Knowledge Base
Planning, regulations and construction, explained.
459 articles across 22 topics, plus guides to every London borough and Epping Forest District.
Getting started
20 articlesPlanning
68 articles02Do I need planning permission?Understand when planning permission, prior approval or a Lawful Development Certificate may be relevant to your project.19 articles 03Planning applications: from drawings to decisionWhat happens once permission is needed: choosing the route, preparing the documents, the council's process, and what to do after a decision.32 articles 04Conservation areas, listed buildings and other constraintsDesignations on a property change what can be built and what the council asks for.17 articles
Your project
166 articles05House extensionsPlanning, design and technical guidance for rear, side-return, wraparound and two-storey extensions.27 articles 06Loft conversionsExplore loft suitability, permissions, building regulations and fire safety before planning your conversion.24 articles 07BasementsUnderstand basement options, local planning requirements, construction considerations, costs and timescales.21 articles 08Refurbishments and internal alterationsPlanning, building regulations and structural considerations for refurbishments and alterations to an existing home.12 articles 09Garden rooms, porches, driveways and other small worksPermissions and practical considerations for garden rooms, porches, driveways and other smaller home improvements.13 articles 10New buildsFor homeowners building in the garden, self-builders and small developers.26 articles 11Flats, conversions and HMOsGuidance for flat owners, landlords and investors on alterations, house conversions, HMOs and local requirements.20 articles 12Commercial properties and change of useFor business owners and investors: shops, restaurants, offices and turning commercial space into homes.23 articles
Approvals and technical
136 articles13Building regulations and building controlUnderstand building regulations, your building control options, applications, inspections and completion documents.42 articles 14Structural engineeringThe structural engineer’s role, from calculations for beams and openings to foundations, cracks and movement.22 articles 15Party wall and neighboursParty wall procedures and neighbour considerations, whether you are planning building work or living next door.23 articles 16Specialist reports and consultantsUnderstand specialist reports, when they may be requested and which consultants prepare them.34 articles 17Planning charges: fees, CIL and contributionsUnderstand planning fees, Community Infrastructure Levy forms and other contributions when budgeting for your project.15 articles
Local rules
19 articles18London: the London Plan, boroughs and local plansExplore the London Plan, local plans and borough guides, with comparisons of planning requirements across London.11 articles 19Outside London: Epping Forest and other areasPlanning guidance for Epping Forest and other council areas, including how requirements differ from London.8 articles
Construction and after
50 articles20Design & build and constructionChoosing how to build, agreeing contracts and payments, managing site work and preparing for completion.31 articles 21Buying, selling and unapproved workCheck approvals and completion documents when buying or selling, and understand options for addressing unapproved work.12 articles 22Working with KompasPrepare for your project with questions about the brief, surveys, design stages, deliverables and quotations.7 articles
Borough guides
All 33 areasBarking and DagenhamBarnetBexleyBrentBromleyCamdenCroydonEalingEnfieldGreenwichHackneyHammersmith & FulhamHaringeyHarrowHaveringHillingdonHounslowIslingtonKensington & ChelseaKingston upon ThamesLambethLewishamMertonNewhamRedbridgeRichmond upon ThamesSouthwarkSuttonTower HamletsWaltham ForestWandsworthWestminsterEpping Forest District