April has been a busy month for securing permission across London. WEA Planning have assisted clients in an array of applications, including padel courts, home extensions and flat conversions.
Planning news:
There are some BNG changes ahead to provide BNG requirements to large infrastructure projects in the NSIP regime, and for self-build and custom housing, but remove the requirements for brownfield small sites, as well as providing a clearer definition for small-scale brownfield sites. The changes could also provide greater flexibility for offsite provisions of BNG. DEFRA are consulting on the proposed changes until 10th June.
DEFRA have also opened a consultation on Habitats Regulations Assessments running until 19th May, the proposed changes to the guidance are intended to make the process clearer and efficient.
The Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026 have been laid before parliament. The Regulations will come into effect on 7th May. Enacting the LURA provisions for the 30-month Local Plan timetables, minerals and waste plan timetables, and housing requirement data.
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill passed into law, enabling greater buy in for local community groups with a first right of refusal for valued community assets. The Act would also give greater powers for local authorities to control high streets, requiring Gambling Impact Assessments for new betting shops. The Act also establishes provisions for strategic authorities, giving greater power to devolved authorities over transport, planning, housing, and economic regeneration. Mayoral Strategic Authorities will have the power to develop local growth plans, mayors will be able to intervene in local planning decisions, as is already the case for the Mayor of London.
There have been a number of recent planning related decisions in the high court lately. R (Jaks) v Secretary of State on 24th April gave a new ruling on issues of duplication in planning and licensing. At the end of the month the challenge of pollution in the rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk has reached the High Court.
WEA Planning updates:
Permission granted for alterations, extensions and outbuilding in Harrow Conservation Area, adjacent to Grade II listed building. WEA Planning worked with the council and the architect to overcome concerns for heritage and design.
Planning permission approved in Dacorum BC. WEA Planning helped the client to achieve the change of use from office to residential and extensions through a combination of Class MA permitted development and a planning application. The planning permission added an additional storey through a roof extension to the former commercial unit, improved the layouts and amenity spaces for the previously allowed flats, and granted an additional flat in the new loft space.
Householder permission in Richmond. WEA Planning helped the client to secure permission following an earlier refusal and put together a strong case for the design to planning officers to achieve a part-2 storey rear extension.
Bexley Planning Committee granted permission for extensions and alterations to two maisonettes to create a total of four flats. WEA Planning worked with the clients and LPA to devise a design which respected the local character and protected neighbouring amenity, whilst providing an additional two units in the building.
Four covered padel courts approved in Ealing Metropolitan Open Land. Permission was granted to replace the extant bowling green with new covered padel courts, helping to revitalise and diversify the sports ground. The officer agreed with WEA Planning that the canopies would protect the openness of the MOL and constitute an acceptable form of development in this context.
Certificate of Lawfulness granted for historic subdivision of a dwelling to flats in Lewisham. WEA Planning presented the evidence needed to formalise the dwellings.
WEA Planning helped a household in Camden to secure permission for external shutters to tackle overheating in the home and increase climate resilience. We worked with the client, manufacturers and the LPA to overcome concerns for design and heritage.
WEA Planning are assisting clients across London to navigate the planning process, please contact us for assistance on your project.