Greenwich Planning Portal and Planning Search

Planning Permission and Development Across the Royal Borough of Greenwich

The Royal Borough of Greenwich covers a varied part of South East London, combining historic town centres, established residential neighbourhoods, riverside development, commercial areas and major regeneration locations. Greenwich planning applications can therefore range from home extensions and loft conversions to listed-building work, property conversions, new housing and substantial mixed-use development.

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The borough includes Greenwich, Woolwich, Blackheath, Charlton, Eltham, Kidbrooke, Plumstead, Abbey Wood, Thamesmead, Shooters Hill, Lee, New Eltham and parts of Mottingham. Each area has its own mixture of property types, architectural character, planning history and development pressures.

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In residential areas such as Eltham, New Eltham, Charlton, Kidbrooke, Plumstead and Shooters Hill, applications frequently involve rear and side extensions, loft conversions, roof alterations, replacement windows, porches and garden buildings. The acceptability of a proposal may depend on its scale, design, materials and effect on neighbouring properties.

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Larger houses and plots may also attract proposals for replacement homes, infill development, new flats or the conversion of existing properties into multiple residential units. These applications can raise issues involving parking, refuse storage, amenity space, overlooking, daylight, building height and the character of the surrounding street.

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Woolwich, Greenwich Peninsula, Kidbrooke, Thamesmead and Abbey Wood have experienced substantial development and regeneration.

Planning proposals in these locations may include new homes, flats, commercial premises, mixed-use buildings, public-realm works and the redevelopment of larger sites.

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Historic Greenwich and Conservation Areas

Greenwich contains nationally important historic buildings, conservation areas and distinctive streetscapes. The Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, Greenwich town centre, Blackheath and other sensitive locations require careful consideration of architectural character, views, materials and the setting of heritage assets.

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Planning controls may affect:

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• Replacement windows and external doors

• Roof extensions and dormer windows

• Rear and side extensions

• Demolition of buildings or structures

• Shopfront alterations

• Boundary walls, gates and railings

• Changes to roofing materials

• Work affecting listed buildings

• Development close to protected open spaces

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A proposal affecting a listed building may require listed building consent as well as planning permission. Detailed drawings, heritage information and material specifications may be needed to demonstrate how the proposed work will preserve the building and its setting.

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Some properties may also be affected by Article 4 Directions, previous planning conditions or restrictions on permitted development rights. Work that might normally be carried out without an application could therefore require Greenwich council planning permission.

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Using the Greenwich Planning Portal

The Greenwich planning portal can be used to search current and historic planning applications affecting properties and development sites across the borough.

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Users can normally:

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• Search Greenwich planning applications by address or reference

• View drawings and supporting documents

• Check whether an application is pending, approved or refused

• Read decision notices and planning conditions

• Review applications affecting neighbouring properties

• Follow the progress of a current proposal

• Examine the planning history of a site

• Comment on applications open for consultation

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Carrying out a Greenwich planning search before preparing a proposal can help identify earlier applications affecting the property and surrounding area.

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Approved developments may provide useful local context, while refusals can highlight concerns involving design, heritage, overlooking, loss of light, parking, trees or the intensity of development.

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However, approval for another property does not guarantee that a similar proposal will be accepted. Each Greenwich planning application is considered according to its individual site, planning history, relationship with neighbouring properties and the policies applying when the decision is made.

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Greenwich Planning Permission

The correct application route will depend on the property, the proposed work and any restrictions affecting the site.

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Greenwich council planning permission may be required for:

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• House extensions and loft conversions

• New homes and replacement dwellings

• Property subdivisions and flats

• Houses in multiple occupation

• Changes of use

• Commercial alterations

• Replacement windows in sensitive areas

• Outbuildings and garden structures

• Retrospective development

• Work affecting listed buildings or conservation areas

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Some smaller projects may fall within permitted development rights. A Lawful Development Certificate can provide formal confirmation that proposed or existing work is lawful.

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Preparing a Greenwich Planning Application

Before drawings are prepared, it is important to establish the correct application route. Depending on the project, this may include:

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• Householder planning permission

• Full planning permission

• Prior approval

• Listed building consent

• Advertisement consent

• Change-of-use permission

• Lawful Development Certificate

• Retrospective planning permission

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A complete submission may require:

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• Location and block plans

• Existing and proposed floor plans

• Existing and proposed elevations

• Roof plans and building sections

• Street-scene drawings

• Design and access information

• Heritage or conservation statements

• Daylight and sunlight assessments

• Transport and parking information

• Tree, landscaping or ecology reports

• Drainage, waste or servicing details

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Planning Application Support

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