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.’
