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Filmshoot / Permits / Film London / London Filming Partnership

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Filming in London: permits and fees

Film London coordinates permits across all 33 London boroughs through the London Filming Partnership, routing productions to the right borough officer.

Who issues permits

Film London acts as the central coordination body for filming across Greater London. Individual borough councils issue their own street and public-space permits, but Film London’s London Filming Partnership (LFP) links productions to the correct officer and, for multi-borough shoots, streamlines the process significantly.

The LFP brings together 27 London boroughs under a shared approach to filming, meaning a single enquiry through Film London can reach multiple relevant authorities.

Process

Start with Film London’s Plan Your Shoot page at filmlondon.org.uk. Film London will tell you which borough officers need to be involved and can facilitate introductions. Individual borough applications then proceed directly with each relevant council.

Allow at least 10 working days for straightforward street permits. Complex shoots involving road closures or multiple sites may need four to six weeks, particularly if spanning more than one borough.

Fees

Fees vary by borough. Westminster, Camden, and the City of London each set independent tariffs. Admin fees start from around £150 for basic permits. Parking suspensions are charged separately at borough rates. Commercial shoots on council-owned land carry separate location hire fees.

What’s covered

Streets and public highways, council-owned parks, civic buildings, bridges, pedestrianised zones, and housing estate exteriors across Greater London boroughs. Private land — including Crown Estate property, Royal Parks, and TfL assets — requires separate permissions from those landowners.

Typical restrictions

No filming before 07:00 or after 23:00 without a noise variance. Parking suspensions require 48–72 hours notice minimum. Insurance of at least £5 million public liability is required across all London boroughs; some boroughs require £10 million for certain locations.

Contact

Apply on the Film London website → filmlondon.org.uk