Planning Permission in Hammersmith and Fulham
London Borough in London · Last updated April 2026
Hammersmith and Fulham is one of West London's most desirable boroughs, stretching along the Thames from Fulham in the south to Shepherds Bush and White City in the north. The borough is characterised by its grand Victorian and Edwardian terraces, riverside developments, cultural landmarks like the Eventim Apollo (Hammersmith Odeon), and major sporting venues including Fulham FC's Craven Cottage and QPR's Loftus Road. With some of London's highest property values, homeowners here frequently seek to extend and improve their properties — making an understanding of the planning system essential.
Planning in Hammersmith and Fulham is governed by the adopted Local Plan (2018), with detailed design guidance in the Planning Guidance SPD. The council is preparing a new Local Plan looking ahead to 2042, with Regulation 19 consultation planned for early 2026. The borough contains several major regeneration areas, including Earls Court (one of London's largest development sites), White City (creative industries and biomedical research), and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation area in the north. With 44 conservation areas covering approximately half the borough, 15 Article 4 directions, and a borough-wide basement restriction, the planning framework here is among the most complex in London.
Whether you're planning a rear extension in Fulham, a loft conversion in Brook Green, or considering basement excavation anywhere in the borough, understanding the specific planning constraints that apply to your property is crucial. The council's 95.9% approval rate — well above the national average — suggests that well-designed proposals aligned with local policies have an excellent chance of success.
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What can I build in Hammersmith and Fulham?
| 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 | Conservation areas (44), Article 4 zones (15), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (44), Article 4 zones (15), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (44), Article 4 zones (15), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (Borough-wide Basement Development, Commercial to Residential (44 locations)) | Conservation areas (e.g. St. Peter's Square, The Mall, Hurlingham), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Hammersmith and Fulham outside conservation areas | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings, Article 4 areas |
| 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 |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties in Article 4 areas or 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 Hammersmith and Fulham (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Hammersmith and Fulham's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Hammersmith and Fulham
Permitted development rights in Hammersmith and Fulham are significantly restricted by two layers of control. First, with 44 conservation areas covering roughly half the borough, many properties automatically lose PD rights for roof alterations, cladding, satellite dishes, and certain other works. Second, 13 named conservation areas have additional property-specific Article 4 directions that remove PD rights for extensions and alterations at individual addresses. Most significantly, a borough-wide Article 4 direction for basement development (in force since April 2018) means that all basement excavation requires planning permission — Hammersmith and Fulham is one of the strictest boroughs in London for basement works. Before starting any building project, check the council's online planning map to see whether your property is affected by conservation area designation, Article 4 directions, or both. The Planning Guidance SPD (2018) provides detailed guidance on acceptable design for extensions, dormers, and alterations.
What Hammersmith and Fulham expects from your project
Hammersmith and Fulham's design expectations are set out in the Local Plan 2018 (policies DC1 Built Environment, DC2 Design of New Build, DC4 Basement Development, HO11 Detailed Residential Standards) and the comprehensive Planning Guidance SPD (2018). The SPD provides detailed guidance on rear extensions, side extensions, roof-level extensions, lightwells, shopfronts, and — critically — basement development, which requires planning permission borough-wide. A Climate Change SPD (2023) sets out sustainability expectations, and the Hammersmith Town Centre SPD (2024) guides development in that area. The council operates a Design Review Panel for significant schemes. Pre-application advice for householder proposals costs £435 (written, 10 working days) or £630 (meeting, 20 working days), with basement proposals requiring a meeting at £1,320. There is no free pre-application service for general householder proposals, though free advice is available for solar panels and energy efficiency improvements.
Local design guidance
Planning Guidance SPD
Adopted 2018- Urban Design and Conservation Design Guidelines
Local Plan: Hammersmith and Fulham Local Plan
The Hammersmith and Fulham Local Plan was adopted in December 2018. It provides policies for a compact, largely built-up inner London borough with development opportunities around Hammersmith, Fulham and White City. The London Plan (2021) also applies.
Emerging / replacement plan
LBHF is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022-2023, with a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission consultation expected in 2025.
44 conservation areas
Hammersmith and Fulham 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.
15 Article 4 directions
Hammersmith and Fulham has applied Article 4 directions to 15 areas, which remove certain permitted development rights in those zones. Use our free checker to see if your property is affected.
