Embracing New Horizons in a Changing Regulatory Landscape

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has emphasised the new government’s determination to reboot Britain’s planning system. For us, legislative changes are opportunities to embrace new horizons and continue our legacy of delivering exceptional projects.

Since our founder and CEO Andrew Dunn launched Finchatton in 2001, we have navigated the complexities of planning with a commitment to quality and innovation. Our experience positions us well to adapt to regulatory shifts. Reeves highlighted that Labour’s plan to “get Britain building again” relies on a mixed package of policies. The government’s reinstatement of mandatory housing targets for local authorities is expected to reverse the slowdown.

A national task force is being established to identify and intervene in stalled schemes. This has led to the unblocking of four major projects, totalling 14,000 homes in areas such as Liverpool, Worcester, Sutton Coldfield, and Northstowe. Labour will also boost staffing in local authorities, aiming to restore the capacity needed to handle the increased planning caseload efficiently.

Planning?decisions within statutory timeframes have more than halved in the last 10 years. This shows the pressing need for reform to address housing shortages. Any measures that help unlock the system and boost capacity are vital for both communities and the industry.

At Finchatton, we currently have over 300,000 sq ft under development across 18 live projects, and many others in the pipeline.? In addition to several London residential projects, we are exploring a variety of developments that align with the changing regulatory landscape and community needs. From our Thomas’ school development in Kensington, to the exploration of a new medical centre in Central London, our ethos of maintaining the highest possible standards in development is steadfast.

Finchatton has a long history of working closely with our clients to bring their visions to life. One of our recent successes has been obtaining planning permission to develop twelve units within an hour of London, demonstrating our ability to deftly guide projects and clients through complex regulations and deliver outstanding results. Even at scale, we will always ensure that homes are long-lasting, sustainably-minded wherever possible, and provide the best possible experiences for residents.

We recently launched Millhanger Farmhouse for sale, a unique and very special 11,398 square-foot family home on 35 acres in the Surrey hills, designed by acclaimed Yiangou Architects. Planning permission for the house was obtained under the National Planning Policy Framework category of truly outstanding architecture, a rigorous process in navigating complex regulations. The result is a property with numerous sustainable features, such as a ground-source heat pump and discreetly integrated solar panels, achieving an EPC B rating—placing it among the top-performing homes in terms of energy efficiency.

The government plans to build 1.5 million homes in England over the next five years, focusing on reforming the planning system. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has announced plans for local governments to identify areas within the greenbelt suitable for development. This initiative is part of Labour’s broader strategy to increase housing availability while ensuring that developments are of high quality and respect the environment.

At Finchatton, we are ready to navigate the evolving landscape and continue creating homes that stand the test of time for generations to come. As we look ahead, we are committed to maintaining our reputation for integrity and excellence across a diverse range of projects, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of this industry.

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Inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, Millhanger Farmhouse is a new 11,398sqft house sitting in 35 acres of unspoilt Surrey countryside, designed by Yiangou, one of the UK’s leading architectural practices, who worked closely with the team at Finchatton to create a unique property of the highest spec.

Please contact [email protected] for sales enquiries.

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