Guides
Have a look at our First Aid for Planning guides
Planning matters to people who want to change their area. Our First Aid for Planning guides and videos explain how planning works. For each guide, leaflet, and video, we have specified when the resource was last updated. Check the dates, as information can get out-of-date when regulations have changed.
We also make tailored guides for community groups on a specific planning issue or topic. If you have an idea for a guide or other resource, please get in touch with us.
Guide 1: What is planning
Last updated: August 2022. This guide explains what planning is about. It offers an introduction for anyone interested in how your neighbourhood changes. Although planning is complicated, your best chance to influence decisions is by getting involved.
Guide 3: Participating in the Examination in Public
Last updated: January 2021. This guide introduces the Examination in Public (EiP) process. It explains what the examination of a Local Plan is and how you can make your representations to the Inspectors. It includes useful tips on how best to prepare a written statement and participate in the public hearing.
A first version of this guide has been developed for the Southwark Planning Network for the Examination in Public of the New Southwark Plan (January 2021).
Guide 5: Submitting a Planning Application
Last updated: March 2023.
This guide is the first of three, about the stages of the planning process. This guide covers:
What a Planning Application Is
What the different types of planning applications are
What information should be included in a planning application
Guide 7: After a Planning Application has been submitted
Last updated: March 2023.
This guide is the last of three, about the stages of the planning process. This guide covers:
Possible actions you can take once a planning application has been approved
Dealing with appeals
Planning Enforcement
Guide 2: Finding the planning information you need
Last updated: August 2022. This guide helps you find information about planning in your area. If you inform yourself about planning in your area, you can get involved on time to make your voice heard.
Guide 4: The Mayor and the call-in process
Last updated: February 2023. This guide explains when the Mayor of London can use their powers to decide on a planning application, and what the established process for this is.
This has been developed in partnership with Just Space.
Guide 6: Community Engagement
Last updated: March 2023.
This is part-two of a three-part guide on the stages of the planning process. This guide covers:
What Community Consultation is
How to comment on a Planning Application
How Planning Applications are determined
Guide 8: Article 4 Directions
Last updated: June 2024
This guide covers:
What Article 4 Directions Are
How to find out about the ones that apply to your Borough
Article 4 Directions by Borough