Bexley acts to protect our communities from bad development

planning diagram

The Council is consulting on draft planning guidance to manage new developments, including alterations and extensions to existing residences and to regulate the development of new residential and non-residential sites in Bexley.

The proposed guidance seeks to address local concerns about the height, design and control of existing residential alterations and new developments in the Borough. It will ensure that any new development is sympathetic to the existing, distinctive features of our Borough, including our natural, green and historical landscape.

The guidance sets out what good development and growth look like and will ensure that national targets on housing and infrastructure are managed locally in a way that respects the character of our Borough.

The Council has prepared a draft Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Part 2 outlining the guidance.  This supports the 2023 Bexley Local Plan which prioritises growth that respects our Borough’s character. The design guide provides additional design guidance for developers, landowners, homeowners and decision makers with specific recommendations that promote the good design of Bexley’s buildings and public spaces.

The guidance focuses on alterations and extensions to residential homes and non-residential buildings including shop fronts, the development of small sites (less than 0.25 hectares) and developing tall buildings, industrial sites and sites beside the river.

We want to hear your views on the proposed guidance. View the documents and tell us what you think at Ask Bexley . The consultation is open from 2 March 2026 until 23.59 on 12 April 2026.

Tell us your view at Ask Bexley

We will also be holding several public drop-in events

  • 10 March, 3 to 7pm at Erith Library
  • 11 March, 3 to 7pm at Sidcup Storyteller
  • 19 March, 3 to 7pm at Bexleyheath Central Library

Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, Councillor Munur said:

We want to make sure we secure good growth for the borough. This additional planning guidance will provide us with the controls we need to ensure that the right balance is struck between respecting Bexley’s character and meeting housing needs.”

Other ways to tell us your views

You can also:

  • email your views to SP&Gteam@bexley.gov.uk with the subject: Draft Design Guide SPD Part 2
  • or write to: Strategic Planning, London Borough of Bexley at the address shown below:

    Strategic Planning,
    London Borough of Bexley,
    Civic Offices, 
    2 Watling Street, 
    Bexleyheath, 
    DA6 7AT

Correspondence must be received by 5pm on 10 April 2026.

Paper copies of the Draft Design Guide SPD Part 2

Paper copies of the Draft Design Guide SPD Part 2 can be viewed from 9am to 3pm at: