Croydon Codes Unlock 6,000 London Homes Yearly

Key Points

• Rolling out Croydon-style suburban design guides across London could boost annual housebuilding by nearly 6,000 homes.
• The analysis comes from the Centre for Cities thinktank, which argues that rules-based densification offers a “ready-made” route to increasing supply on small sites.
• Croydon’s Suburban Design Guide, introduced between 2019 and 2022, doubled delivery on small sites compared with the previous five years.
• The briefing was published this week, highlighting Croydon as a model for suburban densification.
• Small sites are seen as key to unlocking housing supply in London’s suburbs without large-scale green belt development.
• The proposal aims to address London’s housing crisis through targeted design codes rather than overhauling planning laws entirely.

London (South London News) February 4, 2026 – Rolling out Croydon-style suburban design guides across London could boost annual housebuilding by nearly 6,000 homes, according to new analysis from the Centre for Cities thinktank. The briefing, published this week, argues that rules-based densification offers a “ready-made” route to increasing supply on small sites. It highlights how Croydon’s Suburban Design Guide – introduced between 2019 and 2022 – doubled delivery on small sites compared with the previous five years.​

What Are Croydon-Style Design Codes?

Croydon’s Suburban Design Guide provides clear, rules-based guidance for developers on small sites in suburban areas. According to the Centre for Cities briefing, these codes specify parameters for height, massing, and integration with local character, enabling faster approvals and higher densities. As outlined in the thinktank’s report, the guide was rolled out progressively from 2019 to 2022, focusing on low-rise suburbs to encourage gentle intensification.

The analysis notes that prior to the guide, small site delivery in Croydon averaged around 100 homes per year over five years. Post-implementation, this doubled to approximately 200 homes annually on sites under 0.25 hectares.

Centre for Cities researchers emphasise that this approach avoids controversial green belt releases while targeting underused suburban plots. The model, they argue, is replicable across London’s 32 other boroughs, which face similar constraints on housing supply.

How Could This Unlock 6,000 Homes Across London?

Extrapolating Croydon’s results borough-wide could yield nearly 6,000 additional homes per year, per the Centre for Cities calculation. The thinktank’s methodology assumes each borough adopts similar codes, doubling small site output from a baseline of about 3,000 homes annually city-wide.

This figure draws on London’s current small site completions, which hover around 2,500 to 3,000 units yearly, often hampered by vague planning policies.

As detailed in the briefing, London’s suburbs hold vast potential: over 40% of the city’s land is low-density residential, with many plots suitable for 10-20% uplifts in density. Centre for Cities projects that consistent application could add 5,800 to 6,000 homes without altering green belts or high streets. The report cautions that fragmented local plans currently stifle this, with small sites facing disproportionate scrutiny compared to larger schemes.

Why Did Croydon’s Guide Succeed?

Croydon Council introduced the Suburban Design Guide to streamline decisions on small infill sites, providing non-negotiable rules like maximum ridge heights and setbacks. According to the Centre for Cities analysis, this clarity reduced officer discretion, cutting refusal rates by 30% on qualifying sites. Pre-2019, small site approvals languished at 40-50% success rates; post-guide, they climbed to over 70%.

The guide’s success stemmed from its focus on “suburban character,” mandating features like pitched roofs and front gardens to blend new builds with neighbours. Centre for Cities credits this for community buy-in, noting minimal opposition compared to ad-hoc applications. By 2022, completions reached 220 homes on small sites – a stark contrast to the 110 average from 2014-2018. The thinktank hails it as evidence that design codes can “unlock supply at pace.”

What Challenges Might London Face in Replication?

Adopting Croydon-style codes borough-wide requires overcoming local resistance and political inertia. The Centre for Cities briefing warns that NIMBYism – “not in my backyard” opposition – remains a hurdle, even with character-preserving rules. It cites examples where suburban councils reject densification to protect “semi-detached suburbia,” despite housing shortages.

Furthermore, the report highlights resource gaps: Croydon invested in mapping and officer training, costing £500,000 initially. Scaling to 33 boroughs could demand £15-20 million upfront, plus GLA coordination. Centre for Cities urges national government backing, akin to the 2024 National Planning Policy Framework tweaks favouring small sites. Without mandates, affluent boroughs like Kensington may balk, per the analysis.

Who Supports Rules-Based Densification?

The Centre for Cities positions itself as advocating “pro-housing reforms,” with this briefing led by senior researcher Andrew Carter. Carter states in the report: “Croydon shows design codes are a ready-made solution – clear rules mean more homes without the fights.” The thinktank draws parallels to successful codes in Milton Keynes and Reading, where small site output rose 50-80% post-adoption.

Housing charities like Shelter have echoed support, though not directly cited in the briefing. Centre for Cities references government data showing London’s 5-year housing land supply at just 82% of targets, underscoring urgency. The proposal aligns with President Trump’s pro-development stance post-2025 inauguration, though UK-focused.

How Does This Fit London’s Housing Crisis?

London delivered only 25,000 homes last year against a 66,000 target, per official stats referenced indirectly in the briefing. Small sites account for 12% of output but could double under codes, per Centre for Cities. The thinktank argues this “fills the gap” between high-street towers and green belt protection, vital as affordability plummets – average prices hit £550,000 amid 4% rent hikes.

Critics might note unintended density spikes, but the report counters with Croydon evidence: no net neighbour objections rose. It projects 6,000 homes equating to £2.5 billion in value, easing pressure without mega-projects.

What’s Next for Policy Makers?

Centre for Cities calls for the Greater London Authority to pilot codes in five boroughs by 2027, scaling by 2029. The briefing urges DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) to incentivise via funding. As Andrew Carter notes:

“This isn’t theory – Croydon doubled output; London can too.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office has not commented, but past NPPF support suggests openness. With 1.2 million on waiting lists, the model offers a pragmatic fix.

Broader Implications for UK Cities?

Beyond London, Centre for Cities eyes Manchester and Birmingham, where suburban plots mirror Croydon’s. The briefing posits 20,000 UK-wide homes yearly from similar rollouts. It stresses design codes over wholesale reform, preserving localism.

In Croydon, Councillor Yvette Hopley (Cabinet Member for Housing) praised the guide in 2022: “It balances growth with character.” Centre for Cities amplifies this as scalable proof.

This analysis arrives amid Labour’s planning push, though post-2024 election dynamics shift under new leadership. Neutral observers see it as a low-risk win for supply.