A common form of residential development in London is the conversion of large houses into smaller self contained residential units. These are often the first property development projects buy to let landlords undertake as their initial foray into property development in London due to the higher residential land values compared to other parts of the Country. If you are considering a residential conversion in London, you will need to consider various planning policy criteria that will invariably differ between London Boroughs. These policies are typically designed to either prevent the loss of family sized self contained dwellings of 3 beds or less or encourage conversions where local housing need studies have demonstrated the demand for smaller self contained flats. For example it can be argued that the London Borough of Croydon at this time of writing this article maintains a restrictive conversion policy stance where priority is given to protecting family sized dwellings. While in London borough of Harrow planning policy criteria provides a framework for Harrow Council planning officers to support this form of development where detailed policy criteria is satisfied. In any event, when considering a residential conversion to self contained flats in Croydon, Harrow or anywhere else in the capital is the main planning document for Local Authority Area is the Development Plan. The Development Plan will set out the council's various policy criteria that should be taken into account when preparing an application proposals. The London Plan 2021 is the latest iteration of the spatial development strategy for the greater London region, and it sets out the Mayor of London's vision for the city. The London Plan contains prescriptive requirements for accommodation standards such as internal space space standards, floor to ceiling heights and access to natural daylight. These standards will need to be incorporated into conversion schemes in every case. It is also acknowledged within the London Plan that if the city is to meet the challenges of the future, all parts of London will need to embrace and manage incremental change in addition to the transformative change brought by regeneration projects and comprehensive redevelopment schemes. This is especially the case in outer London, where the suburban pattern of development has significant potential for appropriate intensification over time which includes residential conversions. Other requirements include listed building consent for properties within conservation areas, or daylight and sunlight assessments where a scheme involves large extensions or contrived layouts. Supporting reports will be necessary to support property development projects where the standard of accommodation is called into question. It is important to carefully consider all relevant policies and regulations when considering a residential conversion in London boroughs, as failure to do so could result in your application being refused or delayed.
In respect to how to get planning permission it is worth speaking to a chartered town planner for site specific advice. Planning advice in London will vary from borough to borough and on a site by site basis. If you are in need of planning advice in London specific to your property development project or if you require planning permission help in general I encourage you to get in contact in order for us to help you overcome these challenges and increase your chances for success.
Fidel Miller MRTPI
London planning consultant
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