The Government has set a housing target for London of 31,000 new homes per year, with up to

400,000 planned by 2017. The majority (c.56%) of this capacity comes from the east sub-region,
which contains the previously undeveloped, largely Greenfield site of the Thames Gateway.

The result of such development is the creation of ‘commuter communities’ or urban sprawl. In
turn this necessitates new road and infrastructure build, greater carbon emissions and loss of
open space and natural habitat.

Urban Infill believes that much of this new development is unnecessary if a strategy of ‘urban
consolidation’ is adopted.

London developed piecemeal for a gradually increasing population, engulfing smaller villages as
it expanded. It also suffered substantial bomb damage during the Blitz as well as subsequent
poor quality urban design. As a result, for a major city it has a remarkably low average housing
density of 50 dwellings per hectare. This compares with 90 d/ha for Paris and 100 d/ha for New
York.

Much of London’s unique character derives from its gradual organic development, being almost
village like in places, and this should never be compromised. However, there are many
opportunities for well designed, conscientious and contextual buildings to fill ‘missing teeth’ within
the urban fabric to the benefit of the city’s appearance and functionality. This both combats urban
sprawl and yields excellent financial rewards for freeholders.

Increasing density often has negative connotations in the UK because of associations with the
substandard high-rise developments of the 1960s. However, London’s highest density area is
also its richest with the highest life expectancy; the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is
built at a density of 145 d/ha.

Urban Infill is comprised of urban designers, architects, planners and builders. We identify these
underpotentialed sites and develop strategies for their improvement. We do this by creating
designs and submitting Planning Applications on behalf of owners. If required we then undertake
full building works through to completion and assist sales with the creation of marketing material
and strategic advice.

Our fees for this service are all based on success, i.e. we only charge for designs which are
successful at Planning or profit from build. By providing this highly efficient and low risk
development solution we aim to play a key role in enhancing London as the world’s greatest city,
limit further unsustainable expansion and generate maximum financial return for investors.

We encourage property owners to contact us to audit their buildings and land for development
potential:
freepropertyaudit@urbfill.com

For any other enquiry please contact Ian Dollamore at:

ian.dollamore@urbfill.com

www.urbfill.com