Find Greenwich Planning Records Before You Comment or Submit
Use this guide to search Royal Greenwich planning applications, use the map route, log in to comment or track, read documents, check planning permission, and prepare a stronger application.
The Greenwich planning portal is best for existing applications, decisions and appeals. The Planning Portal is best for starting a new planning permission application after you check Greenwich’s local requirements.
Quick answer: use Royal Greenwich’s planning search page to view new planning applications, decisions, outstanding appeals and recent decisions, and to comment on planning applications. For a new application, use the Planning Portal application route and check Royal Greenwich’s local information requirements before submitting.
For comments, include your name, address, the planning application number and the address of the application site. For applications, missing plans, fee, certificates or local-list documents can stop the application being accepted.
Choose the Right Greenwich Planning Route
The same search term can mean different jobs. Choose the job first, then open the correct official link after the explanation.
I need to search Greenwich planning applications
Use the Greenwich planning portal search to find applications, decisions, outstanding appeals, recent decisions, documents and public planning information.
I need the planning applications map
Use map-style searching when a site has no normal street address, such as land, estates, schools, parks, riverfront sites or development parcels.
I need the portal login
Use the portal login when you want to comment, track cases, save searches or manage planning-register activity. Do not confuse it with the Planning Portal login for new applications.
I need planning permission advice
Check whether permission is needed, review planning history, look for conditions and consider pre-application advice or a lawful development certificate if you need certainty.
I need to apply
Use the Planning Portal to create the application, then make sure Royal Greenwich local information requirements are met before submission.
I need to report unauthorised work
Search planning history first. Then use Greenwich’s enforcement route only for properties in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Greenwich Council Portal vs Planning Portal Do Not Mix Them Up
Most user confusion comes from using the right planning word on the wrong website.
| Your task | Correct place | What it does | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search an existing Greenwich planning application | Greenwich planning portal / Public Access | Shows applications, decisions, appeals, recent decisions, documents and comment route. | Using the national Planning Portal to search local Greenwich records. |
| Use Greenwich planning portal map | Greenwich planning search map route | Helps locate land parcels, estates, corner plots and riverside sites where an address search is weak. | Searching only one postcode and missing nearby linked land. |
| Log in to comment or track | Greenwich planning portal login/register route | Used for planning-register activity, comments and tracking features. | Trying to use Planning Portal application login for Greenwich public comments. |
| Submit a new planning permission application | Planning Portal application service | Creates the form, uploads plans and supporting documents, and manages submission/payment. | Submitting before checking Greenwich’s local information requirements list. |
| Check if a project needs permission | Planning Portal guidance + Royal Greenwich local context | Helps you understand permission, permitted development, local restrictions and whether formal advice is needed. | Assuming a similar extension nearby means your proposal is automatically allowed. |
Greenwich Planning Portal Search Step by Step
Use this order for the fastest Greenwich planning applications search. Start narrow, then broaden only if the portal returns no useful result.
Start with the application reference
Use the reference from a site notice, neighbour letter, agent email, committee agenda, decision notice or weekly list. Copy only the reference, not extra punctuation or spaces.
Try one clean address term
If you do not have a reference, use one postcode, one street name, one building name, one site name or one proposal keyword such as extension, dormer, tree, basement, change of use, shopfront or signage.
Open the full case record
Check application type, address, description, status, important dates, documents, comments, related cases and decision details. Do not rely only on the search-results title.
Use related cases and property history
A single address may have prior approvals, refusals, appeals, condition discharge, lawful development certificates, tree cases or enforcement records. Read the history before acting.
Save key details before you leave the page
Record the reference, address, latest drawing number, consultation deadline, status, officer report, decision notice and any condition numbers you may need later.
Greenwich Planning Portal Map When Address Search Fails
The map route is useful when the site is not a simple house number. It can help you find applications near a location even when you do not know the exact planning reference.
Use the map for these sites
- Greenwich Peninsula and riverside development parcels.
- Woolwich, Abbey Wood, Charlton and Kidbrooke regeneration areas.
- Schools, parks, garages, forecourts and land with no single door number.
- Corner plots, estates, blocks of flats and rear garden sites.
- Tree works or conservation area cases where a property name is unclear.
Map search micro-steps
- Open the Greenwich planning search page.
- Choose the map search option where available.
- Zoom to the street, park, estate or riverfront site.
- Check nearby markers and application summaries.
- Open each relevant application and read the documents tab.
- Cross-check the site address and red-line boundary before commenting.
Greenwich Planning Portal Login vs Planning Portal Login
There are two common planning logins. Use the right one for the job.
| Login route | Use it for | Do not use it for | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenwich planning portal login | Commenting on a live application, tracking a case, saving searches or managing public-register activity. | Creating a new national planning application form. | Use the same email consistently so tracked cases and saved searches stay in one place. |
| Planning Portal login | Starting a new planning application, uploading drawings, managing application drafts and submitting payment. | Finding public comments or local Greenwich decision notices. | Check Greenwich local information requirements before uploading final documents. |
| Royal Greenwich website account | Some council services outside planning. | Assuming it is automatically the same as the planning-register login. | If login fails, return to the exact planning page and use its register/login link. |
Greenwich Planning Permission Search Before You Build, Buy or Object
A planning permission search is not just for neighbours. It is useful before buying a property, starting works, replacing windows, changing use, pruning protected trees or relying on an old approval.
