At Finchatton, we use our position as a leader in the prime real-estate market to start conversations on many topics which we believe are important, relating to our industry but also looking at the the wider issues which have an impact on us all, including regulatory and planning aspects, sustainability advances and the role of the private sector in developing a better environment for the wider community.
Finchatton's Hans Place Development Secures Planning Approval
Hans Place represents Finchatton’s commitment to preserving architectural heritage in one of Knightsbridge’s most iconic locations. This development will transform two historic townhouses into seven bespoke residences, spanning 18,000 sq ft.
With planning consent in place, the project integrates a sensitive restoration of these historic buildings, safeguarding their architectural legacy. The design includes a striking new façade by renowned architect Francis Terry, aligned with the surrounding streetscape and reflecting the classical character of Hans Place. The interiors will feature soaring 6-meter-high ceilings and dramatic double-height spaces.
2024: A Year of Change and Reflection
2024 has been a year marked by significant change, with nearly four billion voters across 72 countries heading to the polls. In the UK and the US, a desire for transformation propelled opposition leaders to power, with both Donald Trump and Keir Starmer securing majorities despite relatively low voter turnout. The Labour Party’s much-anticipated budget has posed challenges for the farming and hospitality sectors, just as they were beginning to recover from the pandemic. However, for many, the outcome was less severe than feared.
For our business, the political and economic shifts have ushered in a period of stagnation. Deals, whether buying or selling are still happening but are taking longer to close.
Why London is always a good idea…
Finchatton is proud to be an established British brand, with our roots in London prime real estate. Over the last twenty-three years Finchatton has developed some of the most iconic and inspiring buildings in the capital, from individual town houses to large mixed-use developments such as The Whiteley.
Our versatility means we achieve the same high standards across our wide and varied portfolio, both with projects we are delivering for clients who have trusted us for many years, and for those we are developing ourselves.
The history and architectural heritage in London will always inspire us - our commitment to honour the principles of design from the past but reimagined for today, is something we take very seriously. Despite recent global and national uncertainty, London is a unique, exciting and energised city, attracting investors from across the globe, with continued demand for best-in-class properties in the capital.
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.
All change? The potential impact of UK election on planning regulations
As we approach the upcoming UK election, anticipation grows about potential changes to planning regulations.
Changes can shape the landscape of our industry. At Finchatton, we remain committed to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring our projects meet and exceed the highest quality standards.
A new government will bring more regulatory focus on affordable housing, sustainability, and community engagement. While our core business is best-in-class residential, we also understand the importance of broader developments. We strive to integrate practices demonstrating our commitment to excellence and positive community impact while contributing beneficially to the evolving regulatory environment.
A diverse range of projects can align well with legislative
changes, allowing us to contribute positively across various
developments.