Planning Applications in
Southwark
Southwark has a population of approximately 318,800 and is part of the London region. Search any postcode in Southwark to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.
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Set Up Free AlertsPlanning Application Types in Southwark
Based on 140 applications tracked between 2025-11-27 and 2026-02-13.
Full
26% of all applications
Householder
22% of all applications
Tree Works
15% of all applications
Listed Building
11% of all applications
Demolition
8% of all applications
Certificate of Lawfulness
6% of all applications
Southwark Planning Statistics
Data period: 2025-11-27 to 2026-02-13 · Updated 13 March 2026
Planning Battles in Southwark
Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the Southwark area.
Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre Demolition
2019-2025The demolition of the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre — the heart of London's Latin American community — was one of the most contested planning decisions in London. Developer Delancey's scheme promised 979 homes (including 116 social rent) and a replacement for the displaced Latin American traders. Critics argued the affordable housing provision was inadequate and the demolition destroyed an irreplaceable cultural hub. The relocation of traders to Castle Square has been described as inadequate by community groups.
Why this matters: Estate and shopping centre regeneration replaces existing communities — monitoring Section 106 agreements and community benefit conditions is essential to ensure displaced residents and traders receive what was promised.
Old Kent Road Housing Zone Density
2020-2030The Old Kent Road area has been designated for approximately 20,000 new homes as part of the Bakerloo Line Extension Opportunity Area. Multiple schemes for towers exceeding 40 storeys have been submitted. Residents and existing businesses (including a significant light industrial economy) have objected to the scale, loss of employment land, and reliance on a Bakerloo Line extension that remains unfunded.
Why this matters: Development dependent on unbuilt transport infrastructure is risky — monitoring ensures planning conditions tie development phasing to actual transport delivery, not just promises.
Heygate Estate Regeneration Legacy
2010-2025The demolition of the Heygate Estate at Elephant and Castle and its replacement by the Elephant Park development (by Lendlease) displaced over 3,000 people and delivered far fewer social rent homes than the estate originally contained. The scheme has become a national case study in how regeneration can fail existing communities. Only 82 of the 2,924 new homes are at social rent levels.
Why this matters: Estate regeneration schemes promise replacement housing but often deliver far less social housing than was demolished — monitoring planning permissions and S106 variations tracks whether affordable housing commitments are honoured.
Peckham and Camberwell Town Centre Changes
2019-2025Peckham's vibrant market and cultural scene has come under pressure from development, with schemes on Rye Lane and surrounding streets raising concerns about displacement of independent traders and loss of the area's multicultural character. The Aylesham Centre redevelopment (2,000 homes proposed) has been particularly contentious.
Why this matters: Town centre intensification can displace the independent businesses that give areas their character — monitoring applications for tall buildings and mixed-use schemes lets market traders and residents have their say.
Major Developments to Watch in Southwark
Large-scale projects and developments that are shaping the future of Southwark.
Elephant Park (Heygate Estate Replacement)
2014-2025Lendlease's £2.3 billion, 2,924-home development on the former Heygate Estate at Elephant and Castle, largely complete. One of the most scrutinised regeneration projects in English planning history.
Old Kent Road Opportunity Area
2020-2040Designation for approximately 20,000 new homes along the Old Kent Road corridor, contingent on the Bakerloo Line Extension. Multiple tall building schemes in various stages of planning.
Canada Water Masterplan
2019-2033British Land's 53-acre masterplan around Canada Water delivering 3,000+ homes, shops, workspace, a new town centre, and a 3.5-acre park on the former Surrey Quays Shopping Centre site.
Aylesham Centre Redevelopment, Peckham
2022-2032Major regeneration of the Aylesham Centre on Rye Lane delivering approximately 2,000 homes and replacement retail space in the heart of Peckham.
What Makes Planning in Southwark Different
- Southwark has the largest stock of council housing in London (around 39,000 homes), making estate regeneration decisions uniquely politically charged
- The borough has some of London's highest Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) rates, particularly in the north around London Bridge and Bermondsey, adding significant cost to development
- Southwark's planning committee has a reputation for refusing major schemes that are subsequently approved on appeal — the tension between elected members and planning officers is unusually visible
- The Old Kent Road Opportunity Area is dependent on the Bakerloo Line Extension, which has no confirmed funding — creating uncertainty about whether the infrastructure needed to support 20,000 homes will ever be built
- Dulwich Village and Dulwich Estate operate under unique land ownership arrangements (the Dulwich Estate charity owns much of the land), creating an additional layer of control beyond standard planning policies
Southwark Council processes approximately 4,500 planning applications per year, one of the highest volumes in London. The borough's housing target is approximately 2,355 homes per year under the London Plan. Southwark has been at the centre of national debates about estate regeneration, affordable housing, and the rights of existing communities during redevelopment. The borough consistently delivers one of the highest volumes of new homes in London.
Key Areas in Southwark
Average house prices around £530,000, though there is enormous variation — Dulwich Village exceeds £1.5 million while parts of Walworth remain around £300,000. The borough has the largest stock of council housing in London and has been at the centre of estate regeneration controversies. The Old Kent Road corridor is expected to see the most dramatic change in the coming decade.
Recent Planning Applications in Southwark
Latest applications submitted to Southwark council.
Details of condition 6a and b (Acoustic Predictions And Mitigation Measures Report) as required by planning permission ref. 24/AP/3719 dated 14/01/2026 for 'Partial demolition of existing dilapidated structures within the curtilage of a listed building, installation of entrance gate between 57-59 Union Street, and associated facade repair work to the front and rear elevations of no. 59-61 Union Street. Erection of two four storey buildings, and an upwards extension to no. 57 Union Street to provide nine residential units, amenity space, refuse and bike stores, external plant, and external landscaping.'
57 - 61 Union Street London Southwark SE1 1SG
Proposed ground side extension, facade changes, rooflight insertion, and all associated works at 63 Hillcourt Road, SE22 0PF
63 Hillcourt Road London Southwark SE22 0PF
Rear side infill extension and loft conversion, extending front roof slope to raise ridge 160 mm and rear extension over part of outrigger.
28 Silvester Road London Southwark SE22 9PD
Hip to gable roof extension including front roof light, and construction of a rear dormer including Juliet balcony.
63 Hillcourt Road London Southwark SE22 0PF
Details of condition 5a and b (Acoustic Predictions And Mitigation Measures Report) as required by planning permission ref. 24/AP/3719 dated 14/01/2026 for 'Partial demolition of existing dilapidated structures within the curtilage of a listed building, installation of entrance gate between 57-59 Union Street, and associated facade repair work to the front and rear elevations of no. 59-61 Union Street. Erection of two four storey buildings, and an upwards extension to no. 57 Union Street to provide nine residential units, amenity space, refuse and bike stores, external plant, and external landscaping.'
57-61 Union Street London Southwark SE1 1SG
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Data Sources
- Planning application data: planning.data.gov.uk
- Southwark council planning portal — planning.southwark.gov.uk
- Planning Inspectorate (PINS) appeal decisions
- Data last refreshed: 13 March 2026