Greenwich
Planning & Building Contacts

Maritime Greenwich UNESCO WHS covers the Royal Naval College, Queen's House, Old Royal Observatory and their setting. Around 30 conservation areas include Blackheath, Greenwich Town Centre and Charlton. Woolwich is a major regeneration area with tall building potential identified in the Local Plan. The Thames riverside generates specific planning considerations including flood risk, heritage views and accessible waterfront requirements. Charlton Athletic's stadium is subject to specific planning policy.

Building regulations approval is required for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions, new windows and heating system changes. You may use either the council's own building control service or a private Approved Inspector. For listed buildings, building control must be coordinated with Listed Building Consent requirements.

Maritime Greenwich WHS is one of England's most significant heritage environments. The Royal Naval College (Grade I, Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor), Queen's House (Grade I, Inigo Jones) and the Old Royal Observatory (Grade I, Christopher Wren) are among the most important historic buildings in the country. Ranger's House (Grade II*, English Heritage), Charlton House (Grade I) and Eltham Palace (Grade I, English Heritage) are further significant assets. The borough has around 30 conservation areas. Listed Building Consent is required in addition to planning permission for any works to a listed building that would affect its special architectural or historic interest, including internal works.

Thames tidal flooding is a significant risk for riverside areas in Greenwich, Woolwich and Charlton. Much of the northern riverside lies within Flood Zone 3. The Woolwich regeneration area has specific flood risk management requirements. A Flood Risk Assessment is required for development in flood risk zones. Check also for Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) requirements.