Planning service and performance

Contacting the Planning Department

General enquiries

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Development Control
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ

Telephone: 0845 612 2660
Email: planning@richmond.gov.uk

See a map for directions.

Planning duty officer

We can deal with general enquiries and advice on extensions and alterations to residential dwellings, but you should make an appointment to see a duty planning officer for more detailed discussion.

Customer needs

The Civic Centre has full access for disabled people and induction loops in the general reception area. If you need any help getting into the building, please let us know beforehand and we will make arrangements to help you.

Objecting or supporting planning applications

Find out how you can make your views known about a planning application and see what is a valid objection.

Important information when making applications

Documents submitted for consideration in respect of planning applications are made available for inspection by the public, and can be viewed on the Council's web site, including personal information such as names and addresses which form part of the Statutory Register.

Applications for Certificates of Lawful Development or Use (under section 192 or 191 of the Planning Act)

When a home owner/applicant wishes to establish whether an extension or change of use is lawful (i.e. permitted development) and therefore does not require planning permission from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) they can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development or Use. In such instances, the LPA will receive an application form, fee and plans showing the proposed development and will issue a certificate once it has been established that planning permission is not required for the proposal.

This is assessed on matters of fact (set out in the General Permitted Development Order) and is not assessed on merit, or against adopted policy or guidance or how the development will impact on neighbouring residents.

The Council is not obliged to consult neighbours on such applications.

In cases where the land owner is confident that the proposed development does not require planning permission, they can proceed without the benefit of receiving a Certificate of Lawful Development or Use and therefore the LPA would have no knowledge of the development (although Building Regulations may be required). However, the LPA strongly advises that an application for a Certificate of Lawful Development or Use is sought to avoid any possible enforcement action where the development may indeed require planning permission and not be acceptable