Planning Consultants in Richmond & Twickenham
Richmond upon Thames is London's only borough on both banks of the Thames, with Kew Gardens World Heritage Site, Richmond Park, Hampton Court and more than 80 conservation areas. Heritage, Metropolitan Open Land and Thames flood risk shape almost every proposal, and the new Local Plan was adopted in October 2025.
Common in Richmond & Twickenham
Local planning authority: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, with the Mayor of London for referable applications
Planning Consultants in Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington
We advise homeowners, landowners, developers and businesses across Richmond upon Thames, including Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kew, Barnes, Mortlake, East Sheen, Hampton, Whitton and Ham.
Richmond Council adopted its new Local Plan on 7 October 2025, which replaced the 2018 plan. It includes policies on design, character, heritage, basements and climate change, together with site allocations, alongside the London Plan.
Large parts of the borough are conservation areas, and the setting of Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Hampton Court must be respected. Land beside the Thames in Barnes, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton is in Flood Zones 2 and 3, so flood risk assessments and the Sequential Test are common requirements. Richmond Park is also a Special Area of Conservation, and many of the borough's open spaces are Metropolitan Open Land.
Planning Services in Richmond & Twickenham
Urban Vista Planning provides the full range of planning consultancy services to clients across Richmond & Twickenham — 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 Richmond & Twickenham.
- 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 Richmond & Twickenham, 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 Richmond & Twickenham
These designations and policy issues shape what can be built in Richmond & Twickenham. Identifying them early is the single most effective way to avoid delay, invalid applications and refusal.
Thames flood risk
Riverside land in Barnes, Kew, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton is in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Kew Gardens World Heritage Site
Development in the setting of the Royal Botanic Gardens must protect its outstanding universal value.
Richmond Park SAC
Richmond Park is a Special Area of Conservation, protected for its veteran trees and stag beetles.
Conservation areas and Metropolitan Open Land
The borough has more than 80 conservation areas, and much of its open land is Metropolitan Open Land.
Infrastructure & Energy Planning in Richmond & Twickenham
Richmond upon Thames lies under the Heathrow flight paths and along the Thames, where flood defences, river transport and utility infrastructure are important. We advise on infrastructure, flood and transport consenting in the borough.
Planning in Richmond & Twickenham: FAQs
Which council deals with planning applications in Richmond & Twickenham?
Planning applications in Richmond & Twickenham are determined by the local planning authority for the site — London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, with the Mayor of London for referable applications.
What are the main planning constraints in Richmond & Twickenham?
Key constraints in Richmond & Twickenham include Thames flood risk; Kew Gardens World Heritage Site; Richmond Park SAC; Conservation areas and Metropolitan Open Land. 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 Richmond & Twickenham?
Richmond upon Thames lies under the Heathrow flight paths and along the Thames, where flood defences, river transport and utility infrastructure are important. We advise on infrastructure, flood and transport consenting in the borough.
Other Areas We Cover in the South East
Need a Planning Consultant in Richmond & Twickenham?
Book a free initial consultation — we will give you a clear view of your options and the best route forward.