A leaseholder in north London has drawn attention to a growing problem in the leasehold system: rooftop development on occupied blocks, where freeholders can monetise roof space with virtually no control or protection for residents living below.
Planning permission granted, but no building regulations approval
The leaseholder, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought their flat believing they had security in their home. However, planning permission has been granted for additional storeys to be built on top of their building. Despite this, the council has confirmed that there is still no building regulations application, no building control approval, and no construction management plan setting out how residents would be protected during the works.
This exposes a major gap in the system. Leaseholders are expected to live with the consequences – noise, dust, loss of amenities, uncertainty over property value and saleability, and concerns about safety during major works – while responsibility is fragmented between planning, building control, private approvers, the fire brigade and the Health and Safety Executive. Each body deals with only part of the picture, but no one seems responsible for the overall impact on residents who must continue living in the building throughout the works.
Financial injustice and safety concerns
The letter, published in response to a previous article on the National Leasehold Campaign, highlights that while the financial injustices of leasehold ownership are well-known, the issue of rooftop development adds another layer of risk. The freeholder gains the value from the development, while leaseholders below carry the risk. The leaseholder stated: 'If the government is serious about leasehold reform, it must also address the lack of protection for residents facing rooftop development on occupied buildings.'
The letter was amended on 28 June 2026 to remove personal information. The issue underscores the need for comprehensive leasehold reform that addresses not only financial exploitation but also the safety and security of residents during rooftop developments.
