Pilot scheme aims to identify 12-20 local authority sites in London on which to rapidly build new homes

The Greater London Authority is considering launching a pilot programme to build rapidly up to 600 homes on local authority land in the capital.

The scheme, known as the London Popular Home Pilot Project, is being driven by consultant Urban Initiatives. It says it wants to identify “at least six contractors/ developers and four social landlords” to carry out the pilot.

A selection of developers has been asked to attend a working group on the 21 September to discuss how the delivery of a generation of “new Georgian” housing can be funded.
Although the project has not received full GLA sign-off contractor and consultant Mace has been engaged alongside Urban Initiatives, consultant Navigant and agent Lambert Smith Hampton to help scope and co-ordinate the pilot project.

In an email to selected developers, seen by Building, Urban Initiative’s managing director Kelvin Campbell said the pilot will aim to identify 12-20 sites within 6-10 London boroughs on which to test the pilot. It plans to use standardised development lots based on design codes that can be adapted to different situations, and aims to get “a sizeable number of new homes on site within a year”.

Participating contractors and developers will be paid using a combination of a “cost-plus” contract and a proportion of completed sales profits.

The scheme is being worked up with David Lunts, the executive director of the housing and regeneration directorate at the GLA. It is understood not to have full sign-off at this stage.
Campbell’s email said: “The project will unlock new ways of planning, designing and delivering housing for the capital.”

Contacted by Building, Campbell said the GLA would wait to see “what comes out of the meeting on 21st” before deciding whether to proceed.

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