Planning Permission in Wandsworth

The London Borough of Wandsworth is one of the most popular areas in the capital for home improvements, thanks to its attractive Victorian and Edwardian housing stock, generous plots, and supportive planning environment. From the leafy streets of Putney and Wandsworth Common to the vibrant neighbourhoods of Battersea, Balham, and Tooting, the borough offers homeowners a wide range of opportunities to extend, modernise, and reconfigure their homes. While Wandsworth is generally more permissive than many central London boroughs, planning applications must still be carefully prepared to meet the council’s expectations around design, neighbour amenity, and character preservation.
Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, side return, outbuilding, or internal reconfiguration, Wandsworth requires proposals to be well designed, policy aligned, and sensitive to the borough’s suburban character.
Understanding Wandsworth’s Planning Environment
Wandsworth is known for its clear planning guidance and predictable decision making. The borough contains several conservation areas, including Wandsworth Common, Battersea, Putney Embankment, and West Hill. 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 key consideration in Wandsworth. Extensions must be designed to avoid harming daylight, sunlight, privacy, or the sense of openness enjoyed by neighbouring properties. The council uses the “45 degree rule” and “25 degree rule” to assess the impact of extensions on neighbouring windows and gardens. Even modest proposals may require detailed analysis, especially in terraced streets.
Wandsworth is particularly known for its approach to loft conversions and rear extensions. Loft conversions are widely accepted when designed sensitively, with dormers kept subordinate to the main roof. Rear extensions, including side returns, are common but must respect scale, materials, and the character of the host property. Outbuildings are also popular but must remain subordinate and not dominate the garden.
Sustainability is another priority. Wandsworth encourages energy efficient design, high quality 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 Wandsworth’s homeowner friendly 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 Wandsworth’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 Wandsworth’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.
• 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 Wandsworth

1. Conservation Areas
Wandsworth contains numerous conservation areas. Proposals must preserve or enhance local character, affecting:
• Rooflines
• Windows and doors
• Materials
• Extensions
• Boundary treatments
2. Neighbour Amenity
Wandsworth uses clear amenity tests, including the 45 degree and 25 degree rules. 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 & Side Returns
These are common but must respect scale, materials, and the character of the host property.
5. Outbuildings
Outbuildings must remain subordinate and not dominate the garden.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Wandsworth Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Wandsworth’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 Wandsworth’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 Wandsworth 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.