Hill, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned housebuilders, on Monday reported record annual sales, but warned planning delays because of coronavirus could hurt London housing supply.
Earlier this month local authorities in England were handed new powers to hold public meetings, such as planning ones, virtually by video or telephone conferencing due to Covid-19 disruption.
But Essex-headquartered Hill’s chief executive Andy Hill said his 21-year-old firm is “seeing mixed responses from councils, with some very proactive, while others have slowed right down and deferred applications”.
He added: “A new homes pipeline takes years to come to fruition, so to have these sorts of delays, which can be easily overcome, poses a real risk to the supply of much needed new homes across the capital.”
Meanwhile Hill said his firm closed major construction sites late last month, including in Hackney Wick and Camden, due to the virus.
Sites can operate in line with government guidance on social distancing, but a number of builders have pointed out that is not practical in London where numerous workers need to use public transport to get to jobs.
Hill saw turnover, including from joint venture projects, rise to £582.7 million in 2019, up from £509.6 million.
Pre-tax profits decreased to £42.6 million from £48.3 million after the group suffered some planning delays.
A £3.9 million dividend was paid.
