Planning in Havering

Before submission

Validation requirements

Havering Council provides specific checklists for different types of planning applications rather than a universal guide. Applicants must submit separate copies of documents with personal details and signatures removed.

• Applicants must use specific checklists for various application types, such as Checklist 001 for householder applications.
• Proposals involving a flat, maisonette, dropped kerb, or new dwelling require the full planning permission form.
• Larger single-storey rear extensions (up to 6m for attached or 8m for detached properties) require specific prior approval applications.

SourceHavering — application requirements(opens in a new tab)· checked 2026-10-07

Timescales

Realistic decision times

Statutory target

The national determination period set in law, counted from validation. A target, not a guarantee.

Actual processing time

What the council's published performance data shows in practice, including extensions of time.

Allow for validation before the decision period starts. The usual statutory determination periods in England are 8 weeks for non-major applications, 13 weeks for major development and 16 weeks where environmental impact assessment is required, unless a different period is agreed.

• These are statutory targets, not a measured borough average or a guarantee. No current borough-specific average has been verified for this guide.
• An incomplete submission, amendments, committee referral or an agreed extension of time can extend the overall programme.
• Ask the planning team about its current validation queue before setting a construction date. Prior approval and other specialist applications can have different statutory periods.

SourceGOV.UK — determining a planning application(opens in a new tab)· checked 2026-10-07

Permitted development

Article 4 restrictions

These are selected directions, not an exhaustive address search. Read the council’s current map, schedule, commencement date and any later modifications for your property. A conservation area is not automatically an Article 4 area, and a direction affecting changes of use does not necessarily restrict a home extension. Confirm the responsible planning authority too: some development-corporation areas have separate arrangements.

Havering has implemented Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights concerning the change of use from dwelling houses to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

• Article 4 Direction Art4/1/2015 is in effect to regulate changes of use to HMOs.
• Article 4 Direction Art4/2/2015 is also listed in relation to HMOs in Havering.

SourceHavering — Article 4 information(opens in a new tab)· checked 2026-10-07