Tower Hamlets contains some of the most architecturally layered streets in London. Georgian terraces on Fournier Street that were built for Huguenot silk weavers. Victorian warehouses in Wapping converted into flats. Social housing estates from every decade of the twentieth century. New-build towers along the river that didn't exist ten years ago. The conservation areas here reflect that density of history - 58 of them, covering a remarkable proportion of the borough.
For homeowners in houses (not flats - PD rights don't apply to flats), the national rules apply outside conservation areas. But the sheer number of designated areas in Tower Hamlets means checking first is essential.
Tower Hamlets has 58 conservation areas, but here's the thing most guides don't say: the majority of residents in Tower Hamlets live in flats, and PD rights don't apply to flats. If you own a house - and in this borough, that's a relatively small number of properties, concentrated in Bow, Mile End, and the eastern fringes - the standard conservation area restrictions apply: no roof extensions or side extensions under PD, but single storey rear extensions within the standard depth limits still qualify. If you own a flat, see our leasehold guide instead.
Conservation areas include Fournier Street, Elder Street, Whitechapel, Limehouse, Wapping, Mile End, Victoria Park, and the Bethnal Green areas. Check your property on the council's interactive map at towerhamlets.gov.uk.
Tower Hamlets has Article 4 directions in several conservation areas restricting householder PD rights for external works. The borough also has one of London's strictest HMO Article 4 directions.
For a general explanation of how Article 4 directions work, see our Article 4 guide.
Our free eligibility check identifies whether your property is in a conservation area or other designated area - the first thing to establish before planning any work.
Tower Hamlets is predominantly a borough of flats. PD rights don't apply to flats - only to houses. The relatively small number of houses in the borough are concentrated in Bow, Mile End, and the eastern fringes. If you own a house in Tower Hamlets, the national PD rules apply outside conservation areas, but check your specific property's status carefully.
If your property is a flat - and in Tower Hamlets, the majority are - permitted development rights do not apply. For guidance on leasehold alterations, see our leasehold guide. If your flat is in a listed building, see our listed buildings guide.
For the full national rules, see our guides on extensions, loft conversions, and outbuildings.
Check your property at towerhamlets.gov.uk. Submit planning applications through the Planning Portal. The current householder fee is £548.
Tower Hamlets-specific
Tower Hamlets is predominantly flats, which means this page is relevant to a relatively small number of homeowners. If you own a house in Bow, Mile End, or the eastern parts of the borough, the national PD rules apply outside conservation areas. If you own a flat anywhere in the borough, PD rights don't apply - check our leasehold guide instead.
Fournier Street and Elder Street conservation areas contain some of the finest Georgian terraces in London. These are almost certainly listed buildings, which means Listed Building Consent is required for any alteration - internal or external - that affects their character. See our listed buildings guide.
PD Assessment Tool
Tower Hamlets has 58 conservation areas, but PD rights only apply to houses - not flats. The free eligibility check identifies whether your property is a house in a conservation area. If you own a flat, our leasehold guide is more relevant.
Free eligibility check. Full assessment £47.
Conservation area count verified against London Borough of Tower Hamlets's published records. National PD rules verified against the GPDO 2015 (as amended). Fees confirmed as of 1 April 2026. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Local planning policies and Article 4 directions can change - always check the council's website for the most current information.
April 2026