Planning in the London Borough of Bexley

I have worked on projects in the London Borough of Bexley, including The Nail Company in Sidcup , a change of use from a retail unit to a nail salon with new shopfront signage.

Council planning pages
London Borough of Bexley
Local Plan
The Bexley Local Plan (adopted April 2023, covering the period to 2038). Local Plan page.
What to submit with an application
Local validation requirements.
Article 4 directions
Bexley has Article 4 directions in place in some of its conservation areas, removing certain permitted development rights so that a planning application is needed. Article 4 directions.
Community Infrastructure Levy
Bexley charges the Community Infrastructure Levy, its own Bexley levy alongside the Mayor of London's, on qualifying new development. Community Infrastructure Levy page.
Conservation areas and heritage
Bexley has a number of conservation areas, each with its own appraisal and management plan, where the character of the area is a key consideration. Conservation pages.
Local guidance
Bexley publishes supplementary planning documents, including design guidance, that expand on its Local Plan policies. Supplementary planning documents.

What this means for your project

Bexley adopted a new Local Plan in 2023, so current local policy is the starting point for any proposal. For commercial and change-of-use work like the Sidcup project, the use class, the shopfront and any advertisement consent all matter, and the council’s design guidance is worth following from the outset. Where a property sits in a conservation area, or where the Community Infrastructure Levy applies, I factor that in early. I check the current position for your specific address before any drawings are prepared.

Last checked: 31 May 2026. page review needed Planning policy, charges and local designations change over time, so please confirm the current position with the council before relying on this summary.