Estate densification potential for London

A new study has claimed that the densification of large estates in London could help deliver thousands of new homes every year to the capital.

Centre for London research has argued that building more houses on estates could add between 4,000 and 8,000 homes across London every year, which equates to a 20 per cent increase on the capital’s annual additional housing target.

‘Another Storey: The Real Potential for Estate Densification’ analyses the density of large estates in four London boroughs - Lewisham, Barking & Dagenham, Waltham Forest and Hounslow - and how this compares to surrounding areas.

It found that three out of the four boroughs could gain an uplift in housing estate capacity of at least 50 per cent by increasing the density of large estates to ‘urban’ levels.

Responding to the report James Murray, deputy mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said: “The Mayor has already started working with local councils, housing associations and developers on a good practice guide for estate regeneration in London. He will also be consulting with Londoners and community groups across the capital, which is one of the key recommendations set out in this Centre for London report.

“Sadiq [Khan] has been clear that his new guidance will make sure that where demolition is involved, there should be no net loss of social housing, full rights of return for tenants and a fair deal for leaseholders.”