![SUVs in street [Photo: freepik.com]](https://i0.wp.com/www.londonforum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/153436.jpg?resize=320%2C202&ssl=1)
Increase in SUVs
The Assembly’s Transport Committee is calling for more to be done to discourage SUV car use after their number increased ten-fold in London since 2002.
There is an article in BBC News on this subject.
The vehicles tend to be heavier, larger and more polluting than other cars. Imperial College London found that if hit by an SUV compared to being hit by a smaller car you are 44% more likely to be killed. [more…]
Open Spaces Society 160th anniversary
The Open Spaces Society was founded in 1865 and has played a part in many victories since then in saving commons, green spaces, and public paths for all to enjoy. They offer help when any of those are under threat.
The successes in which they have been involved include Hampstead Heath, Wandsworth Common, Wimbledon Common, Clapham Common and others on their website here.
Chief Planner’s update
On 8th July 2025 Joanna Averley, the MHCLG Chief Planner (pictured) issued an update to local authorities on
- Planning and Infrastructure Bill progress;
- AI technology to assist LPA planners;
- A faster and more efficient planning appeals process
- Biodiversity Net Gain consultations by DEFRA
- A new national standard for sustainable urban drainage
- A tool which will enable plan-makers and decision-takers to locate development in the most sustainable locations and plan for the transport infrastructure required to [more…]
Healthy Streets
The 2025 results for the Healthy Streets Scorecard for London boroughs have been published.
In its Results Overview, which shows the scores for each borough, the report states “Rising star Newham leaps five places in 2025 and receives special Most Improved Borough award. Accolades also go to overall winner City of London, best Inner London borough Islington, and best Outer London borough Waltham Forest.”
The indicators cover traffic-free School Streets, roads with [more…]
Flooding and Surface Water Strategy
A ‘Flood Ready London Partnership‘ of the Environment Agency, London Councils, London Fire Brigade, Mayor of London, Thames Water and TfL, supported by the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee has developed a London Surface Water Strategy.
The London Climate Resilience Review warned that London is under prepared for the impacts of climate change. The Environment Agency’s National Flood Risk Assessment highlights [more…]
Chewing gum stains
Keep Britain Tidy has allocated grants for local authorities in 2025 for cleaning chewing gum from pavements, as here. That website shows which Councils have received funding over the last four years. Most London boroughs have benefited, some of them two or three times. Residents will be the best judge of how effectively the money has been spent.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Try a new search:
High quality Social Housing
Access to Green Space
Blockers and Approvers: Rates of Delegation and Approval for Planning Applications
The Government recently published Planning Statistics for the year to March 2025. For the 32 London boroughs, the statistics showed some interesting features.
First, they showed that all but three [more…]
Most Popular This Week
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Members event: South East London
📅 Thu 2nd October | 18:30 - 20:00
🚩 Davy’s Wine Vaults, Greenwich SE10 8JA (map)
We are inviting our South East London members to an informal information and discussion session to explore issues and ideas about the Forum’s work and develop closer links with members locally. Member societies in the area will receive formal invites with further information. http://www.davy.co.uk/wine-bar/davys-wine-vaults
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Planning, Environment and Transport committee meeting
📅 Thu 9th October | 14:00 - 16:00
🚩 Room B1 70 Cowcross St, EC1M 6EJ (map)
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Annual General Meeting 2025
📆 Thu 16th October | 18:30 - 20:30
🚩 77 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EL (map)
Doors open at 6.00PM with drinks and nibbles available ahead of the formal meeting start at 6.30PM. This will be a meeting in two parts, first the formal business of the AGM, agenda below, followed by two presentations, from our Patron Professor Tony Travers and Leanne Tritton, Chair of the London Society. The presentations will be followed by questions and discussion. Please book your place(s) using the booking facility ( https://www.londonforum.org.uk/events/agm-2025/?occurrence=2025-10-16 ). Please note that according to…