height, massing, and views.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Haringey Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Haringey’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 Haringey’s unique heritage, topography, and urban 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 Haringey 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.