Prepare a planning application
Householder application
When to use a householder application
You can use this application type for works to your home, including:
- extensions
- conservatories
- loft conversions
- dormer windows
- garages
- outbuildings
- swimming pools
- walls and fences
- porches
For any works to a flat, you need to make a full planning application instead.
When you're ready, you can submit your planning application on the Planning Portal.
Get a quick decision on your householder application
We offer a fast track service that guarantees we will make a decision on your application within 5 working days of the end of the 21 day consultation period. Find out more about this service.
Validation checklist for householder applications
Required for all householder applications
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Application form
What you need to do
Provide your contact information and details about the development you need planning permission for.
Make sure you:
- use the 'Householder planning consent' application form from the Planning Portal
- fill in all relevant parts of the form
- sign and date the application form before you submit it
If you cannot submit your application online, download copies of all application forms from the Planning Portal website.
Why we need this
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).
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Ownership certificate
What you need to do
Fill in the certificate to confirm who owns the application site. The certificate information is included as a section of the application form. You must complete and submit either Certificate A, B, C or D with your application form and also submit the relevant Notice type if required.
There are four certificate types and two Notice types:
- Certificate A - Sole ownership and no agricultural tenants
- Certificate B - either you're not the owner but know who is or you are not the sole owner but you know who the other owners/agricultural tenants are; you also need to complete Notice 1
- Certificate C - either you're not the owner but you know some of the other owners/agricultural tenants or you're an owner but only know some of the other owners/agricultural tenants; you also need to complete Notices 1 and 2
- Certificate D - either you're not the owner and do not know the owner(s) or you're an owner but do not know any other owner(s) / agricultural tenant(s); you also need to complete Notice 2
Download Notice 1. (PDF, 127kb)
Download Notice 2. (PDF, 127kb)
Why we need this
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).
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Fee
What you need to do
Our application fees are set by the government. You must pay a fee for most application types. There are some fee exemptions which you can check on our planning applications types and fees webpage.
Make sure you:
- find out the correct fee for your application type
- make your payment online when you submit your application using the Planning Portal
- respond as soon as possible if we contact you for additional payment
Check how much you need to pay
The cost to apply for householder planning permission is £203.
Why we need this
Planning fees are a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations 2012.
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Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Additional Questions Form
What you need to do
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge on development set by local authorities. We use the money raised to deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in Southwark. You need to submit CIL information for all application types.
Make sure you:
- complete and submit the CIL Additional Information Requirement Form 1
- complete and submit all other CIL related requirements if relevant
- include colour-coded plans and additional CIL forms if relevant, which are listed in our further guidance on what to submit for CIL (PDF, 151kb)
View more information on when you need to pay CIL.
Refer to the Planning Portal guidance on what CIL forms to submit.
Why we need this
To make sure the right amount of CIL is paid.
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Fire Safety Strategy (or Reasonable Exception Form)
What you need to do
A Fire Safety Strategy or Reasonable Exception Statement must be submitted with all householder applications.
Make sure you:
- check guidance by the Greater London Authority on the requirements of a fire safety strategy.
- include the following details in the Fire Safety Strategy:
- name and title of who wrote and approved the planning application's fire safety information, with a clear statement describing their competence, including relevant qualifications and experience
- information under each part of London Plan Policy D12 (A); this should be specific and relevant to the proposed development
- the relevant safety design codes and standards and how these ensure the proposed development achieves the highest standards of fire safety; this should be proportionate to the size and nature of the development
- submit a Reasonable Exception Form if the application meets all four of these criteria:
- creates no additional dwellings or commercial units AND
- does not provide a new lift AND
- does not change external materials AND
- does not change internal or external communal areas that support the evacuation strategy for the property
Download a Reasonable Exception Form template (docx, 18kb).
Why we need this
To make sure that the highest fire safety standards are met for all development in the borough.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 Policy D12 (A) and (B)
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Location Plan
What you need to do
Submit a plan of the site showing the application site in relation to the surrounding area.
Make sure you:
- scale plans at 1:1250 or 1:2500 and include a scale bar on each plan, on A4 or A3 paper size
- use an up-to-date base map
- show roads or buildings on land adjoining the application site (labelling at least two roads)
- outline the application site clearly in red; this must include all land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings
- outline any additional land under the ownership of the applicant in blue if it immediately adjoins the proposed area
Read more about how to prepare a valid plan.
Why we need this
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).
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Site Plan
What you need to do
Submit a plan of the site showing the development in relation to the boundaries and existing on-site buildings.
Make sure you:
- scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 and include a scale bar on each plan, on A4 or A3 paper size
- include an arrow to show the direction of north
- clearly label and number all immediately adjoining buildings and all main roads surrounding the site
- outline the application site clearly in red; this must include all land required for access to the site from a public highway, visibility splays, landscaping, car parking and open areas around buildings
- outline in blue any other land within the applicant's control that is close to or adjoining the application site
Read more about how to prepare a valid plan.
