Search, Comment, Apply, Validate or Report a Bromley Planning Issue
Use this as a practical dashboard: find live or historic records, use the Public Register, comment with planning reasons, apply through Planning Portal, avoid invalid status, check BNG/CIL and use enforcement only for real planning breaches.
Choose one action. Each card jumps to the exact checklist, official link and mistake to avoid.
What This Page Adds Beyond Thin Search Results
Which Bromley Planning Route Should You Use?
| User task | Use this route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Find application, appeal or enforcement record | Bromley Public Register / search guidance | Can include planning, building control, appeals, enforcements and TPOs. |
| Comment on application | Submit comments on application page | Use address where required; comments are public and not confidential. |
| Submit new application | Planning Portal | Bromley strongly encourages electronic submission; email attachments are limited to 8MB. |
| Fix invalid application | Email/post to Bromley | Do not use Planning Portal for invalid fixes after submission. |
| Check if work is lawful | Lawful Development Certificate | Pre-app advice is not the formal route for “do I need permission?” questions. |
Open the Correct Official Bromley Page
🔎 Search Planning Applications
Progress, documents, plans, comments, weekly lists, historic applications, property details and enforcement notices.
Search Guidance📌 Public Register
Search planning, building control, appeals, enforcements and TPOs by reference, postcode, keyword or address.
Open Register💬 View and Comment
21-day normal comment period, public visibility, redaction and non-planning issues.
Comment Rules📤 Apply for Permission
Planning Portal, electronic submission, 8MB email limit and A3 hard-copy scan limit.
Apply Guidance✅ Validation Process
Two-week contact rule, invalid reasons, 21-day suspension and withdrawal risk.
Validation Process📄 Validation PDF
National/local requirements, PDF rules, BNG, CIL, reports and technical triggers.
Open PDF📋 Validation Checklists
Householder, full, LDC, NMA, prior approval, Section 73 and condition details.
Checklist Hub📜 Lawful Development Certificate
Use for existing/proposed lawful use, works or failure to comply with a condition.
LDC Guide⚠️ Planning Enforcement
Unauthorised building, use, condition breaches, listed/conservation issues, adverts and untidy sites.
Enforcement GuideSearch Bromley Planning Records in the Right Order
Use the reference first
Best input is the exact application reference from a notice, letter, planning email, agent document, officer report or decision notice.
If you do not have it, simplify
Try postcode, one address line, road name, property name, applicant keyword or one proposal word such as extension, loft, dormer, tree, sign, change of use or dwelling.
Check record type
The register may include planning applications, building control records, appeals, enforcement notices and TPOs. Do not quote the wrong record type.
Save the action details
Copy reference, status, consultation date, decision date, plan revision, officer report, appeal status and condition numbers.
Old Public Access vs New Public Register
Bromley has been moving from an older Public Access system to a newer Public Register platform. During transition, some searches may need both routes.
If a known reference, appeal, enforcement notice or historic case does not appear, do not stop at one failed search.
Compare reference, address, decision notice, application type and date before assuming duplicate or missing records.
Use Bromley’s official search guidance first, then the Public Register. Contact planning support only if the live pages still do not resolve it.
What to Open Before You Comment, Buy or Build
Comment, Object or Support Without Weak Points
Open the application record
Use the register and select “Submit comments” on the application details page.
Use a real address where required
Bromley asks for your address if you live in the borough so your objection can be properly considered. Objections without an address normally carry no weight.
Aim for 21 days
Bromley normally gives 21 days for comments. It may accept comments up to decision day, but anything received after decision cannot be considered.
Use planning issues only
Focus on lighting, highway safety, design, privacy, amenity, trees, conservation, listed buildings, access, parking, policy or similar planning impacts.
| Use these points | Do not rely on these |
|---|---|
| Light, outlook, privacy and amenity | Loss of property value |
| Highway safety, access, parking | Commercial competition |
| Design, scale, materials and layout | Loss of private view |
| Trees, listed buildings, conservation and public rights of way | Building-work disturbance alone |
| Planning policy and previous decisions | Land ownership, private deeds or covenants |
Planning Permission, Prior Approval or LDC?
