We caught up with Craig Robertson, Head of Residential, to get his thoughts.
The UK government has scrapped its planned review of the London Plan in a bold move to accelerate housing development in the capital. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, this decision reflects a commitment to a new “partnership approach” between the government and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, aiming to tackle London’s housing crisis head-on.
This change in strategy comes as London faces the ambitious goal of delivering ‘81,000 new homes annually’—more than double its recent average of 37,200 homes a year. To meet these ambitious targets, collaboration between government bodies, local authorities, and the private sector will be essential. This shift aims to address London’s pressing housing crisis and unlock economic growth by focusing on collaborative efforts rather than potentially adversarial reviews. This is where Wallace Whittle stands ready to play a pivotal role.
We spoke with Craig Robertson, our Director for England and Head of Residential, who brings over 40 years of experience in the sector. He has focused deeply on London since our leading role in the development of the Athletes Village (now East Village) for the 2012 London Olympics.
“We’re really encouraged by the government’s move towards collaboration and partnership to tackle London’s housing challenges. With our decades of experience in the residential sector and a proven history of working closely with developers and local authorities, we’re in a great position to help deliver the large-scale, sustainable housing that London urgently needs.”
Partnering for Sustainable Communities
With sustainability at the heart of the government’s housing agenda, our expertise is more critical than ever. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to integrate cutting-edge MEP technology to optimise energy performance in developments, reducing carbon footprints and creating cost-effective, sustainable solutions for developers and residents alike.
“Our work with developers like Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Drum Property, Lendlease, Peabody, and L&Q on key projects like Elephant Park, Dagenham Green, Dyecoats Leeds and Greenwich really shows what we can achieve when it comes to delivering sustainable housing at scale. These aren’t just homes we’re building—they’re setting new standards for energy efficiency and sustainable living, and they’re playing a crucial role in helping London meet its ambitious climate goals.”
Unlocking Funding and Development Potential
As part of our commitment to driving housing delivery, we also provide expert assistance in securing grant funding for projects that contribute to London’s housing and sustainability targets. Our involvement in initiatives like the Brownfield Development Fund and Low Carbon Initiatives ensures that we help unlock the potential of sites that might otherwise remain undeveloped, transforming them into thriving, sustainable communities.
“By supporting developers with the technical expertise required to navigate these funding opportunities, we enable projects to move forward faster, ensuring that London can meet its housing targets while minimising environmental impact.”
Meeting the Challenge of 81,000 Homes Per Year
The challenge of delivering 81,000 homes annually will require a significant increase in construction capacity, resources, and sustainable practices. At Wallace Whittle, we are ready to step up to this challenge. Our expertise spans all tenures and aspects of the housing sector, from affordable housing to market-rate and specialised housing for vulnerable populations.
“We know that London’s diverse population needs housing that reflects a wide range of needs, and we’re fully committed to delivering solutions that create safe, sustainable, and inclusive communities for everyone.”
Wallace Whittle: Your Partner in Building London’s Future
As London embarks on this new chapter of housing development, Wallace Whittle is committed to playing a leading role. We believe that by working together—across sectors and with a focus on sustainability—we can not only meet the government’s housing targets but also create a brighter, greener future for Londoners.
Whether it’s through delivering sustainable energy solutions, optimising developments with cutting-edge MEPH technology, or helping unlock funding to bring projects to life, Wallace Whittle is ready to help build the future homes London needs. With our experience and collaborative approach, we are proud to contribute to London’s housing solutions, setting new standards for 2025 and ensuring that every new home fosters a more sustainable and inclusive city.
Speak to Craig today about your next project, or to chat about all things Residential, reach out to us at [email protected]
