Planning Permission in Croydon
London Borough in London · Last updated April 2026
Croydon is one of London's largest and most diverse boroughs, stretching from the urban centre around East Croydon station to the rural fringes of the North Downs. The borough contains a striking mix of Victorian terraces in Norwood, interwar suburban semis in Shirley and Sanderstead, post-war estates in New Addington, and the rapidly changing Croydon town centre — one of London's largest metropolitan centres undergoing significant regeneration. Understanding this diversity is key to navigating planning rules, because what applies in Central Croydon's conservation area may be very different from the Green Belt in the south.
The London Borough of Croydon is the Local Planning Authority for the area, responsible for determining planning applications and setting local planning policy. The borough has 20 conservation areas — from historic village cores like Addington Village and Bradmore Green to Victorian suburbs like Beulah Hill and Church Street — and 180 listed buildings (14 Grade I, 9 Grade II*, 157 Grade II). Croydon also has 3 Article 4 directions, including a borough-wide direction restricting HMO conversions and area-specific directions in the Chatsworth Road and Waldrons conservation areas that remove several permitted development rights. Parts of the south of the borough lie within the Metropolitan Green Belt, adding further planning constraints.
For homeowners planning extensions, loft conversions, or other building works, Croydon's planning landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. With a 74.4% approval rate — below the national average of 86.9% — applications need to be well-prepared. The council's Suburban Design Guide SPD was revoked in July 2022, so current design guidance comes primarily from the Croydon Local Plan 2018 policies SP4, DM10, and DM13. Use our free PD checker to see what constraints apply to your specific property before starting any project.
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What can I build in Croydon?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Yes — up to 3m (semi/terrace) or 4m (detached), or up to 6m/8m under prior notification | Planning permission if in one of Croydon's 20 conservation areas or above size limits | Planning permission if in Green Belt, conservation area, or above GPDO limits |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Possible — up to 3m depth, 7m from rear boundary, not in a conservation area | Planning permission if close to boundaries or in a conservation area | Planning permission in conservation areas, Green Belt, or above limits |
| Side extension | Possible — single storey only, max half the width of the original house | Planning permission if in a conservation area or two-storey | Planning permission for two-storey side extensions or in conservation areas |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Yes — within volume limits (40m³ terrace/semi, 50m³ detached) and not front-facing | Planning permission if in a conservation area — dormers are restricted | Planning permission in conservation areas or if volume allowance exceeded |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Usually — rooflights generally PD if flush-fitting and no higher than ridge | Planning permission if in Chatsworth Road or Waldrons CA (Article 4) | Listed building consent if property is listed |
| Outbuilding / garden room | Usually — within height/size limits and not covering more than 50% of garden | Planning permission in conservation areas or Green Belt | Planning permission in Green Belt, conservation areas, or above GPDO limits |
| Solar panels | Usually — roof-mounted panels generally PD if not protruding more than 200mm | Planning permission if wall-mounted facing a highway or in a conservation area | Planning permission on listed buildings or in Article 4 areas |
| Dropped kerb / driveway | Only if using permeable materials or draining to garden, not more than 5m² | Planning permission if non-permeable materials and over 5m² | Separate highways consent from Croydon Council always required |
| Window replacement | Usually — like-for-like replacements generally PD | Planning permission in conservation areas if materials or style change | Listed building consent for listed properties; planning permission in Article 4 CAs |
| Garage conversion | Usually — internal changes generally don't need planning permission | Planning permission if external changes visible from a highway | Planning permission if new openings face a highway in a conservation area |
This is general guidance based on Croydon's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Croydon
Permitted development rights in Croydon follow the standard national rules for most residential properties, giving homeowners significant scope for extensions and alterations without needing planning permission. However, these rights are restricted in several important situations. If your property is in one of Croydon's 20 conservation areas, you will need planning permission for many works that would otherwise be permitted — including dormer loft conversions, cladding, and satellite dishes. Properties in the Chatsworth Road and Waldrons conservation areas face additional restrictions under Article 4 directions, which remove further PD rights including some alterations to windows, porches, and external finishes. Properties in the Green Belt (southern parts of the borough) also face tighter controls. Always check your specific constraints using our free PD checker before assuming you can build without permission.
What Croydon expects from your project
Croydon's design policy landscape has undergone a significant change. The council's Suburban Design Guide SPD (SPD2), which was adopted in April 2019, was revoked by the Executive Mayor in July 2022. This means there is currently no specific supplementary planning guidance for residential extensions and alterations in Croydon's suburbs. Design quality is now assessed primarily against Croydon Local Plan 2018 policies SP4 (Urban Design and Local Character), DM10 (Design and Character), DM11 (Shop Fronts), and DM13 (Refuse and Recycling). As a London borough, London Plan policies D3 and D4 also apply. The council's Local Plan Review (2019–2040) is currently at examination, with hearings held in September–October 2025 and the inspector's interim findings published in January 2026.
Local design guidance
Suburban Design Guide SPD
Adopted 2019- SPD2: Suburban Design Guide
Local Plan: Croydon Local Plan
The Croydon Local Plan was adopted in January 2018, updated via partial review in 2023. The plan focuses on growth in Croydon Metropolitan Centre and other town centres. The London Plan (2021) also applies. Croydon has experienced significant regeneration pressure including controversies around tall buildings.
