London Local Plan Watch - Autumn 2021

Immediate opportunities for the promotion of major development on un-allocated sites currently exist in four Boroughs, due to the lack of a five-year housing land supply.

Bromley has a considerable under-supply, being able to demonstrate only 3.31-years, with Newham demonstrating 4.01-years, Barnet 4.7-years and Redbridge without a definitive figure.

London’s housing situation has generally been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the GLA (Greater London Authority) have called for the government to pledge £5bn per year to “free up stalled sites” and “ensure continued delivery of homes”.

The good news for developers is that with the new London Plan 2021 pushing for an increase in properties to meet the target of London’s housing crisis, the demand for housing development services has increased. The Plan requires boroughs to identify a “specific, deliverable and developable” range of new residential properties that will meet Khan’s goals, not only calling for 52,000 new residential properties per year but also 47 new opportunity areas and 55 strategic industrial locations.

Furthermore, over the coming weeks and months, we are expecting a range of supplementary guidance to be adopted. Consultations have been completed on Good Quality Homes for all Londoners; Public London Charter; Circular Economy Statements; Whole-life Carbon Assessments; and ‘Be Seen’ Energy Monitoring Guidance. Guidance on Air Quality and Fire Safety are expected to be consulted upon soon, with public engagement currently underway on Sustainable Transport and Urban Greening guidance documents.

For detail on emerging Local Plan position in every authority please click on the map below.