Council Planning Checklist for London & South East Homeowners (2026)

• Do I know whether my project falls under permitted development or requires a full planning application?
• Have I checked the Planning Portal interactive guide for my project type?
• Do I know which local planning authority (LPA) covers my property?
• Have I checked whether my property is in a conservation area, Article 4 direction area, or has any listed building restrictions?
• Have I checked whether there is a tree preservation order (TPO) on any trees affected by the project?
• Do I know whether my project triggers the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? (See Crown Party Wall's Party Wall Notice Guide)

Permitted development (PD): Your project falls within set size, height, and use limits. No application needed, but a lawful development certificate (LDC) is strongly recommended for proof.

Householder planning application: Your project exceeds PD limits or is in a restricted area (conservation area, AONB, listed building curtilage).

Prior approval: Certain larger extensions or changes of use require council assessment on specific impacts only.

Full planning application: Major projects, new builds, or commercial elements.

If you are unsure which route applies, Crown Architecture can advise. Get a free quote or call +44 7950 114633.

• Title deeds or Land Registry plan (showing boundaries)
• Existing floor plans (if available)
• Property age and construction type
• Any previous planning history (check your council's planning register online)
• Any restrictive covenants on the property
• Whether the property is leasehold or freehold (leasehold properties may need freeholder consent)

A householder planning application typically requires:

Crown Architecture prepares full planning drawing packages for homeowners. See Architectural Drawings and Planning Consultant.

• Existing site plan (1:1250 or 1:500 with red line boundary)
• Proposed site plan (showing the new work in context)
• Existing floor plans (all affected levels)
• Proposed floor plans (all affected levels)
• Existing elevations (all sides affected)
• Proposed elevations (all sides affected)
• Existing and proposed roof plans (where relevant)
• Section drawings (where the council requires them)
• Design and access statement (required in some areas)

Before submitting, consider:

Councils assess neighbour amenity impact carefully. Proactively addressing concerns can reduce objection risk.

• Will the extension or conversion overlook a neighbour's windows or garden?
• Will the project cause loss of light to neighbouring properties?
• Does the project affect a shared or party wall? (If so, serve a party wall notice — see Crown Party Wall)
• Have you spoken to neighbours informally about your plans?

• Submit via the Planning Portal or directly to your local council
• Pay the correct fee (currently £258 for a householder application in England as of 2026 — check for updates)
• Include all required drawings and documents
• Include a completed application form (CIL forms, ownership certificates, etc.)
• Keep a copy of the submission confirmation and reference number

Validation: 1–2 weeks. Council checks your application is complete.

Consultation: 21 days. Neighbours and statutory consultees are notified.

Assessment: Planning officer reviews against local plan policies.

Decision: Target 8 weeks from validation for householder applications.

• Respond promptly to any council requests for additional information
• Monitor the council's online planning portal for comments and updates
• If refused, consider whether an appeal or amended resubmission is appropriate

• Check and comply with all planning conditions (they may restrict materials, hours of work, landscaping, etc.)
• Prepare building regulation drawings before starting construction — planning permission and building regulations are separate approvals. See Building Regulations.
• Arrange structural calculations if required. See Structural Engineer.
• Serve party wall notices if required before starting work. See Crown Party Wall.
• Arrange scaffolding if needed. See Crown Scaffolding.
• Confirm contractor start date and site access arrangements.

• Assuming permitted development means no rules — PD has strict limits. Exceeding them without permission is enforcement risk.
• Submitting incomplete drawings — causes validation delays and potential refusal.
• Ignoring party wall obligations — failing to serve notice can lead to injunctions and disputes.
• Not checking conservation area status — PD rights are significantly reduced in conservation areas.
• Starting work before building regulations approval — planning and building regs are separate; you need both.