Ealing Council is considering implementing penalties for developers who fail to complete housing projects on schedule. The proposal is part of a broader effort to address slow build-out rates, a persistent frustration for local authorities and communities.
The potential penalties were discussed at a Local Development Plan Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday 24 June 2025. The committee explored the implications of the government's working paper, Speeding up Build Out,
which suggests empowering local authorities to charge developers a Delayed Homes Penalty.
This penalty would apply when developers fall significantly behind pre-agreed construction timelines without valid justification.
The committee also reviewed the Towards a New London Plan, which sets ambitious housing targets for the capital. The new plan, expected to run from 2027 to 2050, aims to address London's chronic housing shortage by planning for 87,992 new homes per year. This is a substantial increase from the current plan's target of 52,000 homes annually.
Councillor Sanjai Kohli, Chair of the committee, presented a report outlining the committee's purpose and future areas of focus. The Planning Advisory Committee is designed to foster collaboration between the council, local community, voluntary sector, and development industry on planning matters. The committee's role includes informing stakeholders about planning processes, gathering feedback on council planning practices, and sharing best practices in plan development.
The committee will consider the government's proposals and their potential impact on development within Ealing, as well as explore alternative measures to accelerate build-out rates. This feedback will inform the council's response to the government's consultation.