Do I need Planning Permission in London?

Most developments require the local council’s consent, which can be in the form of Planning Permission or a certificate of lawfulness.

When You Need Planning Permission

Planning permission is necessary for many types of developments. Here are some examples:

• New building developments
• Additions or extensions to flats or maisonettes, including those converted from houses. Note that internal alterations or work that does not affect the building’s external appearance generally do not require permission.
• Creating a separate home within your house, such as a self-contained flat, or using a caravan in your garden as a residence. However, renting out rooms to lodgers does not need permission.
• Using part of your home for business or commercial purposes, like a workshop, or building a parking space for a commercial vehicle.
• Constructing something that conflicts with the terms of your original planning permission. For instance, if your house has restrictions on fences due to being on an “open plan” estate.
• Any work that obstructs road users’ views.
• Any work involving new or wider access to a trunk or classified road.

When Planning Permission Is Not Required

Typically, you do not need planning permission for the following:

• Changes to the interior of buildings
• Minor external alterations, such as installing telephone connections or alarm boxes

Nevertheless, exceptions may apply for buildings located in conservation areas, listed buildings, or those of significant heritage value.

Our Services

At 4D Planning, we are dedicated to assisting with your development projects. We can clarify any doubts you may have, establish the status of a building or site, and conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to gauge the likelihood of obtaining planning permission.

Contact Us

Call us today for a FREE phone consultation at: 0203 1500 183

If you proceed with your development without obtaining the necessary permission, the local council may require you to submit a retrospective planning application. If the application is not granted, you may need to revert your development to its original state. Our specialists at 4D Planning can help you prepare and submit retrospective planning applications and provide comprehensive support throughout the process.

Factors Affecting Planning Permission

Several factors, largely influenced by your local authority’s plan, can affect whether you need planning permission. Consider the following:

• Your neighbors
• Design
• Covenants
• Listed buildings
• Conservation areas
• Trees and hedgerows
• Nature and wildlife
• Building regulations
• Rights of way
• Adverts and signs
• Ancient monuments
• Environmental health
• Licensed sites
• Roads and highways

How We Can Help

4D Planning will advise you on whether you need planning permission. If you do, we will help you create a convincing and professional application for submission to the local council. If planning permission is not required, we will prepare all the necessary architectural drawings and secure a certificate of lawfulness so that you can begin your building works.