Planning in Newham

Before submission

Validation requirements

Applicants must complete a Submission Checklist and ensure all files are under 10mb, with larger files broken down and labelled accordingly. All drawings must be submitted as scalable PDFs, with location plans showing two named roads and site boundaries outlined in red.

• All applications must be submitted via the Planning Portal to avoid administration fees and validation delays.
• Applicants are responsible for the Submission Checklist to demonstrate how relevant Development Plan requirements are met.
• All applications must include an Ownership Certificate and Agricultural Holding Certificate to be processed.
• Check whether mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain applies and provide the supporting information or evidence for an applicable exemption; householder applications are generally exempt.

SourceNewham — 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.

Article 4 Directions in Newham remove certain permitted development rights for specific areas to control development.

• A specific Article 4 Direction is in effect for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Article 4 Directions apply to the designated Conservation Areas of Durham Road, Romford Road, and Woodgrange Road.

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