Understanding London's Planning Framework
Navigate London's complex planning system from national policies to local borough requirements. Understanding these layers is essential for a successful extension project.
Planning Layers
4 key levels to understand
💡 Tip: Each layer can affect your extension project differently
What You Need to Do Now
Skip the theory. Here are the exact steps to research your property's planning requirements today.
Find Your Borough
Google: "[Your Borough] planning portal"
Examples: "Camden planning portal", "Westminster planning portal"
Look for the official council website (.gov.uk)
Check Your Address
Enter your postcode in their planning map
Look for: Conservation Area, Listed Building, Article 4
Screenshot anything that shows up
Download The Rules
Search for "residential design guide" or "extension guide"
Download the PDF - this tells you exactly what's allowed
Bookmark the page for later reference
Check The Costs
Look for "CIL charging schedule"
This shows extra fees for larger extensions
Usually £0-200 per square meter
This Should Take 30 Minutes
Don't get overwhelmed by all the planning documents. Just find these 4 things first. You can always dig deeper later, but this gives you the basics to know if your extension idea is realistic.
Why This Actually Matters
Understanding the reasoning behind these requirements helps you navigate the system and avoid costly mistakes.
Neighbor Objections Can Kill Your Project
Councils heavily weight neighbor feedback. A single well-written objection about overlooking or loss of light can delay or refuse your application.
Real impact: 60% of refused extensions cite neighbor concerns. Early engagement can turn potential objectors into supporters.
Conservation Areas = Stricter Rules, Higher Costs
If you're in a conservation area, your design freedom is limited and costs increase. You'll need heritage statements, special materials, and more detailed drawings.
Real impact: Conservation area applications take 2-4 weeks longer and cost £3,000-£8,000 more in professional fees.
Borough Design Guides = Your Success Blueprint
Each borough's design guide isn't just suggestions - it's the exact criteria planning officers use to approve or refuse your application. Follow it = approval. Ignore it = refusal.
Real impact: Applications that clearly demonstrate compliance with design guides have 85% approval rates vs. 45% for those that don't.
Permitted Development = Skip the Stress
If your extension falls under permitted development rights, you avoid the planning application process entirely. No neighbor consultation, no planning officer, no refusal risk.
Real impact: Save £2,000-£5,000 in planning fees and 3-4 months of waiting. Worth designing around these limits if possible.
The Bottom Line
These aren't bureaucratic hurdles - they're predictable rules designed to balance your needs with your neighbors' and the area's character. Understanding them early saves time, money, and stress. Ignore them at your peril.
London's Planning Hierarchy
London's planning system operates on multiple levels. Understanding this hierarchy helps you navigate the requirements for your extension project.
National Planning Policy Framework
Sets overarching planning policies for England
The London Plan (2021, with 2025 updates)
London-wide strategic planning document setting policies on housing, design, and sustainability
Local Borough Plans
32 London boroughs plus City of London, each with its own Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
Neighbourhood Plans
Some areas have additional local policies developed by local communities
London-Specific Considerations
These unique London factors can significantly impact your extension project. It's crucial to identify which apply to your property early in the process.
Conservation Areas
1,000+ in London, with stricter planning controls
Context:
Even minor changes need approval. Expect 20-30% higher design costs and limited material choices.
Real Impact:
A simple rear extension that would be permitted development elsewhere requires full planning permission here.
💡 Check your borough's conservation area map before planning
Listed Buildings
Special consent required for any alterations
Context:
Affects 500,000+ London properties. Every screw, wire, and tile change needs consent.
Real Impact:
Double the approval process, double the time, often triple the professional fees.
💡 Listed building consent needed in addition to planning permission
Article 4 Directions
May remove permitted development rights
Context:
Common in popular areas where councils want to control extensions more tightly.
Real Impact:
Your 6m extension that should be permitted development suddenly needs full planning permission.
💡 Check if your area has any Article 4 directions in place
Character Assessments
Many boroughs have specific design guidance
Context:
Defines what "appropriate" means in your area - materials, proportions, details.
Real Impact:
Planning officers use these as their approval checklist. Match the guide = approval.
💡 Review your borough's residential design guide for specific requirements
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
May apply to larger extensions
Context:
A tax on development to fund local infrastructure. Varies dramatically by borough.
Real Impact:
£0-200 per sqm extra cost. Can add £5,000-£15,000 to a large extension project.
💡 Check your borough's CIL charging schedule for potential costs
Planning Research Checklist
Follow this systematic approach to gather all the planning information you need for your extension project.
Pro Tip
Many London boroughs offer paid pre-application advice services. This can be valuable for complex projects or when you're unsure about planning requirements.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you understand the planning framework, it's time to define your project objectives in Stage 0: Strategic Definition.
Next: Stage 0 - Strategic Definition