Navigating the Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management

Making alterations to a house within the Dulwich Estate area can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the process and guidelines, it becomes manageable. Having successfully obtained licenses for numerous homes over the past twenty years, we can share our knowledge of the scheme, how it works, and how to make a successful application.

Getting Started

Here are key points to consider when planning changes to your property within the Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management area.

  1. Check the Scheme of Management Guidelines

    • The Scheme of Management provides detailed guidelines outlining the design criteria for various works, including extensions, loft conversions, hard standings, garden structures, and more. You can read the guidelines here.

    • Thoroughly read the guidelines to ensure your proposals comply with the specified criteria.

  2. Obtain Advice from the Scheme of Management Office

    • If you are unsure about how your proposal meets the guidelines or need informal advice, the Scheme of Management Office, located at The Old College on Gallery Road, can assist.

    • Schedule an appointment via email at som@thedulwichestate.org.uk or by phone at 020 8299 1000.

  3. Consult with Your Neighbours

    • Engage with your neighbours early in the planning process. The scheme managers will consult them during the application review, and their support can be crucial.

    • Proposals not adhering to the guidelines or facing neighbour objections are likely to be rejected.

  4. Develop a Back-Up Plan

    • Some areas, particularly rear extensions, are assessed on a case-by-case basis despite having maximum dimensions set out in the guidelines.

    • Submit your most ambitious proposal initially, but have a scaled-down version ready to address any feedback from the Scheme of Management.

  5. Develop Your Energy Saving Strategies Early On

    • Consider energy-saving strategies early in the project. Features like air-sourced heat pumps, solar panels, or external wall insulation should be integrated into your design and application drawings from the start.

The Application Process

Once ready to submit your application, the process proceeds as follows:

  1. Application Submission

    • Your architect will submit the application to the Dulwich Estate, including comprehensive plans, drawings, and specifications of the proposed changes. This will detail the nature of the work, materials to be used, and any other relevant information.

  2. Fees

    • After reviewing your application, the scheme managers will notify you of the application fee. Check the fees carefully, as they can be significantly higher than those required for planning permission. Fee details are published on the Estate's website here.

  3. Consultation Period

    • Upon payment of the fee, a 21-day consultation period begins. The Estate will send consultation letters to your neighbours and the advisory committee, and may also consult local stakeholder groups such as The Dulwich Society.

  4. Determination of the Application

    • After the consultation period, the Principal Applications Officer will make a site visit and raise any comments. If the design meets the guidelines and there are no objections, a Provisional Approval (permit) is granted, allowing work to commence.

    • If there are objections or if the scheme does not meet guidelines, the Estate will inform the applicant of their concerns. The applicant can then discuss the issues with the estate and neighbours and make necessary design modifications. If all concerns are addressed and objections retracted, the Estate will issue a permit.

    • If objections remain and the scheme does not meet guidelines, the proposals are referred to the Scheme of Management Committee, who will determine the application and provide reasons for their decision.

  5. Provisional Approval (Permit) and Final Approval (Licence)

    • Once plans are agreed, a Provisional Approval (permit) is granted, allowing three years to complete the works. Upon completion, the Scheme of Management will inspect the work to ensure it complies with the permit. After a satisfactory inspection, a Final Approval (licence) is issued.

  6. Timescales

    • It usually takes about two weeks from receiving the drawings to issuing an invoice for the initial payment. The consultation period lasts three weeks, followed by varying timescales depending on whether discussions with neighbours are required. The entire process typically takes approximately 8-10 weeks.

  7. Interface with Your Planning Application to Southwark

    • A separate planning application to Southwark may be required in addition to the Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management application. The issues raised by both authorities may be similar, but the applications are separate, and each authority's decisions are independent.

    • To save time, consider submitting applications to both authorities simultaneously. While consents might differ slightly due to varying requirements, these differences can usually be addressed via an application for minor amendments.

By following these guidelines and steps, you can navigate the Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management with confidence and increase the likelihood of a successful application for your property alterations.

We have extensive experience in obtaining licenses under the Dulwich Estate Scheme of Management. Below is a list of properties for which we have successfully secured licenses:

Alleyn Road, 70
Burbage Road, 87
Burbage Road, 154
Calton Avenue, 23
Calton Avenue, 69
Court Lane, 55
Dovercourt Road, 13
Druce Road, 7
Druce Road, 10
Druce Road, 26
Dulwich Village, 34
Gilkes Crescent, 34
Red Post Hill, 8
Roseway, 12
Turney Road, 89
Turney Road, 162
Woodwarde Road, 47
Woodwarde Road, 111
Woodwarde Road, 152