Planning permission

Any planned work that is not covered by the permitted development criteria needs planning permission.

Houses

If you are planning work to a house then you can use a ‘householder’ application. 

We recommend getting duty planner advice before you apply.

Other properties

If the property is not a house (for example, a flat or a shop) you need to make a ‘full planning permission’ application. 

We recommend getting pre-application advice before you apply. 

You can apply online for these works.

You can find information on the plans and documents you need to submit on our validation requirements page. 

Means of access: classified roads

If your address is on a classified road then you need planning permission for a means of access.

You can submit an online application for these works. 

Make sure: 

  • you sign the correct certificate of ownership on the application form (as it’s likely you do not own the pavement in question)
  • the red line on the site location plan encompasses the pavement area in question ( all works proposed on the application must be within the red line) 

Applications will be invalidated if they have an incorrect: 

  • certificate of ownership
  • red line

You'll also need to apply to the Highways department, but you should wait for the planning application decision first. 

Means of access: not classified roads

If your site is not on a classified road then you'll need to apply through the Highways department only.

Creating a new residential unit

If you are creating a new residential unit (for example a new house or block of flats) or converting a house into flats, you will likely need to apply for planning permission using a ‘full planning permission’ application. 

This application needs to be accompanied by plans and documents. These are explained in our validation requirements. 

The creation of 10+ new residential units will likely be considered a major application and will be subject to more extensive validation requirements.

You can submit an online application for these works.

We recommend getting pre-application advice on these types of development, as they can be quite complex.

HMOs

You need a ‘full planning permission’ application to change a property to a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) of any size. 

This application must be accompanied by:

You should also read policy LP6 of the Redbridge Local Plan before applying.

You can submit an online application for these works.

We recommend getting pre-application advice for HMOs, as these can be quite complex.

We also recommend reviewing the details of our borough wide Article 4 Direction on HMOs.

You may also require an HMO licence, which is separate to planning.

Commercial developments

Most extensions and other development works to a commercial property (such as a shop or restaurant) require planning permission. This must be submitted using a ‘full planning permission’ application.

You can submit an online application for these works.

Changing the use of a commercial site can be quite complex. Planning use classes are detailed in full on the Planning Portal. Some changes of use can be applied for under prior approval; others will require full planning permission.

We recommend getting pre-application advice for commercial developments.

Our validation requirements have information on what plans and documents to submit with a planning application. 

Further advice

The Council Planning Service is primarily an assessment service. Assistance with preparing and submitting a planning application is available from the private sector.

Planning regulations and guidance are complex. We recommended engaging with a private planning agent/architect before submitting an application or starting work.