Emerging / replacement plan
Croydon is undertaking a further Local Plan review in response to the 2023 NPPF and updated London Plan policies.
74.4% approval rate
Croydon's planning approval rate is below the national average of 86.9%. If your project needs planning permission, consider pre-application advice before submitting — it significantly reduces refusal risk.
Conservation areas in Croydon
20 designated conservation areas
Croydon's 20 conservation areas protect a wide range of historic environments across the borough. These include Central Croydon (covering the Old Town around the Minster), Addington Village (a medieval village), Bradmore Green (a historic green with cottages), Chatsworth Road (Victorian villas with Article 4 restrictions), Church Street (the original Croydon High Street), Beulah Hill (Victorian and Edwardian houses), and Kenley Aerodrome (a former RAF Battle of Britain station). In any conservation area, you will need consent before demolishing buildings, removing trees, or making most external alterations. Check the council's conservation area pages for specific guidance on each area's character and what changes are acceptable.
Article 4 directions in Croydon
3 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Croydon
There are 180 listed buildings in Croydon. If your property is listed, permitted development rights are significantly restricted. Most external and many internal alterations will require listed building consent, which is separate from planning permission. Always check with Croydon's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Croydon received 1,749 planning applications and decided 1,592 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 74.4% is below the national average of 86.9%. Major applications are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, while householder and other non-major applications have an 8-week target. The “in time” figures include decisions made within agreed extensions of time.
Croydon's planning approval rate of 74.4% is notably below the national average of 86.9% (year ending September 2025). The council made 1,592 planning decisions in the period, with 864 householder applications — making it one of London's busiest boroughs for residential planning. Despite the lower-than-average approval rate, 95.3% of householder applications were decided within the 8-week target, and the delegation rate of 98.2% means nearly all decisions are made by planning officers. Croydon's Housing Delivery Test score of 160% means the council is delivering well above its housing requirement, so there is no HDT-related presumption in favour of development.
If your project complies with permitted development rules, you don't need to worry about approval rates — a Lawful Development Certificate is a factual assessment, not a judgment call.
Recent planning applications in Croydon
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Croydon expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Croydon's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Housing delivery in Croydon
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Croydon delivered 7,077 homes against a requirement of 4,428 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 160%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Croydon are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Croydon
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Croydon that your project is lawful under permitted development rules. It is not legally required before you build, but it is the only official document that proves your project did not need planning permission. Most solicitors will ask for one when you come to sell, remortgage, or insure your property.
Croydon decided 864 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 95.3% is above the national average of 93%, which suggests LDC applications are likely to be processed on time. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Croydon
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Croydon's website. You will need to submit:
- A completed application form (available on the Planning Portal)
- A site location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- A written description of the proposed works and how they comply with the GPDO 2015
- The application fee of £258
Croydon must issue a decision within 8 weeks. If the application is approved, the certificate is a permanent legal record that the development is lawful. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or amend your project and reapply.
Need help preparing your LDC application?
Our Permitted Development Certificate Report gives you a full PD eligibility assessment, property constraints check, and application checklist tailored to your address and project — so you can apply with confidence.
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Croydon.
Pre-application advice in Croydon
Croydon offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is £300 + VAT for householder (Service Level A). You can typically expect a response within 20 working days.
Pre-app advice is worth paying for if your project is borderline, your property is in a conservation area, or your home is a listed building.
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Check your PD rights now →Service Level A covers householder applications and provides a written response within 20 working days, including one meeting if requested. For larger or more complex projects, Service Levels B–E apply with higher fees and more detailed advice.
Planning fees and timelines in Croydon
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval (householder) | £120 | 42 days |
| Discharge of conditions (householder) | £145 | 8 weeks |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | 8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Pre-application advice (householder, Service Level A) | £300 + VAT | 20 working days |
| Tree works in conservation area | Free | 6 weeks |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Croydon and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Croydon
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
Building control in Croydon is provided by Croydon Council Building Control. Both Building Notice and Full Plans routes are available. Building Notice is suitable for smaller domestic works; Full Plans is recommended for extensions and structural alterations. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Contact Croydon Building Control for a fee quotation. Fees depend on the type, scale, and estimated cost of work. VAT applies to all building control charges.
Croydon planning department
Your building project checklist for Croydon
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Croydon has 20 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Croydon has 3 Article 4 areas. Check your address.
- Check if your property is listed — search the Historic England list.
- Use our free PD checker to see if your project qualifies as permitted development — Check now.
- Consider a Lawful Development Certificate if PD applies — it protects you when selling. Learn more about LDCs or get your PD Certificate Report.
- Consider pre-application advice if planning permission is needed — see the pre-application section above.
- Check building regulations — most extensions and loft conversions need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
- Check Party Wall Act obligations if building near a boundary — read our Party Wall guide or use our free Party Wall tool.
- Notify your home insurer about planned building work.
- Get at least 3 quotes from builders and check their credentials.
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