Support for public landowners

The programme offers comprehensive support for landowners. It enables them to either develop sites directly, or gain the benefit of the GLA's small builder network by marketing through the GLA's online portal to small builders.

Landowners interested in bringing sites forward through the programme should contact [email protected]. 

The Small Sites Small Builders 2022-25 programme offers funding for public landowners. Download the prospectus for more information on how and when to make a bid. 

Revenue funding is available for:

• site identification and assessment
• site surveys and due diligence to reduce uncertainty in sites going through the programme
• ‘unlocking’ unviable sites going through the programme, where required.

Process support 

• GLA support to consider models for bringing small public-sector sites forward for development
• guidance, tools and learning around small sites development
• online marketing for efficiency and greater reach to small builders
• standard selection process for small builders capable of building good quality homes with creative solutions for complex sites
• standard contracts for easy comparison and minimal negotiation with small builders

Standard contracts which:

• offer a reasonable level of ongoing control
• avoid lengthy procurement processes
• allow the site to be retained by the landowner until development can start
• give the landowner continuing influence over the development
• discourage those who do not intend to get on and build
• allow covenants to secure affordable and/or community-led housing to be included.

The Small Sites Small Builders programme grant fund 2022-25 has now closed. The grant funding prospectus set out the grant funding available, and how to apply.

Up to £400,000 was made available for small sites revenue funding, and to support progressive proposals or new ideas, that strengthen small sites delivery in London. Bidding  took place in two rounds and is currently being assessed. 

The programme has established budget through MD3093 Small Sites Small Builders 2022-25 to bring more sites to market, improve the quality of outcomes on those sites, and improve GLA support for small builders and developers. 

Round 1 - site release revenue funding will provide funding to public landowners, including GLA group partners, to identify sites, or already have sites identified which require more funding for due diligence to unlock their release to market. 

Round 2 - best practice in small sites delivery grant funding will support public landowners, small builders/developers, GLA group partners, London council teams, community-led housing groups, and design or development consultants to develop progressive solutions to identified small sites delivery challenges.

Clarifications for both rounds are available for download:

• Clarifications Note 1 
• Clarifications Note 2