The London Planning System

The demand for London residential properties rise year by year with a predicted shortfall of thousands of houses a year for the foreseeable future. Despite this, many residential developers struggle to obtain planning approval.

What are they left to do?

1. There is no substitute for good design

Good design is not only about appearance. Every site is unique and designing a building that is sensitive to its context is vital. When space is limited and the viability of a development depends on a minimum area, more creativity is needed. The proposal not only needs to comply with new space standards, but it also needs to respond to its environment.

Work with reputable designers who can enhance the potential of a property or site by merging innovative design with functionality and who can also add significant value within the given cost constraints.

2. Know your options and councils

Each council has different requirements. Planning involves processes, policies and politics. Planning authorities have a tough job. They are often overloaded with work and hamstrung by processes and pressurised by neighbours. Know what planning authorities can and cannot guarantee, their powers and limitations. A planning consultant can prove invaluable, navigating the planning maze and identifying stakeholders.

3. Build and maintain credibility

Work with good people, have a clear strategy and engage with the planners.

4. Manage the design risks

Submitting planning applications too early, might result in too many unresolved design risks like engineering coordination issues. Resolving too much risk, might be very costly if changes are required. Work with the team to achieve an appropriate risk balance for your project.

5. Green

Sustainability is not only high on the agenda, but integral and a key driver in the building design process. Long-gone are the days when sustainability can be retrofitted to any design as decisions are needed early in the design process.

Please contact us for a free assessment of your project aspirations gilbert@life-udesign.com