Small Sites for Small Builders strategic framework
Small sites is a programme linked to a wide range of the Mayor's overarching strategies and priorities for housing, regeneration, and planning a thriving London.
Understanding these connections provides crucial context for the framework guiding the Small Sites for Small Builders programme.
Below you can find out more about the specific strategies, policies and funds that contribute to the initiative.
London Housing Strategy
London Housing Strategy 2018 policies support the diversification of the homebuilding industry and establishing a presumption in favour of appropriate residential development on small sites; work to promote and enable CLH; and regeneration for all Londoners (see Policy 3.3 B – Page 71).
London Plan
The London Plan (2021) includes policies supporting well-designed new homes on small sites to meet London’s housing needs and supporting SME housebuilders (see Policy H2 Small sites).
Small Sites Design Codes
The London Plan Guidance (LPG) Small Site Design Codes is a framework that provides guidance on how to prepare area wide housing design codes on small sites for a range of character types. It is intended for use by planning authorities and neighbourhood planning groups at the planning making stage when developing their respective design codes.
Affordable Homes
The Affordable Homes policy of the London Plan (see policy H4 and H5) is applicable to development schemes that are 10 homes and above. Therefore, the expectation of 50 per cent affordable housing on public sector land also only applies to sites above nine units (if the relevant borough hasn’t sought separate Affordable Housing contributions for sites under 10 units under Local Plan policy).
Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26 provides £4bn worth of Government funding to help housing associations, community groups, and private developers build new affordable homes in London. The funding guidance refers to actively engaging with local businesses and SMEs in delivering new homes, as well as working with smaller housing associations, in the delivery of affordable homes for Londoners.
Supported and specialist housing
Different supported and specialist housing types are funded completely or in part, under the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, for a wide range of client groups. These funding programmes deliver new or improved supported and specialist housing in London while achieving the Mayor’s aim to meet London’s diverse housing needs.
Report: 'Unlocking land to support a more diverse housing supply'
The report, 'Small Sites for Small Builders: unlocking land to support a more diverse housing supply,' outlines how to deliver diverse and affordable housing across London by unlocking small sites.
It provides public landowners, developers, and policymakers with the best practices, key lessons, and actionable recommendations needed to support small builders and drive innovation.
