Policy information sourced from The London Plan 2021

H10 Housing Size Mix

  1. Schemes should generally consist of a range of unit sizes. To determine the appropriate mix of unit sizes in relation to the number of bedrooms for a scheme, applicants and decision-makers should have regard to:
    • robust local evidence of need where available or, where this is not available, the range of housing need and demand identified by the 2017 London Strategic Housing Market Assessment
    • the requirement to deliver mixed and inclusive neighbourhoods
    • the need to deliver a range of unit types at different price points across London
    • the mix of uses in the scheme
    • the range of tenures in the scheme
    • the nature and location of the site, with a higher proportion of one and two bed units generally more appropriate in locations which are closer to a town centre or station or with higher public transport access and connectivity
    • the aim to optimise housing potential on sites
    • the ability of new development to reduce pressure on conversion, sub-division and amalgamation of existing stock
    • the need for additional family housing and the role of one and two bed units in freeing up existing family housing.
  2. For low-cost rent, boroughs should provide guidance on the size of units required (by number of bedrooms) to ensure affordable housing meets identified needs. This guidance should take account of:
    • evidence of local housing needs, including the local housing register and the numbers and types of overcrowded and under-occupying households
    • other criteria set out in Part A, including the strategic and local requirement for affordable family accommodation
    • the impact of welfare reform
    • the cost of delivering larger units and the availability of grant.

For more information please see The London Plan 2021