A strong end to 2025 bodes well for the year ahead
Four consents for diverse schemes across different areas demonstrate Terrapin's winning approach to planning and community engagement.
Terrapin has had a storming end to 2025. Four consents for very different schemes in four very diverse areas. The first consent was for almost two hundred homes in Chadwell in the London Borough of Redbridge. The second consent was for a revised application delivering one hundred and four homes on the site of the former White Horse Pub in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. The third consent was for ten homes in Wisborough Green. And finally, a major estate regeneration scheme in the London Borough of Croydon which will deliver four hundred and sixty-five new homes.
Our Winning Formula
What unites all four consents is Terrapin's approach. Understanding the politics of planning in each borough. Understanding the politics of each site. Creating a strong and positive narrative for each scheme's benefits for local residents. Innovative and extensive public consultation. A winning formula.
The Political Backdrop
Over the last year, the government has continued to prioritise radical planning reform as it seeks to deliver 1.5 million new homes before the next general election. A challenging target made even more challenging by proposals to restructure the various tiers of local government. One of Terrapin's strengths is its deep knowledge of local government. Many members of the team have past and current experience of being elected councillors or senior officers. This enables us to advise clients based on expertise and experience. We really understand how local government works. The government uses the mantra 'Build Baby Build' to explain its approach to planning and development. In shorthand, to back the builders not the blockers. The Tories (or some Tories) are adopting a similar approach although there are still too many examples of Tory and Lib Dem councils adopting a hostile approach to new homes in their patch. The classic NIMBY approach.
What Lies in Store in 2026
In May there are local elections across many parts of the country including every London Borough. With the rise of Reform UK and the Greens, these elections will deliver many surprises. Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch have every reason to be nervous. The public mood is angry. Terrapin is advising many clients whose schemes will not go to committee until after the May 2026 elections. This means dealing with the politicians who are currently in charge and also with politicians who may be in charge! and requires political skill as well as strategic and tactical expertise. A challenging period but one that brings opportunities as well as threats. The one modern certainty, of course, is that there is no longer any certainty in local politics. Nobody really knows at this stage what is going to happen in May. The situation will become clearer as the elections get close but for now…
Looking Forward
Looking back brings many happy examples of Terrapin clients securing great planning consents. Terrapin delivers for its clients. They don't like surprises at committee and neither do we. Terrapin's team of consultants has grown, combining a winning blend of youth and experience. We are perfectly placed and ready to hit the ground running in 2026. So there is much to look back on and much to look forward to. Exciting times indeed.
Key Takeaways
- Four major planning consents secured across diverse London boroughs and beyond
- Deep understanding of local government politics is crucial for success
- May 2026 local elections will bring both challenges and opportunities
- Terrapin combines youth and experience to deliver results for clients
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