Lewisham Council planning guide: the 2022 list, the 2026 draft and what each asks of your drawings

Policy QD9 in Lewisham's 2025 Local Plan

The council formally adopted its new Local Plan on 16 July 2025. It replaces the Core Strategy, the Site Allocations Local Plan, the Development Management Local Plan and the Town Centre Local Plan, so any guidance that still quotes the old policy numbers is out of date. Our Lewisham planning permission page covers drawings for applications in the borough.

Policy QD9, Building alterations, extensions and basement development, is the one that decides household work. It says alterations, extensions and basements “must be designed to a high-quality standard and have regard to the Council’s Alterations and Extensions SPD”. Extensions are supported only where they do not “adversely impact on, or result in the loss of, the amenity of neighbouring properties, including back gardens”.

Two other lines affect the drawing. Roof extensions on the street frontage “should be avoided in favour of extensions to the rear of the building” unless a design options appraisal shows the rear is not feasible. And residential extensions should keep an accessible and functional private garden. Both are why Lewisham officers read the rear and roof elevations first.

Flood risk: the draft widens the trigger

The 2022 list asks for a flood risk assessment on the standard Environment Agency form for proposals in Flood Zone 2 or 3, or subject to surface water flood risk. The September 2026 draft reads differently: all proposals to alter the ground floor footprint, in Flood Zone 2 or 3 or subject to surface water flood risk even in Flood Zone 1. An extension on a low-risk street can therefore still need the form.

The council points owners to the government’s long term flood risk service, searched by postcode. A planning constraints report records the flood zone for your address, and a flood risk assessment answers the checklist item.

Heritage and Article 4 in Lewisham

A heritage statement is required for development within a conservation area, and the draft names Areas of Special Local Character alongside them, as well as alterations to a listed building and development in the setting of a conservation area. The draft cites Local Plan policies HE1 and HE2. The level of detail should be proportionate to the importance of the asset.

Lewisham’s Article 4 directions page lists directions for 23 conservation areas, and says that under one, “external changes to elevations visible from public viewpoints require planning permission”. Replacing windows, doors or front boundaries can fall inside that. Our heritage statement page covers the document, and the Lewisham prior approval extension page covers the larger home extension route.

Trees: the draft narrows the trigger

The 2022 list asks for a tree survey, arboricultural impact assessment and method statement wherever trees have the potential to be impacted. The draft limits it to development that may affect protected trees, meaning trees under a Tree Preservation Order or in a conservation area, directly or through excavation, level changes or proximity. It cites Local Plan policy GR5, Urban greening and trees. If a tree stands near your extension, a tree survey for planning settles the question.

Building control, the new levy and party wall

Lewisham’s building control pages separate construction from planning. A building notice suits smaller jobs, with work starting within 48 hours of submission, while full plans are usually decided in 5 to 8 weeks. The page also states that the Building Safety Levy starts 1 October 2026, so check what applies to your application. Our building regulations reports guide sorts the routes.

Where a shared wall is involved the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies as well, and our party wall services guide explains the notices.