Side extensions in Tower Hamlets
1,017 applications since 2016. 693 approved and 201 refused. Refused: about 1 in 4 here, about 1 in 7 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 9 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- Single storey, no higher than 4 m
- No wider than half the width of the original house
- Not facing a road
England, houses only. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change this. The full rules.
Year by year
| Year | Applications | Approved | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 37 | 25 | 3 |
| 2025 | 62 | 53 | 5 |
| 2024 | 78 | 52 | 11 |
| 2023 | 86 | 50 | 27 |
| 2022 | 87 | 60 | 20 |
| 2021 | 109 | 59 | 41 |
| 2020 | 118 | 71 | 31 |
| 2019 | 120 | 95 | 17 |
| 2018 | 139 | 104 | 15 |
| 2017 | 156 | 104 | 28 |
| 2016 | 25 | 20 | 3 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 72 | 0 | none |
| Greenwich | 1,546 | 1,000 | about 1 in 3 |
| Hackney | 1,910 | 305 | about 1 in 7 |
| Lewisham | 1,422 | 326 | about 1 in 5 |
| Newham | 1,984 | 528 | about 1 in 5 |
| Southwark | 3,514 | 258 | about 1 in 15 |