Why we need this
This is a national requirement set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended)
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Floor plans - existing and proposed
What you need to do
If you are making any changes to the inside of the building, then you should submit existing and proposed floor plan drawings. Floor plans show how each floor of the building is set out. The floor plan drawings should show what the building looks like now and after the proposed works.
Make sure you:
- submit an individual floor plan for each floor of the building
- scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 on A4 and A3 paper size
- include a scale bar on each plan
- include a unique reference number on each drawing
- show any proposed buildings (including household extensions and outbuildings) in context with neighbouring buildings
- include written dimensions, especially for proposed extensions
- include details of materials used in the development
Read more about how to prepare a valid plan.
Why we need this
This requirement is set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).
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Elevations - existing and proposed
What you need to do
If you are making any changes to the outside of the building, then you should submit existing and proposed elevation drawings. Elevation drawings show what the building looks like from the outside. They show the front, back and sides of the building. The elevation drawings should show what the building looks like from the outside now and after the proposed works.
Make sure you:
- submit an individual elevation drawing for the front, back, and both sides of the building
- scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 on A4 and A3 paper size
- include a scale bar on each plan
- include a unique reference number on each drawing
- show any proposed buildings (including household extensions and outbuildings) in context with neighbouring buildings
- include written dimensions, especially for proposed extensions
- include details of materials used in the development
Read more about how to prepare a valid plan.
Why we need this
This requirement is set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).
Required for some householder applications
Check each requirement to see if you need to submit these supporting documents for the works you want to do to your home.
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Cross-section drawings - existing and proposed
What you need to do
Submit cross-section drawings for your property now and after the proposed works. Section drawings show the height and size of the building stories and internal features.
Make sure you:
- scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 on A4 and A3 paper size
- include a scale bar on each plan
- include a unique reference number on each drawing
- include written dimensions, especially for proposed extensions
- include measurements of ceiling heights on the drawings, especially for loft and basement conversions
- label any living space with a ceiling height of less than 2.3m
Read more about how to prepare a valid plan.
When you need to submit this
You need to submit cross-section drawings if you are making any changes to ceiling or roof heights, for example, basement works or a roof extension. This also includes changes to ground levels such as sunken patios or decking.
Why we need this
This requirement is set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).
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Roof plans - existing and proposed
What you need to do
Submit a roof plan drawing for your property. The roof plan drawings should show what the layout of the roof is like now, and how it will look after the proposed works.
Make sure you:
- scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 on A4 and A3 paper size
- include a scale bar on each plan
- include a unique reference number on each drawing
- include written dimensions, especially for proposed extensions
- include details of materials used in the development
Read more about how to prepare a valid plan.
When you need to submit this
You need to submit roof plans if you are making changes to the roof of an existing property. This includes any extensions, new roof lights, and new outbuildings.
Why we need this
This requirement is set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) 2015 (as amended).
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Spot Levels and Gradients Plan
What you need to do
Submit a site plan with all spot levels and gradients labelled. This should also include proposed finish levels.
Make sure you:
- scale plans at 1:100 or 1:50 on A4 and A3 paper size
- include a scale bar on each plan
- include a unique reference number on each drawing
- clearly label all spot levels and gradients
- include neighbouring properties if relevant
When you need to submit this
You must submit a Spot Levels and Gradients Plan for all full planning applications where there are substantial changes in ground level on the site and relative to neighbouring properties.
Why we need this
To ensure that the mobility needs of disabled and mobility impaired people are met. The drawings will also ensure access to the development is vertically aligned with the public highway.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 Policy T6.1 H(5)
- Southwark Plan 2022 policies P55
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Design and Access Statement
What you need to do
Set out how a site responds to its local setting. Show how the site would be accessed. For more information, refer to our Design and Access Statement SPD. The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure (England) Order 2015 sets out when a Design and Access Statement is required and what it should contain.
Include details on:
- site safety
- site security
- site accessibility
- the relationship between the proposed buildings and their surroundings
You must split the document into clearly labelled sections of less than 30MB each.
When you need to submit this
You need to submit a Design and Access Statement with all householder applications in a conservation area.
To check this, you should:
- Open Southwark Maps
- Turn on the 'Conservation' map layer. This will show the location of all the heritage assets and conservation areas in Southwark
- Enter your address
If you are only doing internal works, you can include information about the design and access of the development in a cover letter instead.
Why we need it
To ensure the proposal is providing adequate sustainable travel options and that any vehicle parking provided is within policy allowances.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 policies T5 and T6
- Southwark Plan 2022 policies P53 and P54
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Heritage Statement
What you need to do
Submit an assessment of the significance of heritage assets and their settings affected by the development. Assess the impacts that the development might have on these assets.
Refer to our Heritage SPD for guidance and details of what you should include in the statement.
If you are doing works to a Listed Building, remember that you will need Listed Building Consent in addition to planning permission.
When you need to submit this
You need to submit a Heritage Statement if your property is in or close to:
- a conservation area
- a Listed Building
- a historic park or garden
- a scheduled ancient monument
To check this, you should:
- Open Southwark Maps
- Turn on the 'Conservation' map layer. This will show the location of all the heritage assets and conservation areas in Southwark
- Enter your address
Why we need this
To ensure that heritage assets are protected and enhanced by development.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 policies D1, D2, D4, HC1, and HC2
- Southwark Plan 2022 policies P13, P14, P15, P16, P17, P18, P19, P20, P21, P23, P24, P25, and P26
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Daylight and Sunlight Impact Assessment
What you need to do
Identify and examine the impacts of the development on existing neighbouring properties. This includes sites with planning permissions for development that have not been completed yet. Guidance on how to carry out the daylight and sunlight tests is set out in our Residential Design Standards SPD. The assessment should follow the methodology set out in the Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidance ‘Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight: A guide to good practice’.
Make sure you:
- show the daylight and sunlight tests on submitted drawings
- submit a report to confirm the final daylight and sunlight values achieved by any proposal in a restricted setting
- ensure that the evidence of the assessment is prepared by a suitably qualified professional and in accordance with BRE guidance for:
- major applications
- more complex minor applications
When you need to submit this
You need to submit a Daylight and Sunlight Impact Assessment if your development might impact the access of light to neighbouring properties.
Why we need this
To help us make sure that your development does not cause a reduction in the daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 Policy D6
- Southwark Plan 2022 policies P15 and P55
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Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
What you need to do
Complete a desk-based assessment using existing archaeological and historical information. You should determine the archaeological interest and potential of the site, and assess the impacts of the proposed development.
When you need to submit this
You need to submit an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for:
- applications where groundworks are proposed within an Archaeological Priority Area
- applications for new basements, extensions to basements or other extensive groundworks
To check this, you should:
- Open Southwark Maps
- Turn on the 'Conservation' map layer. This will show the location of all the Archaeological Priority Areas in Southwark
- Enter your address to see if your property is in an Archaeological Priority Area
Why we need this
To ensure that heritage assets are protected and enhanced by development.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 Policy HC1
- Southwark Plan 2022 policy P23
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Tree survey or Arboricultural Impacts Assessment
What you need to do
Provide an appraisal of the quality of existing trees on site, and identify protection measures to be implemented during construction and potential management measures. The assessment should be prepared by a named project arboricultural consultant
Make sure you:
- provide tree retention and removal plans
- identify Root Protection Areas on proposed layout plans
- ensure the assessment complies with the British Standards BS5837, BS3998 and BS8545, and Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) guidance.
View more information about works to trees in Southwark.
When you need to submit this
You need to submit a Tree survey or Arboricultural Impacts Assessment for:
- applications involving the pruning or removal of existing trees
- applications carrying out works (including the excavation of foundations and service/utility runs) that may affect trees on site or on adjoining land
Why we need this
To ensure that all retained trees are not harmed by development.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 Policy G7
- Southwark Plan 2022 policies P59 and P61
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Cycle parking drawings
What you need to do
Submit proposed plans for both short-stay and visitor cycle parking and long-stay cycle stores.
For short-stay and visitor parking, you must show the full extent of the Sheffield stand provision, including the context of the site and public highway.
For long-stay cycle stores, you must show the placement of all stand types and include:
- overall dimensions of the store
- distance between parking stands
- aisle widths
- access point width
- floor to ceiling height
- clear head room
- width of store door
Refer to the London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS) Chapter 8.
When you need to submit this
You need to submit cycle parking drawings if your application will result in:
- an increase in the number of bedrooms in your home
- subdivision of your home
- conversion of your home into an HMO
Why we need this
To ensure high quality cycle parking is provided in the borough and to encourage the use of sustainable modes of travel for all new and existing developments.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 Policy T5
- Southwark Plan 2022 policy P53
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Basement Impact Assessment
What you need to do
Evaluate the direct and indirect implications of the proposed basement development. Submit a floor plan and section drawing of the basement extension which includes details of the basement ceiling height, access, and any roof lights.
Make sure that the technical report is prepared and self-certified by a suitably qualified chartered engineer or chartered geologist, who is a member of the relevant professional body.
Refer to our Residential Design Standards SPD for more information about basement works.
When you need to do this
You need to submit a Basement Impact Assessment if your application is for a new or extended basement.
Why we need this
To inform our assessment of the proposed development.
Relevant planning policy:
- London Plan 2021 Policy D10
- Southwark Plan 2022 policies P14 and P68
Page last updated: 10 September 2024
