Barking and Dagenham is one of East London’s fastest-changing boroughs, with major regeneration taking place alongside established residential neighbourhoods, industrial areas and riverside development. Planning applications in the borough can range from modest house extensions and loft conversions to replacement windows, property conversions, new-build homes, commercial alterations and larger redevelopment schemes.

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The borough includes Barking, Dagenham, Becontree, Chadwell Heath, Barking Riverside, Thames View, Eastbury, Mayesbrook, Goresbrook, Rush Green, Longbridge, Valence, Village and Whalebone. Each area has its own mixture of housing, streetscape, local character and development pressure, which means the planning position can vary considerably from one property to another.

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In traditional residential areas such as Becontree, Valence and Eastbury, applications often relate to extensions, loft conversions, porches, outbuildings and changes to the external appearance of homes. In Barking town centre and around Barking Riverside, planning proposals may involve flats, mixed-use development, commercial premises, regeneration sites and higher-density housing. Properties close to conservation areas, listed buildings, major roads or strategic development locations may require additional planning consideration.

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Before submitting a planning application, it is important to establish whether the proposed work requires full planning permission, householder planning permission, prior approval or a Lawful Development Certificate. The planning history of the property, nearby decisions, local design guidance, parking standards, overlooking, daylight, appearance and impact on neighbouring properties may all affect the outcome.

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The Barking and Dagenham planning register can be used to review previous applications, approved drawings, refusals and current proposals in the surrounding area. This can help identify how similar developments have been assessed and whether there are local planning issues that should be addressed before an application is prepared.

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For more complex projects, pre-application advice may be useful before committing to a full submission. This can be particularly valuable for new housing, property subdivision, changes of use, HMOs, commercial development, larger extensions and proposals involving sensitive sites.

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Planning Application Services (PAS) can assist with planning advice, architectural drawings and the preparation and submission of applications for properties throughout Barking and Dagenham.