Planning Permission in Gravesham
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Gravesham sits on the south bank of the Thames estuary in north Kent, centred on the town of Gravesend with its long maritime history. The borough extends south into the Kent Downs AONB and extensive Green Belt, encompassing villages like Cobham, Meopham, and Shorne. The riverside regeneration area and historic town centre present contrasting planning environments.
With 23 conservation areas, Green Belt covering the southern half of the borough, and 306 listed buildings, Gravesham's planning environment is notably restrictive. The council approved just 70.4% of applications in the year ending September 2025 — one of the lowest rates in England — processing 588 decisions from 681 submissions.
Whether you are planning works in Gravesend town, extending a property in the Green Belt, or renovating in a conservation village, understanding the local constraints is essential. This guide covers PD rights, fees, and how to navigate Gravesham's planning process.
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What can I build in Gravesham?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones | Properties near boundaries or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (23), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (23), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (23), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Gravesham | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within size/height limits | Large outbuildings covering >50% of garden | Conservation areas (side or front), listed buildings, Green Belt |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties near highway boundary | Conservation areas with restrictions, listed buildings |
| Solar panels | Most properties (roof-mounted) | Panels protruding beyond roofline | Listed buildings, conservation areas (if visible from road) |
| Driveway / hard standing | If using permeable surfacing | Non-permeable surfacing over 5m² | Conservation areas with specific restrictions |
| Garage conversion | Most of Gravesham (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Gravesham's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Gravesham
Gravesham's planning context is significantly shaped by the Green Belt, which covers the entire southern portion of the borough. Extensions in the Green Belt must not be disproportionate to the original dwelling — a subjective test that the council applies strictly. The 23 conservation areas restrict PD rights in Gravesend town centre, Cobham, and numerous villages. Properties in the AONB face reduced PD limits for extensions. The combination of Green Belt and conservation area policies contributes to the borough's very low approval rate, making pre-application advice essential.
What Gravesham expects from your project
Local design guidance
Local Plan: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy 2014–2028
Gravesham Borough adopted its Core Strategy in September 2014. The borough sits on the south bank of the Thames Estuary and the plan focuses regeneration on Gravesend town centre and the riverside, while protecting the North Kent Downs AONB from inappropriate development.
Emerging / replacement plan
Gravesham is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022–2023, with a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan anticipated in 2025.
23 conservation areas
Gravesham has a high number of conservation areas. Check whether your property falls within one before starting any work — conservation area status significantly restricts what you can do without planning permission.
24 Article 4 directions
Gravesham has applied Article 4 directions to 24 areas, which remove certain permitted development rights in those zones. Use our free checker to see if your property is affected.
70.4% approval rate
Gravesham'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 Gravesham
23 designated conservation areas
Gravesham's 23 conservation areas include Gravesend town centre with its Georgian and Victorian architecture, the historic village of Cobham (associated with Charles Dickens), and several Kent Downs villages like Meopham and Shorne. With 306 listed buildings — including the historic Gravesend riverside and Cobham Hall — the council assesses proposals for their impact on setting and character. The conservation areas are well-documented, and the council's heritage team is actively involved in assessing proposals.
Article 4 directions in Gravesham
24 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Gravesham
There are 306 listed buildings in Gravesham. 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 Gravesham's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Gravesham received 681 planning applications and decided 588 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 70.4% 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.
Gravesham processed 588 planning decisions from 681 applications received in the year ending September 2025. The 70.4% approval rate is one of the lowest in England, reflecting the borough's strict application of Green Belt and heritage policies. Despite this, processing efficiency is good — major applications achieved 100% on-time, minors 97%, and householder applications 97.6%. The 96.9% delegation rate shows efficient handling.
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 Gravesham
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Gravesham expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Gravesham'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 Gravesham
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Gravesham delivered 1,056 homes against a requirement of 1,789 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 59%. This is well below the 75% threshold, which triggers the most significant consequence: the “presumption in favour of sustainable development” (also called the “tilted balance”). This means planning applications for housing should be approved unless the harm would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. For homeowners, this is a strong signal — Gravesham is under considerable pressure to approve housing, making it one of the more favourable environments for residential planning applications in England.
Lawful Development Certificates in Gravesham
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Gravesham 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.
Gravesham decided 372 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 97.6% 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 Gravesham
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Gravesham'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
Gravesham 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 Gravesham.
Pre-application advice in Gravesham
Gravesham offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is From £150 for householder proposals.
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.
Think your project might be permitted development?
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Check your PD rights now →Gravesham offers pre-application advice for householder and larger proposals. Given the borough's 70.4% approval rate, pre-app advice is strongly recommended before submitting a formal application.
Planning fees and timelines in Gravesham
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Full planning permission | £610 per dwelling | 8-13 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 6-8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 6-8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval | £120 | 56 days |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 per request | 8 weeks |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | 28 days |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Gravesham and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Gravesham
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 Gravesham is provided by Gravesham Borough Council. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Gravesham planning department
Your building project checklist for Gravesham
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Gravesham has 23 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Gravesham has 24 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.
Nearby planning authorities
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