Planning in Kingston upon Thames

Before submission

Validation requirements

Kingston upon Thames requires specific documentation for planning applications, which are outlined in downloadable checklists. Applicants must comply with the local validation list adopted on 1 May 2024.

• Validation Local List
• Householder Local List
• RBK Sustainable Drainage Proforma
• Biodiversity Checklist

SourceKingston upon Thames — 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.
• Historical council notice — As of 3 November 2025, the validation process is experiencing delays and is taking up to 6 weeks from the date of receipt. Check the application guidance linked above for the latest position.

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.

The council has implemented Article 4 Directions to remove specific permitted development rights in designated areas. These directions require planning permission to be sought for development that would otherwise be exempt.

• Seething Wells Filter Beds
• Commercial, business and service use to residential use
• North Lodge and South Lodge

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