Hammersmith and Fulham Planning

Planning Applications and Development Across Hammersmith and Fulham

The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham covers a varied and densely developed part of West London. The borough contains traditional terraced houses, mansion blocks, purpose-built flats, riverside properties, commercial centres, historic buildings and major regeneration areas.

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Hammersmith and Fulham planning applications can therefore range from domestic extensions, loft conversions and replacement windows to property subdivisions, changes of use, commercial alterations, new housing and larger mixed-use developments.

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The borough includes Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, White City, West Kensington, Brook Green, Barons Court, Parsons Green, Sands End, Walham Green, West Brompton and parts of North End. Each area has its own mix of property types, architectural character and planning considerations.

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In residential neighbourhoods such as Fulham, Parsons Green, Brook Green, Barons Court and West Kensington, applications frequently involve rear and side extensions, loft conversions, basement development, replacement windows and alterations to existing houses and flats.

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Many properties sit within tightly developed streets where the effect on neighbouring homes can be a significant planning consideration. Proposals may need to address overlooking, loss of light, sense of enclosure, roof form, materials and the relationship between the extension and the original building.

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In Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush and White City, planning applications may also involve shops, offices, restaurants, entertainment venues, commercial buildings and larger redevelopment sites. Proposals in these locations may need to address servicing, noise, transport, residential amenity and the effect on surrounding streets and public spaces.

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Conservation Areas and Local Planning Controls

Hammersmith and Fulham contains numerous conservation areas, listed buildings and streets with a strong historic character. Planning applications affecting these properties may require more detailed design consideration than similar work elsewhere.

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Additional controls may affect:

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• Replacement windows and external doors

• Roof extensions and dormer windows

• Rear and side extensions

• Basement development

• Shopfronts and advertisements

• Boundary walls, railings and gates

• Demolition of buildings or structures

• External materials and architectural details

• Work affecting listed buildings

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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 ordinarily be completed without a planning application could therefore require formal permission.

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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 explain how the work will preserve the building’s architectural and historic significance.

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Hammersmith and Fulham Planning Search

The Hammersmith and Fulham planning search can be used to review current and historic applications affecting properties and development sites throughout the borough.

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Users can normally:

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• Search applications by address or reference number

• View submitted drawings and supporting documents

• Check whether an application is pending, approved or refused

• Read decision notices and planning conditions

• Examine the planning history of a property

• Review applications affecting neighbouring sites

• Follow the progress of a current application

• Comment on proposals open for consultation

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

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

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However, approval for another property does not automatically mean that a similar proposal will be accepted. Each application is assessed according to its individual site, planning history, neighbouring relationships and the policies applying at the time.

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Hammersmith and Fulham Planning Applications

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

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Hammersmith and Fulham planning applications may be required for:

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• House and flat extensions

• Loft conversions and roof alterations

• Basement development

• Property conversions and subdivisions

• Houses in multiple occupation

• Changes of use

• New homes and replacement buildings

• Commercial and shopfront alterations

• Replacement windows in sensitive locations

• Retrospective development

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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 development is lawful.

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Preparing a Hammersmith and Fulham 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 Hammersmith and Fulham.