Policies map

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

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.

The policies map shows all of the areas where area-based policies apply, as set out in Lewisham’s Local Plan. These policies include areas for protection such as open space and conservation areas, town centre boundaries, and identify sites for particular land uses:

View the interactive policies map online.

Published on: 05/02/2026