Planning Consultants in London
London's planning system is uniquely complex, with the Mayor of London's London Plan sitting above individual borough Local Plans. All applications of strategic importance require referral to the Mayor. Development in London frequently involves heritage assets, tall buildings policy, affordable housing obligations, and the Mayor's protected vistas. Pre-application engagement with both the borough and the GLA is essential for larger schemes.
Common in London
Local planning authority: 32 London Boroughs and the City of London Corporation, with the Greater London Authority and Mayor of London exercising strategic planning powers
Affected by Heathrow expansion? Get prepared now.
The third runway will need land, homes and business premises around the airport. Whatever the timetable, the planning evidence that protects your position is easiest to gather now. We help landowners, homeowners and businesses establish their land's planning potential, respond at each stage, from Heathrow's consultation (27 October to 22 December 2026) to the examination, and plan relocation.
Planning Services in London
Urban Vista Planning provides the full range of planning consultancy services to clients across London — from homeowners and landowners to developers and businesses. Our Chartered Town Planners are MRTPI-accredited and experienced in dealing with the planning authorities operating in London.
- Planning permission applications
- Pre-application advice
- Planning appeals
- Permitted development assessments
- Lawful Development Certificates
- Change of use applications
- Heritage and listed building consent
- Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain
- Highways and transport assessments
- Infrastructure consenting
- Equestrian and rural planning
- Discharge of planning conditions
Why Urban Vista Planning?
MRTPI & MCIHT Accredited
Our Chartered Town Planners and specialist associates are accredited and regulated by their professional bodies, including the RTPI and CIHT.
UK-Wide Coverage
We advise clients across England and Wales, including London, from our offices in Taplow (Buckinghamshire), Leeds, and Hereford.
Free Initial Consultation
We provide an honest initial view of your project — what is achievable, the best consenting route, and likely timescales — at no charge.
Full-Service Consultancy
We manage the entire planning process: application preparation, specialist coordination, authority engagement, and conditions discharge.
Key Planning Constraints in London
These designations and policy issues shape what can be built in London. Identifying them early is the single most effective way to avoid delay, invalid applications and refusal.
GLA referable applications
Strategic schemes, including those of 150 or more homes, tall buildings above set heights and larger developments in the Green Belt or on Metropolitan Open Land, are referred to the Mayor of London.
Metropolitan Open Land and Green Belt
Both designations receive the same strong protection as Green Belt under the London Plan.
Conservation areas and protected views
London has around 1,000 conservation areas and strategic views protected by the London View Management Framework.
Grid capacity
Electricity constraints, particularly in west London, have delayed housing and commercial schemes and must be addressed early.
Infrastructure & Energy Planning in London
London hosts the UK's largest data centre market, from Docklands to Park Royal and the Heathrow corridor. Here grid capacity, heat reuse, noise and design quality are key planning considerations, alongside London Plan energy and circular economy requirements. We advise on data centre, energy, transport and utility infrastructure across the London boroughs.
Planning in London: FAQs
Which council deals with planning applications in London?
Planning applications in London are determined by the local planning authority for the site — 32 London Boroughs and the City of London Corporation, with the Greater London Authority and Mayor of London exercising strategic planning powers.
What are the main planning constraints in London?
Key constraints in London include GLA referable applications; Metropolitan Open Land and Green Belt; Conservation areas and protected views; Grid capacity. We identify which apply to your site at the outset so they can be addressed in the application rather than discovered during determination.
Do you advise on infrastructure and energy projects in London?
London hosts the UK's largest data centre market, from Docklands to Park Royal and the Heathrow corridor. Here grid capacity, heat reuse, noise and design quality are key planning considerations, alongside London Plan energy and circular economy requirements. We advise on data centre, energy, transport and utility infrastructure across the London boroughs.
Other Areas We Cover in the South East
Need a Planning Consultant in London?
Book a free initial consultation — we will give you a clear view of your options and the best route forward.