95.9% approval rate
Hammersmith and Fulham approves 95.9% of planning applications, above the national average of 86.9%. Well-designed residential applications in this area tend to have a good chance of success.
Conservation areas in Hammersmith and Fulham
44 designated conservation areas
Hammersmith and Fulham has 44 conservation areas covering approximately half the borough's area, one of the highest concentrations in London. Notable designations include St Peter's Square (an exemplary Victorian square), The Mall (Georgian riverside), Hurlingham (extensive grounds and grand villas), Parsons Green, Brook Green, and the more recently expanded areas designated in November 2018 including Crabtree, St Mary's, Walham Green, and Studdridge Street. The borough also contains approximately 270 listed building entries (1 Grade I — Fulham Palace, 27 Grade II*, 242 Grade II), with Fulham Palace being a scheduled ancient monument and the former residence of the Bishop of London. Conservation area character profiles have been produced for around half of the designations, providing specific design guidance for each area. If your property is in a conservation area, you'll need planning permission for works that would normally be PD, including alterations to rooflines, external cladding, boundary treatments, and satellite dish installation.
Article 4 directions in Hammersmith and Fulham
15 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Hammersmith and Fulham
There are 270 listed buildings in Hammersmith and Fulham. 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 Hammersmith and Fulham's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Hammersmith and Fulham received 1,467 planning applications and decided 1,342 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 95.9% is above 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.
Hammersmith and Fulham achieves an exceptionally high planning approval rate of 95.9%, significantly above the national average of 86.9%. This suggests that well-designed proposals aligned with local policies have an excellent chance of success. The council processed 1,342 planning decisions in the year to September 2025, including 580 householder applications determined 94.3% on time. With a Housing Delivery Test score of 143% (5,258 homes delivered against a 3,689 requirement), the council comfortably passes the HDT with no consequences — no action plan, buffer, or tilted balance applies. The delegation rate of 97.8% means virtually all householder applications are decided by planning officers, typically resulting in faster decisions than those going to committee.
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 Hammersmith and Fulham
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Hammersmith and Fulham expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Hammersmith and Fulham'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 Hammersmith and Fulham
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Hammersmith and Fulham delivered 5,258 homes against a requirement of 3,689 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 143%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Hammersmith and Fulham are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Hammersmith and Fulham
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Hammersmith and Fulham 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.
Hammersmith and Fulham decided 580 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 94.3% 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 Hammersmith and Fulham
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Hammersmith and Fulham'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
Hammersmith and Fulham 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 Hammersmith and Fulham.
Pre-application advice in Hammersmith and Fulham
Hammersmith and Fulham offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is £435 (householder written advice, 10 working days); £630 (householder meeting, 20 working days); £1,320 (householder with basement/listed building). You can typically expect a response within 10 working days (written), 20 working days (meeting).
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 →No free pre-application advice for general householder proposals. A paid Duty Planner service is available at £195 for a 30-minute telephone/Teams meeting for general policy queries (not site-specific advice). Free planning advice is available only for solar panels, energy efficiency measures, and retrofitting. Proposals involving basements require a meeting with a planning officer rather than written advice.
Planning fees and timelines in Hammersmith and Fulham
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning permission | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 6-8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 6-8 weeks |
| Full planning permission (no new dwellings) | £548 | 8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Conservation area consent (demolition) | Free | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval (larger home extension) | £120 | 42 days |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 per request | 8 weeks |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Hammersmith and Fulham and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Hammersmith and Fulham
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 Hammersmith and Fulham is provided by Hammersmith and Fulham Building Control. You can use the council's in-house building control service or a private approved inspector. The council highlights its 'one-stop shop' advantage with established links to planning, licensing, highways, and the London Fire Brigade. A duty officer is available 9:30am to 12:30pm weekdays (appointments must be pre-booked). Out-of-hours emergencies: 020 8748 8588. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Fees depend on the type and scale of work. Contact the duty officer for a quote. The council service includes specialist structural engineers and fire safety officers.
Hammersmith and Fulham planning department
Your building project checklist for Hammersmith and Fulham
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Hammersmith and Fulham has 44 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Hammersmith and Fulham has 15 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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