Planning Permission in Tower Hamlets

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is one of the most diverse, historic, and rapidly evolving boroughs in the capital. From the Georgian terraces of Spitalfields and the Victorian streets of Bow to the modern high rise districts of Canary Wharf, Blackwall, and Aldgate, Tower Hamlets blends deep heritage with large scale regeneration. This creates a planning environment that is both opportunity rich and highly regulated. Homeowners benefit from strong investment and architectural variety, but planning applications must be carefully prepared to meet Tower Hamlets’ expectations around design, neighbour amenity, heritage protection, and urban character.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, outbuilding, or a more ambitious redevelopment, Tower Hamlets requires proposals to be well designed, policy aligned, and sensitive to the borough’s unique architectural and historic context.

Understanding Tower Hamlets’ Planning Environment

Tower Hamlets is known for its strong conservation focus and its commitment to protecting the borough’s historic neighbourhoods. The borough contains numerous conservation areas, including Spitalfields, Victoria Park, Driffield Road, Tredegar Square, and parts of Limehouse. These areas are protected for their architectural and cultural 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 Tower Hamlets. Extensions must be designed to avoid harming daylight, sunlight, privacy, or the sense of openness enjoyed by neighbouring properties. The borough’s dense urban form means even modest proposals may require detailed analysis, especially in terraced streets or areas with tight plot patterns.
Tower Hamlets is particularly known for its structured approach to rear extensions, loft conversions, and roof alterations. Rear extensions — including side returns and modest wrap arounds — 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 and overlooking concerns.
Flats and maisonettes are common in Tower Hamlets, and 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 the borough’s residential standards.
Flood risk is a consideration in areas near the Thames, Limehouse Cut, and parts of Poplar. Properties in these zones may require flood risk assessments or resilient design measures.
Sustainability is another key priority. Tower Hamlets 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 Tower Hamlets’ heritage rich and 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 Tower Hamlets’ character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential in dense and historic 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 Tower Hamlets’ 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 riverside or low lying properties, 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 Tower Hamlets

1. Conservation Areas
Tower Hamlets contains some of London’s most sensitive heritage 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 & Roof Alterations
Dormers must be modest, well integrated, and subordinate to the main roof. Roof terraces are often restricted.
4. Flats & Maisonettes
Strict policies govern extensions to flats, requiring careful design and strong justification.
5. Flood Risk
Properties near the Thames or canals may require flood risk assessments.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Tower Hamlets Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Tower Hamlets’ 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 Tower Hamlets’ unique heritage and urban constraints
• We produce high quality, policy aligned designs
• We manage the entire process from survey to submission
• We specialise in conservation, urban, and heritage 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 Tower Hamlets 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.