The GLA is calling on developers and landowners to identify sites over 0.25 hectares that have the potential for housing development by 28 January 2013. This information, which will be for use by officers at the GLA and the boroughs only, will not be made available for public use. In London the housing targets have traditionally been based on perceived capacity. The more ‘deliverable’ sites that can be found – the higher the targets should be.
During the preparation of the London Plan adopted in July 2011, it was recognised that there needed to be further work undertaken on the housing targets in the Plan. Some boroughs questioned the continuation of borough-level targets being set by the GLA in the new era of Localism, and many environmental groups questioned the ability of the Capital to continue to grow, and lobbied for a smaller target overall. The Panel, in its report on the examination of the draft Plan, recognised that the proposed overall housing target for London fell well short of the identified housing needs, and therefore recommended that this aspect of the Plan be reviewed early on in the Plan period.
The Mayor is now fulfilling his commitment to undertake that review. The results of this exercise, which are expected to be available in early 2014, could lead to an early alteration to the housing numbers in the Plan, potentially providing a step change in housing delivery within the Capital, and opportunities for landowners and the housing development industry alike.
It is important that land owners and the development industry actively engage in this process. It provides an opportunity to highlight the housing potential of a site to the GLA and the respective borough without attracting any publicity (for example, existing occupiers and neighbouring landowners), together with providing the evidence base for a borough’s capacity based housing target.
If you would like any assistance in registering your site, Iceni Projects would be delighted to assist you. Also, if you would like any further information, please contact us.