London Architecture and Planning

London is well known for its variety of architectural styles. The result of bomb damage, subsequent city planning policy, and economic cycles has been a city with an eclectic mix. It is common to find Georgian townhouses adjacent to glass skyscrapers, or an early 20th century housing estate between Victorian terraces.

Many local authorities in London recognise the need for the preservation of our historic city fabric, yet simultaneously realise the value of good modern design. The planning system aims to reconcile this desire for preservation with forward thinking architectural propositions, preventing buildings without merit or a relation to their surroundings from being realised.

From a submission of a planning application for property alterations, a result is usually determined within eight weeks. If permission is refused, the local authority will notify the applicant and must give its reasons for refusal. The applicant then has a further 12 weeks to submit a householder appeal if desired. However, an application may often be simply ammended and resubmitted; this may be as less costly process than appealing the decision.

If permission is granted, there may be conditions. Planning conditions often restrict exterior finishes of proposed extensions. Materials may be limited to those that exist in the surrounding streetscape, and formal considerations are imposed so that any new building's imposition on its neighbours is minimised.