Lewisham
Planning & Building Contacts

Around 25 conservation areas include Blackheath, Brockley, Hilly Fields, Deptford and Lee Green. Blackheath is a significant Metropolitan Open Land asset shared with Greenwich. Deptford riverside has important industrial heritage associated with the former Royal Naval Dockyard. Lewisham and Catford town centres are undergoing active regeneration. The River Ravensbourne and its tributaries create flood risk constraints. Brockley conservation area has a fine stock of late Victorian residential architecture.

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.

Deptford Dockyard was one of the great Royal Dockyards - the Victualling Yard (part Grade I listed) is a rare survival in the Convoys Wharf area. St Paul's Church, Deptford (Grade I, Thomas Archer) is one of the finest early 18th century churches in London. The Manor House at Lewisham (Grade II*) and Horniman Museum and Gardens (Grade II*) are significant cultural heritage assets. Around 25 conservation areas protect Victorian and Edwardian residential streets. 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.

Flood risk from the River Ravensbourne and its tributaries (Pool, Quaggy, Kyd Brook) affects areas in Catford, Bellingham and Lee. The Quaggy was subject to a successful flood alleviation scheme at Sutcliffe Park. A Flood Risk Assessment is required for development in flood risk zones. Surface water flooding is a risk across the densely urbanised north of the borough.