Lambeth
Planning & Building Contacts

Around 35 conservation areas include Clapham, Brixton, Streatham Hill, Tulse Hill and the South Bank. The Nine Elms Opportunity Area at Vauxhall has specific tall building and mixed-use policies. Lambeth Palace (Archbishop of Canterbury's London residence) is a significant heritage anchor on the Thames. Brixton town centre has a distinct cultural character protected through specific planning policies. Brockwell Park is a significant green space asset.

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.

Lambeth Palace (Grade I) and its garden (Grade II* registered) are the most significant heritage assets in the borough - the Archbishop of Canterbury's London residence since the 12th century. The South Bank's cultural buildings include the Royal Festival Hall (Grade I) and Hayward Gallery. Clapham has a fine stock of Georgian and Regency housing. Around 35 conservation areas protect a wide range of environments from riverside industrial heritage to Victorian residential estates. 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 flood risk is significant for the Vauxhall and Lambeth riverside areas. The Oval and parts of Kennington also have residual flood risk from historical river courses. A Flood Risk Assessment is required for development in flood risk zones. Surface water flooding is a risk across the heavily urbanised north of the borough.