May be needed for building, extending, demolishing, developing land or changing the use of land/buildings.
Some work can be lawful without a planning application, but limits, property type, conditions and restrictions matter.
Use for existing use, completed building operations or failure to comply with a planning condition where lawfulness needs formal proof.
Use before starting work if you want formal confirmation that proposed use or building operations are lawful.
Bromley notes prior approval does not confirm a change of use can lawfully be implemented; an LDC may be needed for that.
Pre-application advice is not the route to ask whether permission is required. Use permitted development/LDC guidance.
Apply for Bromley Planning Permission Without Avoidable Delay
Planning Portal is the easiest route for forms, documents and fee calculation.
Bromley encourages electronic submissions via Planning Portal or by email to planning@bromley.gov.uk.
Bromley states there is an 8MB email attachment limit. Compress or split files before sending.
Bromley says it cannot scan hard-copy plans larger than A3. Larger plans should be electronic.
If no acknowledgement or invalid letter arrives within two weeks, contact planning support.
Bromley says it generally cannot keep applicants informed or negotiate/meet; track progress online instead.
Validation Process: What Happens After Submission?
| Stage | What Bromley does | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| File created | Creates a file and application number. | Quote this reference in every email or call. |
| Officer allocation | Allocates to a planning officer. | Do not assume allocation means the application is valid. |
| Validation screening | Checks national and local validation requirements. | Check forms, fee, plans, photos, BNG, CIL and reports before upload. |
| If valid | Sends acknowledgement, neighbour/site notice where relevant, consultees and publishes online. | Track online and watch for consultees, amendments and decision. |
| If invalid | Sends invalid reasons and suspends the application. | Send missing items directly to planning.admin@bromley.gov.uk, not through Planning Portal. |
What the Bromley Validation PDF Means in Practice
General PDF rules to follow before upload
- Submit applications electronically through Planning Portal where possible.
- Submit documents, photos and plans as individual PDF files, not one bundled document.
- Remove personal data such as signatures unless the document must include it as evidence.
- If a document is not intended for online publication, clearly identify it in the submission.
- Complete all application-form sections, including Biodiversity Net Gain minimum information.
- Do not duplicate the same person as both applicant and agent.
- The proposal description must include all elements of the development and not include unrelated works.
Site Location Plan, Drawings and Photo Requirements
| Document | What Bromley expects | User check |
|---|---|---|
| Site location plan | Up-to-date plan, red outline, north point, roads/buildings and access land. | Do not add confusing extra coloured outlines; use blue only for adjoining owned land. |
| Block/site plan | Accurate scale, boundary distances where relevant, parking, trees and boundary treatment. | Show proposed works in relation to site boundaries. |
| Floor plans | Existing/proposed plans with accurate scale and key dimensions. | For new dwellings, annotate unit and room sizes. |
| Elevations | Key dimensions, overall height, dormer height/width/depth and solar panel projection where relevant. | Do not show only the “nice” elevation; provide all visible elevations. |
| Sections and streetscene | Required for level changes, sloping ground, raised patios/pools or streetscene context. | Show existing and finished levels, floor-to-ceiling heights and relative neighbour heights. |
Biodiversity Net Gain and CIL: Do Not Leave These Until Invalid Letter
Complete the relevant Biodiversity Net Gain information in the standard application form.
The biodiversity metric should show the site’s pre-development value. Non-major applications may use the Small Sites Metric.
If using an earlier baseline date, state the date and explain why it is proposed.
If claiming BNG exemption, submit an exemption statement. Self/custom build exemption needs Bromley’s proforma.
Relevant major and non-major development must demonstrate minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain unless exempt.
CIL Form 1 is required as a minimum for full planning, householder, LDC and reserved matters following outline permission.
