Local Design Guidance

If you want to build or develop in Newham you need to follow local, London-wide and national design guidance. ​​​​​On this page you can find more information, and links to guidance on specific local considerations for development planning in Newham.  

Learn more about the National Planning Policy Framework on the gov.uk website 

Learn more about the London Plan on the London.gov.uk website 

View our Local Plan page 

If you need advice on interpreting or understanding these design policies and guidance, you should get a reputable or accredited professional planning agent to assist you.The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) website and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) website provide details of accredited professionals. 

Altering and Extending Your Home 

Many residents in Newham wish to improve their properties – for these residents, Newham has specific design guidance. We recommend engaging with our pre application advice service page for small scale householders, written advice is free of charge.  

View Altering and Extending your home SPD (PDF)

Conservation area design guides 

Newham has nine Conservation Areas. We have design guides for two of our conservation areas: 

View Woodgrange Estate design guide (PDF)

View Durham Road design guide (PDF)

Parks and open spaces 

View our guide to designing small or large open spaces (PDF)

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

View our guide on design and evaluation of sustainable drainage schemes (PDF)

Travel Plan Guidance

View our Travel Plan Guidance