Lewisham
Average
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
Lewisham is a London borough planning authority that covers a diverse area of south east London with a mix of residential neighborhoods, town centers, and green spaces. The council takes a balanced approach to planning, approving the vast majority of householder applications while maintaining reasonable decision timescales. One thing that stands out is that Lewisham processes decisions at a moderate pace compared to national targets, so it is worth factoring in a realistic timeline for your application.
Approval Rate
89%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
70%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
28%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
When you submit a householder planning application to Lewisham, you can feel fairly confident about approval as the council approves around 89 out of every 100 applications of this type. However, you should be prepared for the process to take a little longer than the standard 8 week target, as only about 70% of applications are decided within this timeframe. This means some applications do take a few weeks beyond the standard period, though this is not unusual across London boroughs. The good news is that if your application is refused, there is a reasonable chance of success if you decide to appeal, with about 28% of appeals overturning the original decision.
Local Planning Considerations
Lewisham has several conservation areas where stricter rules apply to what you can do with the external appearance of your home, so it is worth checking whether your property falls within one before you apply. The borough also contains some green belt land and areas of particular environmental value, which may affect certain types of development. Given London's density and the mix of older and newer properties across Lewisham, local character and how your proposal fits with its surroundings will often be an important consideration for the council.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having a careful look at your local area and the character of similar properties nearby, as this will help you understand what the council is likely to find acceptable. Make sure you gather all the information about whether your property is in a conservation area, on green belt, or subject to any other special designations, as this will shape what you can realistically do. Put real effort into explaining your proposal clearly in your application, with good quality drawings and a straightforward description of what you want to build or change, as this helps the council officer who will assess it. Finally, do not be discouraged if the decision takes a bit longer than 8 weeks, as this is fairly normal in London boroughs, and it does not mean there is a problem with your application.
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