Tell us what you think of the draft Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Article 4 Directions

The Becontree Estate was one of the most ambitious public sector led housing projects in the world at the time of its development. It was originally built as ‘Homes for Heroes’ during the period 1921 to 1934, and at the time was the largest municipal estate in the world comprising approximately 29,000 homes.  

The Estate is a Non-Designated Heritage Asset (NDHA), and is special because of its size and scale, pioneering approach to design and planning through the regularity of its built form, homogeneity of design, and the broader post war social transition that it represents.  

The draft Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Design Code has been developed to provide detailed guidance to residents to assist them in adapting and enlarging their homes in a way that protects this important heritage.

Article 4 Directions

Permitted development rights (PDRs) allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission. An Article 4 Direction can be used by Local Planning Authorities to withdraw specific permitted development rights across a defined area where there is a good reason to do so.

On 11 November 2025, LBBD’s Cabinet approved the making of two Article 4 Directions to:

• remove permitted development rights for porches for all properties across the Becontree Estate, and
• remove permitted development rights for side and roof alterations located on corner blocks within the Becontree Estate.

This will mean that if residents living within the Becontree Estate are seeking to make changes to a porch on their home, then they will need to apply for planning permission. Likewise, residents living on corner blocks within the Becontree Estate will need to apply for planning permission to make a side or roof alteration. Residents should use the Design Code for guidance on how these home alterations can be made. In many cases, residents will be able to make alterations and extensions that are larger than what is permissible through permitted development.

These Article 4 Directions will be introduced in November 2026 to give residents time to prepare (non-immediate Directions).

If you require any assistance to understand the material, please contact us and we can arrange for support.

What is being consulted on?

The Becontree Estate is a Non-Designated Heritage Asset (NDHA), due to its special architectural and heritage significance. This SPD provides detailed design guidance to residents of the Becontree Estate to assist them in making alterations to their homes in a manner that doesn’t harm the character of the Estate.

We are also consulting on two Article 4 Directions which underpin the SPD.

An Article 4 Direction can be used by Local Planning Authorities to withdraw specific permitted development rights across a defined area where there is a good reason to do so.

On 11 November 2025, LBBD’s Cabinet approved the making of two Article 4 Directions to:

• remove permitted development rights for porches for all properties across the Becontree Estate, and
• remove permitted development rights for side and roof alterations located on corner blocks within the Becontree Estate.

These Article 4 Directions will be introduced in November 2026 to give residents time to prepare (non-immediate Directions).

We have prepared a short survey below for you to share your feedback on the Becontree Estate Design Code SPD. This survey is made up of 10 questions and should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

You can also email your comments to planningpolicy@befirst.london

The period of consultation on the draft documents is from 20 November 2025 to 11:59pm on Sunday 18 January 2026.

If you would like to talk to a member of staff about it, please email planningpolicy@befirst.london to arrange a time.