Golden Vision Renovation · Planning guide · Updated October 26, 2026

Renovation Permits in London: Where to Start

Permit requirements depend on the property and the proposed work. Before booking construction, describe the project clearly and confirm the approval pathway with the City of London and the qualified professionals involved. This guide is a planning checklist, not a determination that a project is approved.

Define the project before asking about permits

Explain what exists now and what will change. A finish replacement, a new opening, a structural alteration and a separate dwelling are different scopes. Include changes to room use, plumbing, stairs, access and building services. Photographs and a simple existing-versus-proposed description help the discussion, but do not replace drawings required for an application.

Start with the City's current guidance

The City's building permit pages provide the official starting point for application requirements and contact information. Confirm the requirements for your property and scope rather than applying a neighbour's experience to your project. Keep the City's response and the project documents together so the construction team works from consistent information.

Clarify who supplies drawings and submits applications

Identify who prepares the design, who submits the application, who responds to comments and who arranges inspections. Agree whether those services and fees are included in the renovation proposal. A contractor's estimate, a concept layout and an approved permit drawing serve different purposes; label documents so they are not confused.

Treat an additional dwelling as a separate review

A basement with a kitchen and bathroom is not automatically an approved additional residential unit. Check the City's current ARU guidance, property-specific planning rules and building requirements. Rules may change, and a property can face constraints that are not visible in a room photograph. Rental licensing should also be checked separately where relevant.

Allow time for questions and revisions

Build a decision point into the schedule before ordering work that depends on approval. Confirm which inspections apply and when work must remain visible. Keep changes to the approved scope documented and ask the appropriate authority how revisions should be handled. Do not assume a permit for one part of the work covers every related alteration.

Related guides and useful resources

Official requirements and product instructions can change. Confirm the current requirements for your actual property and selected products before starting work.

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