Frequently Asked Questions

The Becontree Estate is one of the largest social housing projects ever built, recognised for its historical and social significance, distinctive architecture, spacious green areas, and its role in rehousing working-class families from London’s East End after WWI. It is designated as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset through the Local Plan 2037, to preserve its character for future generations.

The Design Code provides clear guidance for residents wishing to alter or extend their homes, aiming to protect the Estate’s unique historic character while supporting improvements for sustainability, energy efficiency, and quality of living.

The Estate’s distinctive features—such as brickwork, chimneys, roof shapes—are central to its character. The SPD sets out that these should be preserved or restored, and alterations should respect these original design elements.

When you apply for planning permission, the Planning Team will check to ensure that your designs align with the Design Code. It is strongly recommended that designs are aligned to the Design Code to minimise the risk of your application being refused. If you undertake works to your home without planning permission and they are not permitted development, it could result in the Council’s Enforcement team taking action against you.

The Article 4 Direction removes certain permitted development rights for porches on all properties in the Estate, and side and roof extensions on corner plots, requiring planning permission for these works. This helps prevent changes that may harm the Estate’s unique layout and appearance.

Some alterations (such as porches, side, and roof extensions on corner plots), require planning permission due to the Article 4 Direction.  Council can confirm whether a proposal would be permitted development through an application for a Lawful Development Certificate. It is recommended that you apply for a Lawful Development Certificate when making alterations to your home.

Side extensions are generally not encouraged on corner plots due to their impact on the Estate’s openness and symmetry. For other homes, side extensions may be considered if they follow the Design Code’s guidance on scale, materials, and appearance.

Yes, the SPD supports sensitive upgrades for energy efficiency, such as adding insulation or solar panels, as long as these are arranged in the most efficient alignment, are sympathetic to the orientation and pitch of the roof, and do not harm the Estate’s character. Advice is provided for making homes warmer and more sustainable.

Improving the energy performance of your home can help reduce fuel bills, protect you from future energy cost increases, and lower long-term maintenance costs. Importantly, retrofitting or renovating your home to reduce your energy consumption will reduce carbon emissions and support wider sustainability goals.

The SPD explains in detail when and how planning permission is needed and outlines the application process. We also offer a pre-application service which enables you to talk directly with a planning officer about your proposal. We encourage you to make use of this service, particularly if your house has a complex planning history or has any site-specific constraints. The service includes written feedback following the meeting, which will help you to understand and resolve any issues with your proposal. This should save time at application stage and minimises the risk of your application being refused. Further details can be found on our website.  

Projects which require planning permission typically also require building control approval. You can contact our building control team at buildingcontrol@befirst.london

The SPD encourages early engagement with the Council to understand requirements and design guidance. If refused, applicants have the right to appeal through the usual planning appeal procedures and can resubmit revised plans that align with the Code.

The Code was co-produced with the Becontree Residents’ Forum via workshops, tours, surveys, and open engagement events, ensuring residents’ needs and preferences were central to shaping practical and community-relevant guidance.