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Richmond upon Thames Planning Services

Planning applications, drawings, surveys & compliance reports for the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

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Planning World

A faster, smarter, more affordable way to get planning permission anywhere in the UK.

Richmond upon Thames is one of London’s most prestigious and environmentally sensitive boroughs, covering Richmond, Twickenham, Kew, Barnes, East Sheen, Teddington, Hampton, and St Margarets. With extensive conservation areas, listed buildings, protected views, riverside constraints, and strict design policies, Richmond is one of the most challenging boroughs for planning approval.

Planning World provides planning applications, architectural drawings, surveys, and compliance reports tailored specifically to Richmond’s planning policies and validation requirements.

When You Need Planning Support in Richmond

Professional planning assistance is typically required for:

  • Rear, side, and wrap‑around extensions
  • Loft conversions, dormers, and roof alterations
  • Mansard roof additions
  • Basement extensions
  • Garden studios and outbuildings
  • Flat conversions and HMOs
  • Change of use (commercial ↔ residential)
  • New build homes and infill developments
  • Alterations to listed buildings
  • Works within conservation areas
  • Developments affecting protected views (e.g., Richmond Hill)
  • Flood‑zone developments (Thames riverside)
  • Shopfront changes and signage
  • Mixed‑use and commercial developments

Richmond is known for its exceptionally strict design, heritage, and environmental standards — even modest proposals require careful justification.

Local Planning Policies in Richmond

Richmond’s planning environment is shaped by heritage, riverside constraints, protected views, and conservation.

Conservation Areas (85+ designated areas)

Key conservation areas include:

  • Richmond Hill
  • Kew Green
  • St Margarets
  • Twickenham Riverside
  • Barnes Green
  • Hampton Village
  • East Sheen
  • Teddington Lock

Applications must demonstrate:

  • High‑quality design
  • Respect for historic character
  • Sensitive material choices
  • Minimal visual impact
  • Compliance with area‑specific SPDs

Listed Buildings

Richmond contains some of London’s most significant heritage assets. Applications require:

  • Heritage Statements
  • Impact Assessments
  • Detailed drawings
  • Evidence of minimal intervention

Protected Views & Vistas

Richmond Hill is home to the only legally protected view in England. Applications affecting views require:

  • Visual impact assessments
  • Height and massing justification
  • Sensitive design strategies

Flood Zone & Riverside Constraints

Large parts of Richmond sit within Flood Zones 2 and 3. Applications often require:

  • Flood Risk Assessments
  • Sustainable drainage strategies
  • Sequential test justification
  • Structural justification for extensions

Regeneration & Town Centre Zones

Key areas include:

  • Richmond Town Centre
  • Twickenham
  • Teddington
  • Hampton Wick

These areas often require:

  • Design & Access Statements
  • Transport assessments
  • Sustainability statements

Sustainability & Energy Requirements

Richmond is strict on:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Carbon reduction
  • Biodiversity
  • Urban greening
  • Sustainable drainage

Many applications require:

  • SAP calculations
  • Energy statements
  • BNG assessments
  • Flood Risk Assessments

Basement Policy

Richmond is one of London’s strictest boroughs for basements. Basements require:

  • Structural Method Statement
  • Flood Risk Assessment
  • Construction Management Plan
  • Neighbour impact analysis
  • Basement Impact Assessment

Common Refusal Reasons in Richmond

Applications are often refused for:

  • Harm to conservation area character
  • Impact on protected views
  • Overdevelopment
  • Poor design quality
  • Loss of amenity to neighbours
  • Flood‑risk concerns
  • Insufficient heritage justification

Planning World ensures your application addresses these issues from the outset.

What We Provide in Richmond

We deliver a complete suite of planning and technical services, including:

Planning Applications

  • Householder applications
  • Full planning applications
  • Change of use
  • Prior approval
  • HMO applications
  • Listed building consent
  • Conservation area consent

Architectural Drawings

  • Existing & proposed plans
  • Elevations & sections
  • Roof plans
  • 3D visualisations
  • Revit models
  • Measured surveys

Technical Reports

  • Flood Risk Assessments
  • Biodiversity Net Gain
  • SAP calculations
  • Structural engineering
  • Daylight & sunlight assessments
  • Basement impact assessments

Legal & Compliance

  • Party wall
  • Lease plans
  • Title plans

All documents are prepared to Richmond’s validation requirements.

Our Process

A structured workflow designed for Richmond’s planning environment:

  1. Site & policy review
  2. Drawings & technical documents
  3. Planning strategy
  4. Submission
  5. Liaison with Richmond planning officers
Positive Feedback
7-day Turnaround
Fixed Pricing From

Why Choose Planning World for Richmond

    • Deep knowledge of Richmond planning policies
    • Expertise in conservation areas, listed buildings & protected views
    • Strong track record in riverside and high‑sensitivity zones
    • Fast turnaround for drawings & reports
    • Full planning, architectural, and compliance support
    • Transparent pricing and fixed quotes
FAQs — Kensington & Chelsea

Often yes — Richmond is one of London’s strictest boroughs for design and heritage.

Yes, but flood‑risk assessments are often mandatory.

If your property is listed or in a conservation area, almost certainly.

Some are, but Richmond is extremely selective.

Yes — we prepare all drawings, heritage reports, and justification.

Start Your Richmond Planning Application

Send us your drawings or property details and we’ll prepare a fully compliant, borough‑specific planning package tailored to Redbridge’s requirements.