Just nine new were homes approved in the borough over a three-month period.
The London borough of Newham rejected 92% of possible new homes across Q2 2016, as itrecorded the lowest approval rate inGreater Londonwith just nine new homes approved in the borough over a three-month period.
The London New Homes Monitor from Stirling Ackroyd found that by comparison the London approval average was 76%, with only 13 out of 33 boroughs surpassing this.
Following closely behind Newham, were Bromley which approved just 23% of all new homes applications and Islington, who approved a surprisingly low 36% of potential new homes.
Merton similarly saw a large proportion of new homes approved, with 88% being granted permission by the borough’s planning departments.
The East of London amplified its planning efficiency, as Tower Hamlets – a new build development hotspot – permitted 87% of new home applications. Havering, in the far East of London also approved 87%, building on the developmental strength of the City fringes.
Andrew Bridges,managing director of Stirling Ackroyd, said: “The East of London appears the most reliable area when it comes to tackling London’s housing crisis. Planning is more lenient, there’s less resistance to new developments and the area keeps growing in vibrancy and significance to the London economy. East London’s impressive tech sector is just a starting point – and success will continue to ripple around the surrounding locales. More and more, people are wanting to live in Shoreditch, Dalston and Hackney Wick – and this enthusiasm is driving developers to the area.
“It’s great to see overall progress but certain boroughs are slowing things down – Newham has seen a rigid approach to planning in Q2, which will need to be reversed if a consistent approach is to be enacted across London.
“Again, the ugly inner/outer divide has reared its head – with outer London remaining defiant against new homes and new developments. Unfortunately for London, consistency is key to solving the planning equation. If planning departments are to embrace a new strategy, some tough love from central government might be needed. And Gavin Barwell may be the man to do it – only time will tell.”
