GETING PLANNING PERMISSION IN LONDON WITH SMARTePLANS®

How Planning Works in London 

All London planning decisions are shaped by:
1. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Sets overarching national principles including sustainable development, housing supply and heritage protection.
2. The London Plan
The Greater London Authority’s strategic development plan. It governs:
• Housing targets and density
• Affordable housing requirements
• Design quality standards
• Energy efficiency and sustainability
• Transport and parking standards
3. Local Borough Plans
Each borough has its own Local Plan which refines policies around:
• Residential extensions
• Local character areas
• Town centres
• Conservation areas
• Article 4 Directions
Applications must satisfy all three layers.

Planning Permission in London

Planning permission is required where works fall outside permitted development rights or where those rights have been restricted.
Common Applications
Householder Applications
• Rear extensions
• Side extensions
• Double-storey extensions
• Loft conversions
• Roof alterations
• Basement excavations
Full Planning Applications
• Flat conversions
• HMOs
• New-build dwellings
• Backland development
• Change of use
Prior Approval Applications
• Larger home extensions
• Office-to-residential conversions (where permitted)
Listed Building Consent
Required for works affecting listed structures.

Permitted Development Rights in London

Permitted Development (PD) allows certain works without full planning permission, subject to limits.
Common PD Rights (Houses Only)
• Single-storey rear extension (depth limits apply)
• Loft conversions within volume limits
• Outbuildings within height/coverage limits
• Porch construction (size restrictions apply)
However, PD rights do not apply to:
• Flats or maisonettes
• Listed buildings
• Many conservation areas (where restricted)
• Properties subject to Article 4 Directions
Because many London boroughs use Article 4 Directions to remove PD rights, verification is critical.

Conservation Areas & Heritage Controls

London contains over 1,000 conservation areas. Development within these areas must preserve or enhance character.
Additional Requirements May Include:
• Restriction on roof dormers
• Specific materials
• Heritage statements
• Design and Access Statements
• Enhanced scrutiny of massing and visibility
Boroughs such as Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Camden, Richmond, and Greenwich apply particularly rigorous conservation standards.

Green Belt & Metropolitan Open Land (MOL)

Outer London boroughs such as Barnet, Enfield, Bromley, Hillingdon and Havering contain substantial Green Belt.
Development is generally restricted to:
• Limited extensions
• Replacement dwellings (non-disproportionate)
• Specific exceptions under policy
Volume calculations and proportionality assessments are critical in these areas.

Borough-by-Borough Planning Considerations

While London-wide policy is consistent, borough interpretation varies significantly.
Central London Boroughs
Westminster, Camden, Kensington & Chelsea, City of London
• Strict design standards
• Basement development controls
• Heritage-heavy decision-making
• High scrutiny of massing and overlooking
North London
Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Islington, Hackney
• Mix of suburban and urban contexts
• Significant conservation areas
• Green Belt in outer areas
• Controlled flat conversions
East London
Newham, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Barking & Dagenham, Havering
• Regeneration-led development
• High-density housing policies
• Strategic growth areas
• Increasing Article 4 coverage
South London
Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Merton, Kingston, Richmond, Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich
• Metropolitan Open Land protections
• Strong design policies
• Basement and flood-risk considerations in riverside areas
West London
Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Brent, Harrow, Hammersmith & Fulham
• Town centre intensification
• Heathrow-related noise constraints
• Mixed suburban and high-density zones
Each borough publishes validation checklists and supplementary planning documents (SPDs) which must be followed precisely.

Planning Application Requirements (London Standard)

Most boroughs require:
• Location plan (1:1250 scale)
• Existing & proposed floor plans
• Existing & proposed elevations
• Roof plans (where relevant)
• Site plan
• Design & Access Statement (where required)
• Heritage Statement (if applicable)
• Planning statement (for complex proposals)
For new builds or conversions, additional documents may include:
• Daylight & sunlight assessment
• Transport statement
• Flood risk assessment
• Energy & sustainability statement
• Waste & cycle storage plans
Failure to meet validation requirements results in delays.

Typical Timeframes

• Householder application: 8 weeks
• Minor development: 8 weeks
• Major development: 13+ weeks
• Appeals: 4–9 months
Neighbour consultation typically lasts 21 days.

Common Reasons for Refusal Across London

• Overdevelopment of site
• Excessive scale or bulk
• Loss of daylight/sunlight
• Overlooking and privacy impact
• Conflict with conservation policies
• Insufficient amenity space
• Parking shortfall
Strategic pre-application assessment significantly reduces risk.

The City of London

The City operates as its own planning authority and focuses heavily on:
• Commercial office development
• Heritage assets
• Strategic tall building policy
• Public realm considerations
Residential development is limited and highly scrutinised.

Why Professional Planning Strategy Matters in London

London boroughs apply policy rigorously. Minor design adjustments can determine approval or refusal. Success depends on:
• Policy-led design
• Pre-emptive neighbour impact assessment
• Clear supporting documentation
• Responsive negotiation with case officers
At SMARTePLANS , we combine architectural design with planning strategy to deliver approval-focused submissions across all London boroughs.

Start Your London Planning Application

Whether you are planning a home extension, loft conversion, flat conversion or new development, borough-specific expertise is essential.
Contact SMARTePLANS for:
• Planning feasibility assessment
• Architectural drawing packages
• Full application management
• Permitted development advice
• Conservation area strategy
SMARTePLANS— Planning & Architectural Services Across Greater London and the City of London