Planning for Rent

This report is original research undertaken by Lichfields to explore the topic and inform the conversation. It provides an overview of the planning position within London looking at policy at the GLA and individual borough levels. It analyses policy across all 32 London boroughs (alongside the City and London’s Development Corporations) and identifies those authorities which are supportive of BtR and those which are explicitly recognising the sector through policy.

The report reviews BtR planning applications which have been approved since 2009 and assesses the spatial distribution of these developments across the London boroughs, providing an analysis of how these development patterns align with policy. To help inform the debate of how the planning system can influence the BtR sector, the report then assesses the key planning issues and challenges faced by new BtR developments alongside potential solutions.

Overall, good quality BtR development in the right location has an important role to play in meeting London’s housing need and strengthening its communities. However, local policy and the planning process could certainly do more to facilitate and encourage the sector’s ongoing growth.