Planning permission for extensions across Abbey Wood
We prepare planning permission for extensions for homes in Abbey Wood, as a stand-alone service or as the first stage of a design and build project.
- Guide price in Abbey WoodFrom £450 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsDA16, DA17, DA18, SE2, SE18

Planning rules that apply in Abbey Wood
In England the main routes are permitted development (ideally confirmed with a lawful development certificate, £274), larger home extension prior approval (£249, 42 days) and a householder planning application (£548, normally 8 weeks), with council fees as set from 1 April 2026.
The planning position for a specific Abbey Wood address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Extensions in and around Abbey Wood
We cover Abbey Wood and the postcode districts DA16, DA17, DA18, SE2, SE18, SE28. Neighbouring towns we cover include Plumstead (1 mile), Thamesmead (1 mile), Welling (2 miles), Barking (3 miles).
For homes towards Kent, Dartford is around 5 miles away. Across London, terraced houses with narrow side returns and tight access are the norm, which shapes everything from party wall notices to how materials reach the back garden.
What it costs in Abbey Wood
Fees below are our Abbey Wood guide (×1.3, the London factor), including VAT. Council and building control fees are extra.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Permitted development confirmed in writing (certificate or notification) | £450 – £850 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £750 – £1,450 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £1,150 – £2,100 |
Our handling fee only. Council fees are extra: in England from 1 April 2026 a householder application is £548, a lawful development certificate for a proposed extension £274 and a larger home extension prior approval £249. Drawings are priced separately.
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
When it helps
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
A lawful development certificate is not compulsory for permitted development, but it is the cleanest proof that the extension was lawful when you come to sell. We usually recommend one.
How the project works
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Common questions in Abbey Wood
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Abbey Wood, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
How long does this take for a Abbey Wood home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Do you cover all of Abbey Wood?
Yes. We cover Abbey Wood and the surrounding parts of Greater London. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
What happens if planning is refused?
You can revise the design and reapply, or appeal. We read the officer’s report and tell you honestly which option has a better chance.
How much does planning permission cost?
In England, from 1 April 2026 the council fee is £548 for a householder application, £274 for a lawful development certificate for a proposed extension and £249 for larger home extension prior approval. Our handling fee is separate.
Book a free site visit in Abbey Wood
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.