Planning Permission in Croydon

The London Borough of Croydon is one of the capital’s largest and most diverse boroughs, offering a wide range of architectural styles, housing types, and development opportunities. From the leafy suburban streets of South Croydon, Purley, and Sanderstead to the urban neighbourhoods of Thornton Heath, Norbury, Addiscombe, and central Croydon, the borough blends traditional family homes with modern regeneration zones. This variety creates a planning environment that is opportunity rich but also highly regulated, with strong emphasis on design quality, neighbour amenity, and character preservation.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, outbuilding, or internal reconfiguration, Croydon requires proposals to be well designed, policy aligned, and sensitive to the borough’s suburban and urban contexts.

Understanding Croydon’s Planning Environment

Croydon is known for its clear planning guidance and its strong focus on maintaining the character of its residential neighbourhoods. The borough contains several conservation areas, including Croham Manor Road, Upper Norwood, and parts of Central Croydon. These areas are protected for their architectural and historic significance, meaning external alterations must preserve or enhance local character. Proposals affecting listed buildings or heritage streetscapes require careful justification and may need heritage statements.
Neighbour amenity is a major consideration in Croydon. 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. Even modest proposals may require detailed analysis, especially in terraced or semi detached streets.
Croydon is particularly known for its structured approach to rear extensions, loft conversions, and outbuildings. 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. Outbuildings are popular but must remain subordinate and not dominate the garden.
In recent years, Croydon has also introduced stricter controls on small site intensification, including HMOs and conversions. Proposals must demonstrate adequate internal space, amenity, and compliance with Croydon’s residential standards.
Flood risk is a consideration in areas near the River Wandle and parts of South Norwood. Properties in these zones may require flood risk assessments or resilient design measures.
Sustainability is another key priority. Croydon 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 Croydon’s clear but detail oriented 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 Croydon’s character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential for high quality design. 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 Croydon’s key concerns.
• Daylight/Sunlight Analysis
Where required, we arrange specialist assessments to support your application and address neighbour amenity considerations.
• 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
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 Croydon

1. Conservation Areas
Croydon contains several conservation areas. 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
Dormers must be modest, well integrated, and subordinate to the main roof. Roof terraces are often restricted.
4. Rear Extensions & Outbuildings
These are common but must respect scale, materials, and the character of the host property.
5. Flood Risk
Properties near the River Wandle or low lying areas may require flood risk assessments.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Croydon Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Croydon’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 Croydon’s unique 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 Croydon 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.