Technical Documents Triggered by Site, Scale or Location
| Report / statement | Trigger examples | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Access Statement | Major schemes, dwellings/floorspace in conservation areas, listed building consent. | Explain design response, access and how London Plan design requirements are met. |
| Heritage Statement | Listed building or conservation area impact. | Assess significance, impact and mitigation. |
| Flood Risk Assessment | Large floorspace, flood zones 2/3, flood zone 1 sites over threshold or increased vulnerability. | Risk, drainage, vulnerability and mitigation evidence. |
| Ecology / Species Survey | Designated areas, SSSI/SINC/AONB/local nature reserves or protected species risk. | Preliminary ecological appraisal and species surveys where relevant. |
| CLMP | Major proposals, 5+ dwellings, main high street impact or construction traffic risk. | Vehicle routes, wheel washing, access controls, waste, deliveries and timing. |
| CEMP | Major proposals. | Noise, dust, air quality and Non-Road Mobile Machinery details. |
| Tall Buildings Impact Assessment | Building above 6 storeys or 18m to uppermost storey floor level. | Visual, townscape, design, amenity and policy evidence. |
| Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Assessment | Mayor-referrable schemes; encouraged for non-referrable major development. | GLA template, carbon-reduction actions and London Plan SI2 evidence. |
Choose the Right Bromley Validation Checklist
🏠 Householder works
Single family dwelling alterations/extensions. Not flats, maisonettes or new dwellings.
Checklist Hub🏘️ Up to 9 dwellings
Use full planning checklist for new dwellings, including flats, parking, BNG, CIL and technical reports.
New Dwellings Checklist🏢 Change of use
Check use class, planning statement, transport, noise, ventilation and amenity triggers.
Checklist Hub📜 Existing or proposed LDC
Existing evidence and proposed-lawfulness cases are different. Choose the right form.
LDC Guidance✅ Details reserved by condition
Say exactly which condition each document relates to. Missing condition mapping can make it invalid.
Condition Checklist🔁 Vary/remove condition
Different from submitting details reserved by condition. Include the original permission and condition numbers.
Section 73 ChecklistWhen Bromley Pre-App Advice Is Worth Using
Use for 10+ residential units, 0.5ha+ residential sites, 1000sqm+ or 1ha+ other development, minerals/waste or EIA development.
Use early for 150+ units, tall buildings, 10,000sqm+ net commercial floorspace or sites over 2.5ha.
Use for householder, 1–9 dwellings, smaller commercial floorspace, change of use, adverts and telecom proposals.
Bromley’s non-major service gives a written response and a site visit if required, but no meeting.
After online payment, include the payment reference with the request so Bromley can match it quickly.
Bromley says information about whether permission is required is not available through pre-app advice.
Decision Route, Conditions and Appeals
Applications are decided against the development plan unless there is a good reason not to do so. Bromley Local Plan and London Plan policies matter.
Bromley has delegated authority and planning committee routes and aims to determine most applications under delegated powers.
Comments received after committee report publication are normally summarised verbally at committee.
Applicants can appeal refusal, conditions or non-determination if no decision is issued within the statutory period, normally eight weeks.
Householder appeals are normally due within 12 weeks of decision notice. Most other appeals are within six months.
Application-stage comments are sent to the Planning Inspectorate if there is an appeal. Further appeal comments must follow Inspectorate instructions.
Report a Bromley Planning Breach Correctly
Search history first
Check if the works/use has permission, an LDC, a condition discharge, an amendment, an appeal or an enforcement notice.
Check if it is planning enforcement
Bromley investigates unauthorised building, unauthorised use, non-compliance with plans/conditions, listed/conservation issues, unlawful adverts and untidy sites.
Do not report non-planning issues
Bromley says it does not investigate noise/smells alone, construction methods alone, private access/boundary disputes or private covenant restrictions.
Send useful evidence
Include site address, what happened, when it started, why permission may be missing, harm caused, photos if safe and any planning references found.
