Planning Permission in Wandsworth
London Borough in London · Last updated April 2026
Wandsworth is a large inner London borough stretching from the Thames at Battersea and Nine Elms south to Tooting and Balham, and west to Putney and Roehampton. The borough has been at the centre of London's most ambitious regeneration, including the transformation of Battersea Power Station (Grade II* listed) and the wider Nine Elms area, served by the Northern Line extension stations opened in 2021.
The council adopted its Wandsworth Local Plan 2023–2038 in July 2023, with a Partial Review adopted in March 2026 increasing the affordable housing requirement from 35% to 50% on major schemes. Wandsworth and Richmond upon Thames operate a Shared Staffing Arrangement but remain separate planning authorities with distinct policies and decision-making. Other major regeneration includes the Winstanley and York Road Estate (up to 2,550 homes) and Alton Estate, Roehampton (over 1,100 homes).
Planning application fees are set nationally and increased in April 2025. A householder application costs £528. Free generic householder advice is available by phone on 020 8871 7620 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm), with formal pre-application meetings from £233. CIL rates are among London's highest: £438/sqm for residential in most of the borough, rising to over £1,000/sqm in the Nine Elms Thames frontage zone. The Ram Quarter has transformed the historic Young's Brewery site into a mixed-use destination in Wandsworth Town Centre.
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What can I build in Wandsworth?
| 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 (46), Article 4 zones (11), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (46), Article 4 zones (11), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (46), Article 4 zones (11), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (Dover House Estate Conservation Area — external alterations, Heaver Estate Conservation Area — external alterations) | Conservation areas (e.g. Charlwood Road and Lifford Street, Clapham Common, Coalecroft Road), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Wandsworth's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Wandsworth
Permitted development rights in Wandsworth are restricted in multiple locations through 11 Article 4 directions. Nine directions apply to conservation areas (Dover House Estate, Heaver Estate, Shaftesbury Park Estate, Totterdown Fields, Latchmere Estate, Roehampton Village, Putney Lower Common, Wandsworth Common and Magdalen Park), removing PD rights for external alterations, roof changes, boundary treatments and exterior painting. Separate directions restrict office-to-residential conversions at mapped sites (since 2018) and Class E commercial-to-residential conversions across 60 areas including Nine Elms, town centres and protected employment sites (since 2022). A further direction protects 120 identified pubs from change of use — a nationally recognised example of public house protection. Notably, Wandsworth does not have a borough-wide HMO Article 4 direction, so small HMO conversions (C3 to C4) remain permitted development.
What Wandsworth expects from your project
The council operates a Wandsworth Design Review Panel (WDRP) that reviews schemes of 25+ residential units, 2,500sqm+ non-residential development, and sites covered by Local Plan site allocations. The panel comprises 4–6 expert members for first-time reviews, with smaller follow-up panels. Fees are £6,512 for a first review and £5,010 for follow-ups (from April 2025). Wandsworth has specific basement extensions guidance within the Housing SPD, covering design, structural assessment and impact on neighbouring properties. The Local Views SPD identifies important views and viewpoints across the borough. A Shopfronts SPG guides commercial frontage design, particularly in conservation areas and town centres.
Local design guidance
Housing SPD
Adopted 2016Local Plan: Wandsworth Local Plan
Wandsworth's new Local Plan was adopted in August 2023, replacing the previous Core Strategy (2016) and other DPDs. It provides a comprehensive set of policies for the borough to 2038, including major regeneration at Nine Elms and Tooting. The London Plan (2021) also applies.
46 conservation areas
Wandsworth 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.
11 Article 4 directions
Wandsworth has applied Article 4 directions to 11 areas, which remove certain permitted development rights in those zones. Use our free checker to see if your property is affected.
90.1% approval rate
Wandsworth approves 90.1% 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 Wandsworth
46 designated conservation areas
Wandsworth has 46 conservation areas ranging from short streets like Deodar Road to large areas such as West Putney and Battersea Park. Many of London's most distinctive estate typologies are represented, including the Victorian philanthropic Shaftesbury Park Estate, the Dover House and Heaver estates, and the post-war modernist Alton Estate in Roehampton. The newest is Wandsworth Town Conservation Area, designated in August 2023 around the historic brewery site. The borough has 309 listed buildings including 5 Grade I structures: the Church of St Mary in Battersea (medieval origins), the former Granada Cinema in Tooting (now Gala Bingo, 1931), Mount Clare, Parkstead House and Roehampton House (all Georgian villas). The Historic Environment SPD provides additional guidance for development affecting heritage assets.
Article 4 directions in Wandsworth
11 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Wandsworth
There are 309 listed buildings in Wandsworth. 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 Wandsworth's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Wandsworth received 2,573 planning applications and decided 2,091 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 90.1% 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.
Wandsworth approved 90.1% of applications in the year ending September 2025, close to the national average. The council determined 2,091 applications from 2,573 received, with a delegation rate of 95.5%. Performance on major applications (96.3% on time) is well above the national target, with householder applications at 93.4% on time. The Housing Delivery Test score of 112% means no buffer or presumption applies, with 5,745 homes delivered against a 5,115 requirement. Wandsworth is one of London's most prolific homebuilders, driven by the ongoing Nine Elms and Battersea regeneration. Significant flood risk exists along the Thames (tidal, protected by defences) and River Wandle (fluvial), with King George's Park and Earlsfield in the flood warning area.
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 Wandsworth
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Wandsworth expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Wandsworth'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 Wandsworth
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Wandsworth delivered 5,745 homes against a requirement of 5,115 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 112%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Wandsworth are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Wandsworth
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Wandsworth 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.
Wandsworth decided 1,018 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 93.4% 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 Wandsworth
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Wandsworth'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
Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth.
Pre-application advice in Wandsworth
Wandsworth offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is From £116 written advice only; £233 for householder meeting (up to 1 hour). You can typically expect a response within 15–20 working days for written response.
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 →Free generic householder advice available by phone on 020 8871 7620 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm). Formal pre-application charges increase for listed buildings and major schemes. Apply online via the council website.
Planning fees and timelines in Wandsworth
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | 8 weeks (target) |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | £0 (no fee) | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval (larger home extension) | £120 | 42 days |
| Discharge of conditions (householder) | £145 | 8 weeks (no statutory limit) |
| Non-material amendment (householder) | £44 | 28 days |
| Pre-application advice (householder meeting) | £233 | 15–20 working days |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Wandsworth and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Wandsworth
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 Wandsworth is provided by London Borough of Wandsworth Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Wandsworth planning department
Your building project checklist for Wandsworth
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Wandsworth has 46 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Wandsworth has 11 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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