Ellie Ames 08 November 2023

‘Stark inconsistency’ across London on Build to Rent

‘Stark inconsistency’ across London on Build to Rent image
Image: odbphotography / Shutterstock.com

Planning policy across London boroughs ‘could do far more’ to provide a comprehensive basis for the delivery of Built to Rent (BtR) schemes, a report has argued.

National planning consultants Lichfields said demand for BtR properties is rising and while the London Plan provides a strong policy foundation for the rental developments, support is ‘not always echoed’ at the borough level.

Its new report revealed a ‘stark inconsistency’ in how BtR is addressed across the capital, with 46% of planning authorities making no reference to the schemes in their local plans.

Meanwhile, 41% of bespoke BtR developments, secured via specific planning applications, were found to be in just four boroughs.

The report also found that local policies ‘consistently fail’ to differentiate between for sale housing and BtR schemes, meaning applications for BtR are assessed against policy for private sale developments, which makes the process overly complex.

Lichfields' planning director and report co-author Adam Donovan said: ‘Boroughs must adopt a more proactive approach and align their planning policies to genuinely harness the benefits of BtR.

‘In failing to do so, the BtR sector in London is being detrimentally affected despite the high demand for secure, well managed rental properties.’

He said local authorities developing bespoke policy on the rental developments could help meet the ‘chronic housing need’ in the capital.

Lichfields' senior director Ben Kelway said: ‘With the right local policy in place, the BtR market in London can thrive and, importantly, create a blueprint nationally for Build to Rent housing.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner