Adopted local plan

Planning documents that collectively deliver our planning strategy and policies.

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.

New rules for planning application decisions from 31 October 2026

The Government has introduced new national rules about who decides planning applications. These rules are formally called the national scheme of delegation. From 31 October 2026, they will decide which applications must be decided by planning officers and which may go to Planning Committee. The rules will apply to cases decided from that date. We have updated Lewisham’s Constitution to reflect the changes.

Adoption of the Lewisham Local Plan July 2025

Our newly adopted Local Plan gives the Council a framework for managing growth, so that it is done sustainably, fairly and follows principles of 'Good growth’.

Core strategy

See the core strategy document for the Local Development Framework. This document has been replaced following the adoption of the Lewisham Local Plan 2020-2040 on 16 July 2025.

Site allocations

See the site allocations local plan, that identifies, designates and safeguards land for a particular use such as housing, employment, education and open space. This document has been replaced following the adoption of the Lewisham Local Plan 2020-2040 on 16 July 2025.

Development management

Additional planning policies, for issues that are not covered by the core strategy and London plan. This document has been replaced following the adoption of the Lewisham Local Plan 2020-2040 on 16 July 2025.

Lewisham town centre local plan

See the Lewisham town centre local plan, which was adopted in 2014. This document has been replaced following the adoption of the Lewisham Local Plan 2020-2040 on 16 July 2025.

Supplementary planning documents

See guidance documents on the implementation of policies and proposals in the Local Development Framework.

Policies map

A map showing area-based planning policies in the Adopted Local Plan 2020-2040.

Local development scheme

Information about the timetable for preparing the Lewisham Local Plan.

Statement of community involvement

This statement sets out how the community can be involved with planning in the London Borough of Lewisham.

Authority monitoring report

View authority monitoring reports, which assess planning policy delivery, development trends, and progress towards Local Plan performance indicators.