Sometimes the only option to create more housing is to build up. Luckily, new changes to the planning framework will make this easier in England. This could be fantastic for built up cities like London where there is high demand for homes but issues with space. The new rules could have a big impact on the residential architecture London is home to.

What is an airspace development?

This is a phrase you will probably be hearing more frequently in the future. It is literally the process of adding extra floors to existing buildings. It gets its name because you are developing the airspace by building upwards.

What is changing?

The changes to the planning requirements will give property owners and developers more opportunities. Now they will be able to add up to two storeys to various types of building without having to get permission. For example, they could add floors to a house, an office block, various types of retail buildings, and even existing blocks of flats. The idea is to develop existing properties to help prevent the loss of green spaces and stop urban sprawl.

There are some important limitations on the new rules though. Airspace developments will only be possible without permission if the building is detached. In addition, if the building has a listing, the usual planning requirements apply. The same is true if the property is in a conservation area.

Options

There are a number of different ways to add extra floors to existing buildings. A popular one is to choose lighter pre-fab pods or units. They can be made in a factory and are ready to install when they arrive on site. This is generally a simple case of lifting them into place with a crane and then fitting them. The method is much faster than traditional building.

While pre-fab is becoming very popular, you can still choose traditional building methods for airspace development. Some people prefer to stick with bricks and timber so the new work looks like part of the existing property. The materials also look more permanent.

Residential architecture in London

There has already been healthy growth in the number of airspace developments in London in the last few years. This could accelerate now that there are fewer planning hurdles to overcome. It could mean big changes to the skyline in the city. There is potential for the creation of over 40,000 new homes on over 20,000 buildings in Zones 1 and 2 alone.

Coffey Architects is one of the most passionate providers of residential architecture London has. If you want to develop an existing property, you can rely on us to help. In fact, we have a lot of experience here. Why not have a look at our past projects on our website? Then, you can contact us if you have any questions.