Bromley Planning Search, Comment or Application Problems
| Problem | Try first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| No record found | Search reference, postcode, one address line, road, property search, weekly list and Public Register. | System transition and address wording can affect search results. |
| Comment carries no weight | Include address where required and write planning reasons only. | Anonymous or addressless objections cannot normally be weighted. |
| Application invalid | Send every missing item to Bromley directly, not via Planning Portal. | Bromley says it cannot retrieve invalid fixes submitted through Planning Portal. |
| Large files rejected | Use Planning Portal or split/compress files under 8MB email limit. | Bromley states an 8MB email attachment limit. |
| Large hard-copy plan | Provide plans larger than A3 electronically. | Bromley cannot scan hard-copy plans larger than A3. |
| Need formal no-permission proof | Use LDC, not pre-app advice. | Pre-app advice is not for confirming whether permission is required. |
Bromley Planning Contact Routes
Telephone: 020 8313 4956. Email: planning.admin@bromley.gov.uk.
Bromley lists planning@bromley.gov.uk for general planning/application submissions where appropriate.
Telephone: 020 8461 7730. Email: planninginvestigation@bromley.gov.uk.
Email: planningappeals@bromley.gov.uk. Use your decision notice and appeal guidance first.
Planning Investigations, Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1AS.
Prepare reference, address, screenshot, document name, date, what you need checked and whether you are applicant, neighbour, owner or agent.
Use This Site Safely Before Official Action
📘 How to Use This Website
Use this website for planning research, then complete final action on official council, GOV.UK or Planning Portal pages.
Read Safe Use Guide🔗 Official Links Policy
Explains why official links are labelled and placed beside the exact planning task they solve.
Read Link Policy✅ Source Verification
Explains manual checks for official council links, maps, contact routes and planning sources.
Read Verification PolicyOfficial Bromley Details Converted Into User Steps
- Search: progress tracking, plans, documents, comments, weekly lists, historic applications, property details and enforcement notices.
- Public Register: planning, building control, appeals, enforcements and Tree Preservation Orders.
- Comments: normally 21 days, not confidential, cannot consider anonymous objections, late comments after decision cannot be considered.
- Apply: Planning Portal preferred; email attachments limited to 8MB; hard-copy plans larger than A3 must be electronic.
- Validation: file created, reference allocated, officer assigned, national/local screening, valid publication or invalid suspension.
- Invalid applications: fixes must go to Bromley directly, 21-day suspension, possible withdrawal and future invalid-submission charges.
- PDF: individual PDF files, no bundles, remove personal data, BNG minimum info, CIL Form 1, red-line location plan and technical reports.
- Enforcement: use for real planning-control breaches, not private boundary/covenant issues or noise/smells alone.
Bromley Planning Portal FAQs
Where do I search Bromley planning applications?
Use Bromley’s planning applications search guidance or the Planning and Building Control Public Register. The register can search planning applications, building control applications, appeals, enforcements and TPOs.
How do I comment on a Bromley planning application?
Open the application record and select “Submit comments”. If you cannot use the internet, Bromley says you can write to the council quoting the planning reference number.
How long do I have to comment?
Bromley normally gives a 21 day period for comments. Representations may usually be accepted up to the day of decision, but comments received after a decision cannot be considered.
Are Bromley planning comments confidential?
No. Bromley says correspondence received about planning applications can be viewed by the public, including the applicant. Letters are displayed online with signatures, email addresses and phone numbers redacted.
Can I object anonymously?
No. Bromley says it is unable to consider anonymous objections. Objections without an address cannot normally be given weight in the decision.
What is Planning Portal used for in Bromley?
Planning Portal is used to submit applications, complete forms, upload documents and calculate fees. Bromley’s local register is for existing records, comments and tracking.
Why is my Bromley planning application invalid?
It may be missing national or local validation requirements such as forms, fees, plans, photos, ownership certificates, BNG information, CIL Form 1 or technical reports.
How long do I have to fix an invalid application?
Bromley says the suspension time limit for an invalid application is 21 days. After this period the application is withdrawn and a new application must be submitted.
Do I need an LDC?
Use a Lawful Development Certificate when you need formal confirmation that existing or proposed use, operations or failure to comply with a condition are lawful for planning purposes.
How do I report a planning breach?
Search history first, then report in writing or by email to Bromley Planning Investigations with the site address, what happened, dates, harm, photos and any planning references found.