Planning Permission in Greenwich
London Borough in London · Last updated April 2026
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is one of southeast London's most historically significant areas, home to the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Prime Meridian, and an extraordinary concentration of heritage buildings. The borough stretches from the riverside areas of Greenwich town centre and Woolwich through to suburban Eltham, Blackheath, and Charlton, encompassing Georgian terraces, Victorian villas, post-war estates, and some of London's most ambitious regeneration projects — including the Greenwich Peninsula (17,500 new homes), Kidbrooke Village (5,268 homes), and Woolwich's Royal Arsenal (3,500+ homes).
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is the Local Planning Authority, responsible for determining applications and setting planning policy. The borough has 23 conservation areas — including those forming the World Heritage Site buffer zone (West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Blackheath) — and 542 listed buildings (28 Grade I, 45 Grade II*, 469 Grade II), one of the densest concentrations in London. Greenwich has 8 Article 4 directions covering 6 conservation areas plus borough-wide HMO and retail centre restrictions. The Elizabeth Line serves Woolwich and Abbey Wood stations, driving significant development pressure in the southeast of the borough.
For homeowners planning extensions or alterations, Greenwich's planning approval rate of 74.6% is well below the national average of 86.9%, so applications need careful preparation. The council's Housing Delivery Test score of just 48% triggers the 'presumption in favour of sustainable development', though this mainly affects larger housing schemes rather than householder applications. The Residential Extensions, Basements and Conversions SPD provides detailed design guidance. Use our free PD checker to see what constraints apply to your specific property.
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What can I build in Greenwich?
| 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 Greenwich's 23 conservation areas | Planning permission in conservation areas, Green Belt, or Article 4 areas |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Possible — up to 3m depth, 7m from rear boundary, not in a conservation area | Planning permission if in a conservation area or close to boundaries | Planning permission in conservation areas, World Heritage Site buffer zone, 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 World Heritage Site buffer zone |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Usually — rooflights generally PD if flush-fitting and no higher than ridge | Planning permission if in Article 4 areas (Ashburnham Triangle, East Greenwich, etc.) | 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 if over 10m² within 2m of boundary | 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 on principal/side elevation in a conservation area | Planning permission on listed buildings or in World Heritage Site |
| 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 Greenwich Council always required |
| Window replacement | Usually — like-for-like replacements generally PD outside conservation areas | Planning permission in conservation areas if changing materials or style | Planning permission in Article 4 CAs (East Greenwich, West Greenwich, etc.); listed building consent for listed properties |
| Garage conversion | Usually — internal changes generally don't need planning permission | Planning permission if external changes visible from a highway | Planning permission in conservation areas if altering external appearance |
This is general guidance based on Greenwich's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Greenwich
Permitted development rights in Greenwich follow the standard national rules for most residential properties. However, these rights are restricted in several important situations. Properties in any of Greenwich's 23 conservation areas face tighter controls, and six conservation areas — Ashburnham Triangle, East Greenwich, Progress Estate, Rectory Field, Shrewsbury Park Estate, and West Greenwich — have Article 4 directions that remove additional PD rights for external alterations including window/door replacement and re-roofing. Properties within the World Heritage Site and its buffer zone receive heightened scrutiny for any visible changes. Always check your specific constraints using our free PD checker before assuming you can build without permission.
What Greenwich expects from your project
Greenwich's primary design guidance for homeowners is the Residential Extensions, Basements and Conversions SPD, which sets detailed expectations for scale, form, materials, and impact on neighbours. Key design policies from the Core Strategy (2014) include Policy DH1 (Design) and Policy DH3 (Heritage Assets). As a London borough, London Plan policies D3, D4, and HC2 (World Heritage Sites) also apply. A new Local Plan is at Regulation 18 stage (early consultation), covering 2021–2036 — once adopted, it will replace the 2014 Core Strategy.
Local design guidance
Residential Extensions, Conversions and Basement Development SPG
Local Plan: Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Plan
The Greenwich Local Plan was adopted in July 2014 (Core Strategy 2014, saved policies from UDP 2006). The borough includes the Woolwich, Greenwich Town Centre and Peninsula growth areas. The London Plan (2021) also applies as part of the statutory development plan.
Emerging / replacement plan
A new Greenwich Local Plan is being prepared. A Regulation 19 Pre-Submission Plan consultation ran in 2023-2024, with submission to the Planning Inspectorate expected in 2025.
23 conservation areas
Greenwich 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.
74.6% approval rate
Greenwich'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 Greenwich
23 designated conservation areas
Greenwich's 23 conservation areas protect a remarkable range of architectural heritage. The most significant include West Greenwich, East Greenwich, and Blackheath, which form the buffer zone of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other notable areas include Royal Arsenal Woolwich (the historic munitions complex now undergoing major regeneration), Eltham Palace (containing the Grade I medieval Great Hall and 1930s Art Deco mansion), Charlton Village (around the Grade I Charlton House), and Blackheath Park (with distinctive architect-designed homes by Span Developments). In any conservation area, you need consent before demolishing buildings, carrying out tree works, or making most external alterations. Check the council's conservation area pages for guidance.
Article 4 directions in Greenwich
8 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Greenwich
There are 542 listed buildings in Greenwich. 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 Greenwich's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Greenwich received 1,566 planning applications and decided 1,501 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 74.6% 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.
Greenwich's planning approval rate of 74.6% is well below the national average of 86.9% (year ending September 2025). The council made 1,501 planning decisions in the period, with 728 householder applications. 94.6% of householder applications were decided within the 8-week target — above the 93% national average — and the delegation rate of 93.4% means most decisions are made by planning officers. Greenwich's Housing Delivery Test score of just 48% triggers the NPPF 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' for housing applications, meaning the council's housing policies are considered out of date. This mainly affects larger sites; householder applications are assessed primarily on design merit and policy compliance.
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 Greenwich
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Greenwich expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Greenwich'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 Greenwich
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Greenwich delivered 3,646 homes against a requirement of 7,528 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 48%. 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 — Greenwich 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 Greenwich
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Greenwich 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.
Greenwich decided 728 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 94.6% 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 Greenwich
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Greenwich'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
Greenwich 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 Greenwich.
Pre-application advice in Greenwich
Greenwich offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is Tiered fee structure — see council's fee schedule. You can typically expect a response within Written response provided.
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 →Greenwich offers a tiered pre-application service for homeowners and developers. Contact dutyplanner@royalgreenwich.gov.uk for advice. Pre-app is especially recommended given Greenwich's 74.6% approval rate (below national average) and the presence of the World Heritage Site, 23 conservation areas, and major regeneration zones.
Planning fees and timelines in Greenwich
| 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 |
| Discharge of conditions (householder) | £145 | 8 weeks |
| Pre-application advice (householder) | See council fee schedule | Written response |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Section 73 variation of condition (householder) | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Tree works in conservation area | Free | 6 weeks |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Greenwich and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Greenwich
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 Greenwich is provided by Greenwich Building Control. Both Building Notice and Full Plans routes are available through the council's in-house building control service, or you can appoint a private approved inspector. Regularisation certificates are available for retrospective approval of past work. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Contact Greenwich Building Control for a fee quotation. Fees depend on the type and scale of work.
Greenwich planning department
Your building project checklist for Greenwich
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Greenwich has 23 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Greenwich has 8 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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