Get planning advice (Duty Planner Standard Service)

What advice you can get

This service includes:

• advice on your proposal before you submit it

• advice on the development plan and other planning guidance/legislation

• advice to help you develop your scheme

• help getting a decision made quickly

The service covers straightforward schemes, and revisions to previously decided applications for buildings, including those in conservation areas, provided they are not a listed building. For example:

• simple householder extensions and alterations (not within a Conservation Area)

• window replacement (including properties within a Conservation Area)

• shopfront and advertisement alterations to business premises.

• the adequacy of information provided in order to discharge conditions attached to planning permissions (note this does not provide input from other departments within the Council, such as the Highways or Environmental Health departments)

• Lawful Development Certificate applications – we can also tell you if your proposed development or change of use is likely to be permitted.

Before you request advice

We strongly recommend that you look at the Planning Portal before you book a chargeable service. Here you’ll find:

• an interactive guide for houses

• an interactive guide for terraces (including flats, shops and basements)

• information about common projects

• frequently asked questions, which cover both planning permission and building regulations.

You should also read our planning policy and guidance.

Cost of service

The charge from 1 April 2025 for the service is £136.18 (including VAT)

Follow up duty planner meetings are £68.09 (including VAT)

How to book

• Before you book this service, you should collate sketches, photographs, and/or outline plans

• To book this service, download and complete the Duty Planner standard booking form and email it to planning@lewisham.gov.uk

• We will contact you within five working days to take your payment over the phone 

• An officer will review your materials and will send you a brief written summary of the key points you discussed within five working days of receiving the payment of the fee

Disclaimer​

Any planning advice given by officers, either orally or in writing in the course of their duties, is offered in good faith and is based on the information/evidence provided. Advice is offered without the benefit of a site visit or the involvement of other consultees (not internal and external), neighbours or other interested parties. Such views are therefore the personal opinion of that officer and are not a formal decision of, nor are they binding, on the local planning authority. The local planning authority will only be bound where a formal application is submitted and a formal decision is issued in writing.