Opinion: How do we unlock the planning system without compromising on safety?
Prime Central London developer Alex Pope explores what could be done to improve the important but demanding Gateway process, which he says is causing 'major issues' in the new-build sector with longer lead times and increased financial pressure on schemes.
Alex Pope is Co-Founder of VOZA Developments, a multi-disciplinary property studio based in central London, Hampshire and Jersey.
What to read next
Required Reading: Changes to the planning regime for high rise residential buildings due this summer
Developers may have to submit a fire statement alongside a planning application for relevant multi-occupied residential buildings from 1 August 2021, write Fiona Bishop & Rebecca Delaney of Macfarlanes.
By Fiona Bishop
Developer given two years to rebuild pub ‘brick by brick’
A resi developer in north London has been given two years to rebuild a pub it demolished to make way for a new apartment scheme.
By Prime Resi
Rights to Light: Landscape improves for developers
Developers "should be less fearful of going to court" over rights to light - as long as they have acted in a reasonable and responsible way - concludes a panel of experts assembled by Mishcon de Reya to…
By Prime Resi
Most read
Social Circuit: Marcus Cooper Group & Valouran launch boutique St John’s Wood scheme
In Pictures: Property crowd gathers to toast the conversion of a landmark former chapel into five luxury apartments.
Government confirms 100% ‘mansion tax’ premium for empty homes
Latest Measures & Industry Reactions: More details of the incoming High Value Council Tax Surcharge bills have been revealed, with first bills due to arrive in March 2028.
By PrimeResi
Talking Heads: Prime resi industry insiders respond to the Budget 2026
'Doing no harm isn't quite the same as doing some good,' comments one estate agency chief.
Shackleton’s Kensington base lists at £20mn after owner’s ‘extraordinary journey’
Vendor navigated RBKC’s notoriously tough planning system to turn the explorer’s former family home into an art-filled ‘masterpiece’.
Boutique London agency snaps up another lettings portfolio
Around 50 managed properties join the firm’s books as it continues its expansion across PCL & SW London.
Super-prime St John’s Wood project goes for above guide
'Buyers will move decisively for exceptional homes in the best locations,' says agency after sealing £10.1mn deal.
Buyer lands rare Georgian mansion in Fulham
The former home of Jemima Khan didn't hang around on the market for long.
Agency reports ‘renewed momentum’ in Prime Central London’s £4mn+ market
High-value transactions are up 62% as the firm continues to make heavyweight hires and expand its new broker division.
By PrimeResi
Sale agreed on final Knightsbridge Gate apartment
The last of the PCL scheme’s 15 residences has found a buyer, rounding off a sales campaign that saw guide prices hit £25mn.
Queensway graduates to London’s luxury apartment big league
Ranked: Analysis reveals the top streets, squares & districts for £5mn-plus flat sales, as new developments redraw the prime property map.
LATEST ARTICLES
£1.5bn property portal fees claim seeks green light
The big Competition Appeal Tribunal hearing starts today; Rightmove says the claim is 'without merit'.
By PrimeResi
Top-end Kensington scheme racks up over £70mn in sales
Developer unveils resident amenities and reports latest sales progress at Squire & Partners-designed project.
Elicyon names new Creative Director
Rebecca Larn steps up at Charu Gandhi's London-based luxury design firm.
PCL agency bolsters team after high-end deal run
Former Aston Chase ops manager joins alongside two agents as the Mayfair-based firm sets its sights on further expansion.
Italy’s exit tax plan raises eyebrows in Britain
'Perhaps we don’t look so bad after all?' quips top London buying agent as Rome pitches a departure charge for wealthy residents.