Sutton

Local plan

Sutton's Local Plan 2016–2031 was adopted on 26 February 2018. [2][14]

Relevant policy starting points identified in Planning Inspectorate decisions are Policy 9 for residential accommodation, Policy 10 for conversions and HMOs, and Policy 28 for design; these decisions do not replace reading the complete policies and mapped exceptions. [2][3][4]

The replacement Draft Local Plan 2024–2041 was consulted on from 18 June to 31 July 2026; obtain the formal adoption record before treating it as a replacement. [1]

For a site-specific conclusion, read the adopted plan, Policies Map and any applicable neighbourhood or other development-plan documents.

Householder design guide

The Design of Residential Extensions SPD (2006) is expressly considered alongside Policy 28 in an August 2024 Sutton roof-extension appeal. [3]

That decision identifies the balance of a semi-detached pair, the roof's proportions and the dormer's relationship to the roof and street as relevant design issues. [3]

It illustrates a case-specific assessment rather than a blanket prohibition or automatic approval for hip-to-gable extensions or flat-roofed dormers. [3]

Obtain the current adopted guide and check its complete wording, illustrations and numerical guidance before fixing dimensions.

Validation list

Obtain Sutton's latest adopted validation list and establish which requirements apply to the application type and site before submitting. The Biodiversity Team's validation link opens a January 2021 consultation draft, despite the service page displaying a September 2026 update date. [11][12][15]

Use the council's current application-information page to obtain the operative document rather than treating the archived draft as a current checklist.

Article 4 directions

The council's confirmation notice records a borough-wide C3-to-C4 HMO Article 4 direction taking effect on 22 February 2025, removing the specified permitted-development route for changing a dwellinghouse to a small HMO. [5]

The notice states that planning permission is required for the change it describes throughout Sutton's administrative area. [5]

It is a planning control, distinct from the separate additional-HMO-licensing designation with a stated commencement of 22 March 2026. [16]

Obtain the sealed direction and maps for a property-specific check, including any other directions affecting the proposed work.

Conservation areas

Ask Sutton to confirm the property's conservation-area boundary, then obtain the applicable appraisal and management guidance before designing external alterations. [9]

Conservation-area designation and an Article 4 direction are separate checks: additional Article 4 restrictions are tailored to the area or properties covered rather than being identical everywhere. [9]

Determine the controls from the current boundary and appraisal for the address.

Basement policy

Confirm a proposed basement with Sutton before committing to excavation, including the applicable local policies and supporting assessments. National Planning Portal guidance distinguishes alterations to an existing basement from excavation for a new one and advises checking the authority's own basement guidance. [10]

Assess the original flood-risk policy, current flood evidence and any basement-specific requirements before deciding depth, garden coverage or assessment scope. Do not assume the absence of restrictions because a numerical allowance is not quoted.

CIL rates

Check Sutton's borough CIL and the separate Mayoral CIL rather than treating one figure as the total charge. [6][7]

Sutton is in MCIL2 Band 3, with a published 2026 indexed Mayoral rate of £30.30/m² for relevant chargeable development, subject to the schedule's provisions including the nil rates for health and education. [6]

Obtain the applicable 2026 indexed Sutton borough schedule and calculation from planningobligations@sutton.gov.uk before budgeting. [7]

The six numbered zones in Sutton's contributions portal are Local Committee reporting areas and should not be assumed to be six different charging bands. [7]

Pre-application advice

Request project-specific pre-application advice and obtain the current written fee and service terms before booking; Sutton's Biodiversity Team also recommends early advice where ecological issues arise. [11]

Confirm the appropriate category, VAT treatment, whether meetings or specialist input are included and the expected response period.

Building control

Contact Sutton's Building Control Support Team at building.control@sutton.gov.uk or 020 8770 5000; its listed address is Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA. [8]

The council service entry describes online applications, progress tracking and inspection booking. [8]

Obtain confirmation of the appropriate application route and a current fee quotation before submitting.