The way forward is up: roof top building may be made easier

Planning policy may be changed to facilitate our ability to build upwards – roof top building – in an attempt to create more housing while preserving ‘valuable open spaces’.

In cities like London, plans are being put in place to make it easier to build on top of a building rather than building on an unused plot of land.

Housing Secretary Sajid Javid, said of the plans: “The answer to building new homes isn’t always an empty plot, or developing on a derelict site…That’s why we are looking to strengthen planning rules to encourage developers to be more innovative and look at opportunities to build upwards where possible when delivering the homes the country needs”.

The aim is to provide more housing in urban areas and cities while protecting open spaces, conservation areas, and the look and character of residential communities. However, the roofline of the surrounding buildings will be a contributing factor when seeking planning permission to build extra levels on the top of a pre-existing building.

Chief Executive Officer of Apex Airspace, a developer which converts ‘airspace’ into functional dwellings, Arshad Bhatti, said: “Our research shows a potential to build 180,000 homes above London with just a single storey rooftop extension.”

Bhatti added: “We have built down, across and up and now we must build on our existing housing stock and make use of airspace above flats, houses, shops and offices”.

A consultation on the plans is scheduled for early this year.

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Property Wire