Before home works
Search the property history for previous extensions, lawful development certificates, refused schemes, conditions and Article 4 or conservation constraints.
Before heritage changes
Check whether the site is listed, in a conservation area, near the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, or affected by townscape and views policies.
Before basement or riverside works
Check flood risk, drainage, site levels, Thames-side constraints and whether technical evidence may be needed before drawing final plans.
Documents to Read Before You Comment, Buy or Build
The short proposal text is not enough. Use the documents tab to understand what is actually proposed and what was decided.
| Document | What it tells you | Micro-check |
|---|---|---|
| Location plan | The site boundary and surrounding context. | Check red line, access, land ownership, roads, garden land, parking and nearby buildings. |
| Block or site plan | How the proposal sits on the site. | Check distances to neighbours, trees, bins, parking, servicing, levels and boundary treatment. |
| Existing and proposed drawings | What will change. | Compare plan numbers and revision dates. Do not comment on an old drawing if revised plans have been uploaded. |
| Design, planning or access statement | The applicant’s justification. | Check whether it addresses local character, amenity, policy, access, heritage and environmental constraints. |
| Technical reports | Flood, drainage, tree, transport, daylight, noise, heritage, fire, energy or ecology issues. | Focus your comment on the report that matches your concern. |
| Officer report and decision notice | The planning assessment and legal decision. | Read conditions, approved plan numbers, informatives, reasons for refusal and time limits. |
Comment, Object or Support on a Greenwich Planning Application
Greenwich says it can only take material planning considerations into account when assessing comments. That means a useful comment should focus on planning impact, not private disputes.
Planning points Greenwich can consider
- Loss of light, overshadowing, overlooking or privacy.
- Visual amenity, design, appearance and materials.
- Proposed use, noise and disturbance from the use.
- Layout, building density, height and massing.
- Traffic generation, parking, loading, turning and road safety.
- Loss of trees, effect on listed buildings and conservation areas.
- Conflict with Royal Greenwich Local Plan policies.
Points Greenwich cannot normally consider
- Private property rights such as covenants.
- Boundary disputes.
- Perceived loss of property value.
- Loss of a private view alone.
- Private disputes between neighbours.
- Competition for your business.
- The developer’s identity, morals or motives.
Include the required identifiers
Include your name and address, the relevant planning application number and the address of the application site.
Use numbered planning reasons
Write “I object/support because…” and then use short headings such as design, daylight, privacy, traffic, parking, trees, heritage, noise or Local Plan conflict.
Point to the evidence
Mention the plan number, report title, window position, access point, parking layout, tree location, policy or measured distance that supports your point.
Apply for Greenwich Planning Permission Without Avoidable Delay
A valid application needs national requirements plus Royal Greenwich local information requirements. Do the local-list check before paying or uploading.
National application basics
- Correct application form.
- Correct planning fee.
- Location plan.
- Site or block plan.
- Ownership certificate.
- Agricultural holdings certificate where required.
- Design and access statement where required.
- Fire statement where required for relevant development.
Greenwich local information checks
- Flood risk and drainage information.
- Heritage, conservation or townscape assessment.
- Tree survey, arboricultural method statement or protection plan.
- Transport, access, parking, servicing or travel plan evidence.
- Energy, sustainability, BNG, ecology or landscaping information.
- Affordable housing, viability or planning obligation information.
- Daylight, sunlight, noise, air quality or construction management evidence where triggered.
- Consistent drawing numbers, revision letters and document titles.
Greenwich Local Information Requirements Converted Into a Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting through the Planning Portal. It turns local-list logic into practical user steps.
| Requirement area | When it can matter | Before-submission action |
|---|---|---|
| Plan standards | All application types. | Use readable PDF drawings, correct scale, scale bar, north arrow, plan number, revision letter and clear existing/proposed labels. |
| Flood risk and drainage | Basements, Thames-side sites, surface-water risk areas, major schemes and vulnerable uses. | Check flood risk and SuDS before finalising layout, levels, hardstanding and basement design. |
| Heritage and design | Conservation areas, listed buildings, World Heritage Site setting, locally significant buildings and sensitive views. | Explain significance, impact, materials, scale, street scene, views and mitigation. |
| Trees and landscaping | TPOs, conservation-area trees, garden trees, street trees and development-site trees. | Identify affected trees early and prepare survey/protection evidence where needed. |
| Transport and servicing | New homes, commercial changes, delivery routes, parking changes, cycle parking or access changes. | Explain access, parking, servicing, deliveries, construction route and road safety impacts. |
| Planning obligations | Larger or policy-triggering schemes. | Check CIL, Section 106, affordable housing, viability and mitigation requirements before submission. |
Greenwich Local Checks Generic Planning Guides Miss
Royal Greenwich has several local planning risks that should be checked before applying, commenting or buying.
