This is your guide to applying for planning permission, for changes to residential dwellings or business premises.
Step 1
Contact the planning department. Say what you want to do and ask us for advice.
It is often a good idea to meet a planning officer for an informal discussion before you proceed – you're not charged for this.
For this, be prepared with as much information as possible. For example, consult the Unitary Development Plan to:
- check if any special land use designation or zoning applies to your site or property
- find details of any other policies and considerations that you need to take into account.
Step 2
If they think you need to apply for permission, ask them for an application form or download one from this site. Also ask if they foresee any difficulties which could be overcome by amending your proposal.
Submit your planning application online now via the Planning Portal
Alternatively, download planning application forms here
You also need to describe on your application how trees may be affected by the proposed works.
More about works to trees
Step 3
If you're making a planning application, decide if you will make a full or an outline application.
In most cases this will be a full application but there are a few circumstances when you may want to make an outline application (for example, to find out if the principle of a small scale development, such as one house, is acceptable).
You will still need to submit details later. Contact us for more on this.
Types of application on the Planning Portal
Step 4
Send the completed application form and the correct number of copies of it to the planning department together with:
- the correct fee by cheque/postal order (payable to 'Greenwich Council').
- the correct number of copies of the site plan and drawings, if required, showing the work you propose to carry out.
We will advise you on what plans and drawings are needed when you contact us.
Fees
The Planning Portal offers an online fee calculator. You can also ring us to find out.
What happens next?
More about the process of your application