Applications to build new towers in London broke through the 100 barrier for the first time last year, according to the latest analysis by EGi Research.
Plans for 121 towers were submitted in 2015 – the equivalent of one every three days. The figure was boosted by Greenwich Peninsula developer Knight Dragon proposing a substantial increase in homes at the SE10 scheme, with permission sought for 35 towers in a single application.
Many areas of the capital saw tower applications for the first time, including Acton, Southall, Harrow, Seven Sisters, Whitechapel, Somers Town, Brixton and Barking. Plans for Wembley’s first tower of 20 storeys were submitted in 2014. Seeing the precedent, developers duly pounced, with a total of eight towers submitted to Brent’s planning department last year alone.
Applications were up by 672% on 2008, the year Boris Johnson become mayor of London.
