In our latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places Podcast, our MD Nick Dines sat down with Town Legals' Simon Ricketts — widely regarded as the UK’s leading planning lawyer — to examine the Government and Mayor of London’s new package of support for housebuilding in the capital.
Simon helped us break down the changes announced on 23rd October and what they could really mean in practice.
The two discussed the practical aspects of the reforms, including a new fast-track planning process for projects delivering at least 20% affordable housing. Simon explained how this route could help developers secure permission more quickly and avoid lengthy viability assessments.
They also covered the temporary discount on Community Infrastructure Levy charges, future flexibility around London Plan design requirements, and new powers for the Mayor to “call in” and decide major applications — including some on Green Belt land.
Simon walked us through how each change might be applied in real development scenarios, from new applications to those already approved but not yet underway, and what the initial £322m City Hall investment fund could mean for getting homes built.
This episode is a must listen if you want to understand how the planning landscape is set to change in London.