Conservation and design
Planning information about listed buildings, houses in conservation areas and urban design and archaeology.
Building Safety Levy: starts 1 October 2026
The Building Safety Levy (BSL) will come into effect on 1 October 2026. It is a tax on new dwellings and new bedspaces in purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA).
Developers must pay the levy on certain building control applications or notices before completion or occupation of the building. The Council will collect the levy.
The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 sets out how the levy will operate.
Retrofit advice on improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings
Advice and options to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions
Conservation areas
Information about the borough's conservation areas.
Living in a conservation area
If you live in one of Lewisham's conservation areas, you play an important part in helping to preserve its character and appearance.
Urban design
See how we promote high standards of design in new developments.
Design Review Panel
Information on Lewisham’s Design Review Panel.
Listed buildings
Information for residents who live in or want to make changes to a listed building.
Locally listed buildings
See a list of locally listed buildings, or find out how to nominate a building to be locally listed.
Article 4 directions in conservation areas
To help preserve high quality architectural features and ensure that changes are undertaken sympathetically, we apply Article 4 directions to certain conservation areas.
Archaeology
Council policies on archaeology and scheduled monuments
Areas of special local character
Information about the borough’s areas of special local character.