Thames and flood risk
Riverside and low-lying sites may need flood-risk, drainage and climate-resilience evidence before layout and basement design are fixed.
World Heritage and conservation
Greenwich, Blackheath, Woolwich, Eltham and surrounding areas can involve listed buildings, conservation areas, strategic views and heritage setting.
Tall buildings and fire
High-rise and major residential schemes may need fire safety, design, townscape, daylight, transport and planning-obligation evidence.
Servicing and construction
Town-centre, estate and riverfront sites may need strong servicing, deliveries, construction access and traffic information.
Trees and gardens
Tree Preservation Orders, conservation-area tree controls and planning conditions can affect pruning, removal and layout.
Neighbour amenity
Privacy, daylight, overshadowing, noise, balconies, roof terraces, side windows and rear extensions should be checked against the drawings.
Trees, TPOs and Enforcement in Royal Greenwich
Tree controls and enforcement are not the same as ordinary planning comments. Use the correct route and check planning history first.
Works to protected trees
Greenwich says special permission is needed if a tree is in a conservation area, has a Tree Preservation Order, or is protected by a planning condition. Conservation-area tree works require six weeks’ notice.
- Give the tree address.
- Provide applicant and owner details where required.
- Describe the works clearly.
- Explain why the work is needed.
- Add a site plan, photographs and supporting reports where useful.
Report works without permission
Greenwich describes unauthorised development as works carried out without permission, works different from an approved proposal, or failure to follow planning conditions.
- Search planning history before reporting.
- Confirm the property is in Royal Greenwich.
- Record address, dates, description and photos from public places.
- Do not use enforcement for party-wall, lease, covenant or neighbour disputes.
After a Greenwich Planning Decision Check Conditions and Committee Notes
A decision is not only “approved” or “refused”. Read the decision notice, committee route and conditions before acting.
Delegated, Planning Board or Local Planning Committee
Most applications are dealt with under delegated powers. Some major, strategic or locally significant applications go to the Planning Board or Local Planning Committee, where members decide in public.
Conditions and discharge
Conditions may require further information or compliance with a specific detail. The decision notice wording explains what must be provided and when.
Related UKPlanningPortal Guides for Better Context
These internal links are relevant because they help compare London planning-register search, map, login, comments and validation workflows without creating doorway-style duplicate links.
Official Greenwich Planning Links by Task
Use these official links after choosing the correct route above. Live fees, deadlines, documents and account steps can change, so always verify on the official page before acting.
Independent guide note: this page helps users understand the Greenwich planning route. Always verify live fees, forms, deadlines, comments, decisions, conditions and enforcement details on official Royal Greenwich, GOV.UK or Planning Portal pages before acting.
Greenwich Planning Portal FAQs
Where do I search Greenwich planning applications?
Use the Royal Greenwich planning portal search. Start with the application reference if you have it, then try postcode, address, road name, site name, keyword or map search.
How do I use the Greenwich planning portal map?
Use map search when the address is unclear, such as land parcels, estates, schools, parks, riverfront sites, garages or corner plots. Open the marker, then check the location plan and red-line boundary.
What is the Greenwich planning portal login for?
The Greenwich planning portal login is for public-register activity such as commenting, tracking cases or saving searches. It is different from the Planning Portal login used for new application forms.
Is Greenwich Public Access the same as the Planning Portal?
No. Greenwich Public Access is for existing planning applications, decisions, appeals and documents. The Planning Portal is mainly for submitting new applications and checking national submission requirements.
Can I comment if I did not receive a neighbour letter?
Yes. Royal Greenwich says you do not need to have received a notification letter to comment on a planning application. Your comment should still focus on material planning considerations.
What should I include in a Greenwich planning comment?
Include your name and address, the planning application number and the application site address. Then explain planning reasons such as light, privacy, design, use, noise, traffic, parking, trees, heritage or policy conflict.
How long does Greenwich take to decide planning applications?
Royal Greenwich says it aims to make decisions within 8 weeks for minor applications and within 13 weeks for major applications, after the application has been checked and processed.
Why might a Greenwich planning application be delayed?
Common causes include missing local information requirements, unclear plans, wrong fee, incomplete ownership certificate, missing heritage, flood, tree, transport, fire, BNG, ecology or planning-obligation evidence.
Do I need permission for tree works in Greenwich?
You may need permission or formal notice if the tree is in a conservation area, has a Tree Preservation Order, or is protected by a planning condition.
Can objectors appeal a Greenwich planning approval?
In most cases, objectors cannot appeal simply because they disagree with an approval. Appeal rights usually belong to the applicant if the application is refused, delayed or approved with disputed conditions.