02/09/2026
The Apartment Edit by RBD
Renovating a London apartment? The design is only part of the process.
With a prime Central London apartment, creating a beautiful interior is often just one part of a much more complex project.
Before substantial alterations can begin, there may be a number of different approvals to navigate particularly with leasehold apartments and properties within London’s historic estates.
Depending on the building and the proposed works, these can include:
• Freeholder consent and a Licence to Alter
• Estate approval
• Listed Building Consent or planning permission
• Building Regulations approval
• Party Wall requirements
• Approval for structural alterations, services or air conditioning
A Licence to Alter is separate from planning permission and can require detailed architectural drawings, structural information and coordination with managing agents, freeholder surveyors and legal teams.
It’s one of the reasons we consider these requirements from the very beginning of an apartment project rather than treating them as something to deal with later.
At RBD, we have extensive experience refurbishing and reconfiguring prime London apartments, including projects in Knightsbridge and Belgravia, and liaising with freeholders, managing agents and London estates as part of the approvals process.
Alongside this, we develop the architecture and interiors together from layout and lighting through to bespoke joinery, finishes, furniture and final installation.
In a London apartment, understanding the approvals and constraints from the outset is just as important as creating the design itself.
