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.

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.

Changes to how some planning applications are decided 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.

Development policy documents

See the adoption statement and other reports for the Development Management Local Plan, that was adopted in 2014.

Consultation and submission documents

See the consultation, submission, publication and examination documents for the Development Management Local Plan.