Planning Permission in Richmond upon Thames

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is one of the most desirable and environmentally sensitive areas in the UK. Known for its historic architecture, extensive green spaces, riverfront settings, and village like neighbourhoods, Richmond has some of the strictest planning controls in London. From the elegant Georgian terraces of Richmond Hill to the conservation areas of Twickenham, Kew, Barnes, and Hampton, the borough places exceptional emphasis on heritage, landscape protection, and high quality design.
For homeowners, this means that even modest proposals — such as extensions, roof alterations, or changes to windows — must be carefully prepared to meet Richmond’s rigorous planning expectations. Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, or a more ambitious redevelopment, applications must demonstrate sensitivity to local character, neighbour amenity, and environmental constraints.

Understanding Richmond’s Planning Environment

Richmond is unique in London for its combination of heritage protections, landscape designations, and environmental constraints. The borough contains over 70 conservation areas — one of the highest concentrations in the UK — and numerous listed buildings. Many neighbourhoods are protected for their architectural, historic, or landscape value, meaning external alterations must preserve or enhance local character.
The River Thames is a defining feature of the borough. Properties near the river may fall within flood zones, requiring flood risk assessments or resilient design measures. Riverfront areas also have strict height, massing, and design controls to protect views, landscape character, and ecological value.
Neighbour amenity is a major consideration in Richmond. 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.
Richmond also has specific guidance on roof alterations, rear extensions, and outbuildings. Roof dormers must be modest and subordinate, rear extensions must respect scale and materials, and outbuildings must not dominate the garden. Roof terraces are particularly sensitive due to privacy concerns.
Sustainability is another key priority. Richmond 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 Richmond’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 Richmond’s character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential in conservation and riverfront 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 Richmond’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.
• Flood Risk & Environmental Documentation
Where required, we coordinate flood risk assessments and environmental reports for riverfront or low lying properties.
• 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 Richmond

1. Conservation Areas
Richmond contains one of the highest numbers of conservation areas in the UK. Proposals must preserve or enhance local character, affecting:
• Rooflines
• Windows and doors
• Materials
• Extensions
• Boundary treatments
2. Riverfront & Landscape Protection
Properties near the Thames or protected landscapes must consider:
• Flood risk
• Height and massing
• Ecological impact
• Views and landscape character
3. Neighbour Amenity
Extensions must demonstrate minimal impact on:
• Daylight
• Sunlight
• Privacy
• Sense of enclosure
4. Roof Alterations
Dormers must be modest, well integrated, and subordinate to the main roof. Roof terraces are often restricted.
5. Outbuildings
Outbuildings must remain subordinate and not dominate the garden.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Richmond Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Richmond’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 Richmond’s unique constraints
• We produce high quality, heritage sensitive designs
• We manage the entire process from survey to submission
• We specialise in conservation, riverfront, and landscape 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 Richmond 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.