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Local development scheme

Information about the timetable for preparing the Lewisham Local Plan.
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.


The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out:

  • an outline of the Local Plan and the planning documents we propose to prepare

  • the timetable for the preparation of the various documents.

The latest version of the Local Development Scheme was approved by a decision of Mayor and Cabinet on 28 January 2025 and came into force on 11 February 2025. It replaces the previous LDS 2022.

Previous versions of the Local Development Scheme  can be read below.

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