Home  /  Insights  /  Real Estate Development & Planning
Real Estate Development & Planning  

Tower Hamlets Planning Portal: How to Search, Apply and Track Applications

A plain-English planning guide for homeowners, landlords and developers in Tower Hamlets.

FB
Real Estate Development & Planning
Tower Hamlets Planning Portal: How to Search, Apply and Track Applications Real Estate Development & Planning

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Planning · Tower Hamlets

Planning in Tower Hamlets, step by step

Searchapplications
Applyonline
8 weeksmost decisions
Landlordslicensing
In short: Tower Hamlets Council publishes planning applications and decisions on its online planning search, where you can look up an address, see plans and comment. New applications are usually submitted through the national Planning Portal. Most householder and minor applications should be decided within 8 weeks, and major applications within 13. Check conservation areas, Article 4 directions and landlord licensing before you start.

How to apply

1
Check if you need permissionSome extensions and loft conversions are permitted development; flats don't have the same rights.
2
Pre-application adviceUseful for bigger or sensitive schemes.
3
Prepare drawingsLocation plan, existing and proposed plans and elevations.
4
Submit onlineThrough the Planning Portal, with the national fee.
5
ConsultationNeighbours and consultees can comment.
6
DecisionApproval, conditions or refusal. You can appeal a refusal.

Tower Hamlets has many conservation areas, including around Spitalfields, Brick Lane and Victoria Park. Works affecting appearance often need permission.

Application typeTarget decision time
Householder8 weeks
Minor8 weeks
Major13 weeks
Lawful development certificateUsually 8 weeks

Statutory target periods in England

Before you submit

Owners and landlords in Tower Hamlets

  • Rental valuation before and after works
  • Lettings and full management
  • Licensing support
  • Free sales valuation

Frequently asked questions

Where do I search planning applications in Tower Hamlets?

On Tower Hamlets Council's online planning search, by address or reference.

How do I apply?

Most applications go through the national Planning Portal.

How long does it take?

Most householder and minor applications should be decided within 8 weeks.

Can Fraser Bond help after the works?

Yes. We can value, let and manage the property.

Improving a property in Tower Hamlets?

Find out what it could rent or sell for once the work is done.

Get a free valuationSpeak to our team

Related guides

PlanningHaringey planning portalE148 Harbord Square, Canary WharfLandlordsHow to register as a landlord in London
RentalList your propertyProperty servicesContact us
However you found this page

There is probably a Fraser Bond team for it.

☖

Lettings & management

Finding tenants, running tenancies, and holding the compliance paperwork so you never have to look for it.
▲

Investment & portfolio

Buying well, holding sensibly, and knowing when a property has stopped earning its place.
■

Commercial property

Offices, retail and mixed use — acquisition, lettings, lease advice and building management.
◆

Professional services

Valuation, lease consultancy, building consultancy and expert advice when a decision needs evidence behind it.
Next step

You are one message away from an answer.

If you have a question

Send it to us and get a straight answer.

Describe the property and the problem. We will tell you what we would do, what it should cost, and if we are not the right people, who is.

  • Replies the same working day
  • The person who answers is the person who handles it
  • No fee, and no obligation to instruct us
Message us about this Other ways to reach us
If you are looking for a property

See everything we are instructed on.

Sales and lettings across Prime Central London and the wider UK, with the same team behind every listing.

  • Residential and commercial in one search
  • Filter by borough, budget and size
  • Register once and we will send matches first
Browse property listings → List your property
Keep reading

Other insights you may find useful.

Crypto Structuring in Dubai: Regulation, Licences and Practical Steps International Property Investment

Crypto Structuring in Dubai: Regulation, Licences and Practical Steps

Read → UK Property Postal Mail Scanning Service - Secure and Efficient Property & Real Estate Services

UK Property Postal Mail Scanning Service - Secure and Efficient

Read → Apartments for Sale Near Chipstead Station - Surrey Commuter Guide Property & Real Estate Services

Apartments for Sale Near Chipstead Station - Surrey Commuter Guide

Read → Sharia-Compliant Finance in the UK – Ethical Alternatives to Conventional Lending Property & Real Estate Services

Sharia-Compliant Finance in the UK – Ethical Alternatives to Conventional Lending

Read → HMO Investment London - Top Locations for Multi-Occupancy Properties Property & Real Estate Services

HMO Investment London - Top Locations for Multi-Occupancy Properties

Read → Cross-Border Wealth Structuring - Jurisdictional Arbitrage Advisory Property & Real Estate Services

Cross-Border Wealth Structuring - Jurisdictional Arbitrage Advisory

Read →