Camden council plans to force all new office schemes to include large elements of housing.
The council has been given the go-ahead by planning inspectors to include the “gain to stock” policy in its new UDP.
The policy, which is encouraged in the neighbouring borough of Westminster, means that any increase in commercial space must be matched by an increase in residential.
Although the inspectors’ final report has not yet been published, Camden has confirmed that the requirement will apply to any development over 5,000 sq ft.
GVA Grimley planner Nick de Lotbiniere said: “If this policy is rigidly worded it could significantly harm development.”
Large schemes in the borough awaiting planning consent include British Land’s Regent’s Place and Hammerson’s Euston Station scheme.
A spokesman for Camden council said it would demand housing to be built on site, unless there was clear evidence that this would be impossible, in which case the developer would be obliged to make a hefty commuted payment.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone wants to see the policy rolled out across the capital, except in the City.
