Now updated for the new National Planning Policy Framework (August 2026). What changed

Planning appeals by council

Lewisham planning appeals

Lewisham sits close to the England average. Inspectors allowed 33% of the planning appeals decided against it, against 31% nationally.

Appeals decided
42
Allowed
14
Allowed rate
33%
England
31%

That ranks Lewisham 70 of 195 English councils with at least 20 appeals decided, counting from the most often overturned.

What this means if you are objecting

Roughly one appeal in three succeeds here, as across England. A refusal is not the end of the matter, so an objection grounded in the adopted local plan is worth more than one that is not, because the same policies are what an inspector would weigh.

Householder appeals

18 householder appeals were decided against Lewisham, with 17% allowed. These are extensions, loft conversions and the like, and they are decided under a faster procedure than a full planning appeal.

Against the rest of London

Across London, inspectors allowed 25% of planning appeals on average. Lewisham is a london borough.

Other councils in London

Every English council

Objecting to an application in Lewisham?

Enter the planning reference and we will check the designations on the site, the adopted local plan and the applicant's own documents, then tell you which grounds you actually have. That part is free.

Check my grounds, free

Figures cover April 2025 to March 2026 and come from the Planning Inspectorate, Decisions by LPA and decision maker, published under the Open Government Licence. Section 78 planning appeals only. “Allowed” means the inspector granted permission the council had refused. Source data.

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