Development policies issues and options
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.
Have your say: Local Validation RequirementsLewisham Council is consulting on proposed updates to its Local Validation Requirements for planning applications. The consultation runs until 29 September 2026.
The issues and options consultation stage was the first stage of the Local Development Framework process.
This required the Council to consult on the findings from the emerging evidence base, the Council’s awareness of local issues, and the views of stakeholders and the local community.
The issues and options were discussed in general and specific terms and an opportunity was provided for other issues and options to be raised.
A series of papers were prepared for the development of the Core Strategy, and the Development Policies and Site Allocations document. The consultation was carried out in four parts from 25 July to 30 November 2005. The relevant consultation papers are included below.
A summary of the responses to the issues and options consultation papers is provided below.
In addition to this consultation, the sustainability appraisal/strategic environmental assessment scoping reports were consulted in May 2005.
One scoping report covered the Core Strategy, and the Development Policies and Site Allocations documents, while further reports covered the Lewisham and Catford town centre area action plans.