Towards a new London Plan

The Mayor launched a consultation ‘Towards a new London Plan’, running to 22nd June 2025 as here. It will be explained by the Deputy Mayor, Jules Pipe, at London Forum’s event on 13th May. The GLA offers supporting videos on the key topics and online events are offered which can be booked here. A Call for Evidence facility can be used to make additional detailed input to the GLA. It was part of the ‘Planning for London Programme’ in 2023, the results of which can be seen here.

Michael Bach for London Forum commented “The Consultation document provides proposed policy options and directions of travel based in part on the consultation events over the last two years. I don’t think there are any surprises – even the Mayor’s commissioned London-wide Green Belt review (2.8 – 2.10).

Other points, in no particular order, include:

• Increasing the scale and density of development, with higher density building types (4.7), suitable for children and young people. This will be linked to public transport improvements (2.1) and to public transport accessibility and connectivity (4.3).

• Progress on Opportunity Areas has led to a review of progress – reality check – which has led to review/removal of several of them (Figure 2.3), largely due to lack of transport investment (2.3)

• Although the plan seeks to optimise the amount of housing development (2.1), it is emphasised that this will need to be linked to public transport improvements – it is no longer expressed in terms of a “design-led approach” being the driver

• Height of development will need to be increased, not just tall buildings (4.2), although there appears to be a suggestion that the Mayor should “take back control” (4.2), moving away from the plan-led approach in the current London Plan, back to everything being determined on its merits. 

• Metropolitan Open Land will continue to be protected given the vital role it plays for Londoners (2.11), although public accessibility is critical and could affect the future of golf courses. 

There is a lot more in the document – our event on 13th May focuses on where will the growth go (Section 2) and what form should it take (Section 4).”

London Forum’s members are asked to copy to planning@londonforum.org.uk their response to the consultation and any other input made to the GLA.