Densifying the suburbs
The next London Plan, with its much higher housing targets, will increase the pressure for higher densities in the suburbs. It could guide high-density housing / mixed-use development to high accessibility locations. The shape of the new strategy will be a key issue for the new London Plan.
Issues
- What is the vision? What should the strategy be? (Speaker: Prof. Tony Travers), and
- What would be needed to increase the density of the London suburbs? (Speaker: Ben Derbyshire)
How much should we focus on accessible locations – around stations and [more…]
Zipcar leaves London
The website ‘London Centric’ has reported that Zipcar has decided to end offering their car and van rental services in London – subscribers should have received the email notification shown. The article explains the Zipcar decision and the effect on people in the capital using their vehicles.
Housebuilding around train stations
Housebuilding near well-connected train stations will receive a default “yes” through a new National Planning Policy Framework, to be consulted on later in 2025. Details are here.
In addition, there is a set of changes to the Planning & Regeneration Bill, which the Government says is a “Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building”.
As part of it, Councils must inform Government when inclined to block applications of 150 homes or more. Ministers will make the decision instead. Applications called in will not have to go to an inquiry [more…]
New Bakerloo Line ticket hall and lifts at Paddington
Sally Arnold describes in this video why a new Bakerloo line ticket hall at Paddington became possible, why the process was different from the way TfL often operates, the advantages and the challenges, and what benefits the changes bring to the public.
Euston masterplan
The Government has put firms on notice for a £360m design and engineering job over five years for the programme of works at Euston station.
The appointed team will work with the Euston Delivery Company (EDC) overseeing upgrades to the existing mainline station and the development of the surrounding residential and commercial district.
The job will not include the new central London terminus for HS2, which is part of the wider Euston masterplan but is being delivered separately through a private finance partner.
Oxford Street pedestrianisation
On Sunday 21st September, Oxford Street was part closed to traffic. Themed zones featuring fashion, sport, music, food and heritage spanned Orchard Street to Oxford Circus.
The Mayor claimed it a success here but the publicity and novelty of the event were likely to result in many people attending.
TfL will consult on traffic and highways changes for pedestrianisation later in 2025.
For businesses, however, the prospect of an accelerated timeline could add to concerns about logistics and access. Bus routes remain one of the biggest challenges and retailers are [more…]
Consultation for next London Plan
The GLA has published an ‘Easy Read’ version here of an earlier ‘Towards a New London Plan‘. It explains the need to deliver more homes and related problems. The consultation seeks views on that and various options for land use, jobs, environment and cultural facilities. London Forum’s members should consider responding by the closing date of 2nd November 2025 to influence the content of the draft replacement London Plan due in 2026.
Moped kills cyclist
The Standard reports a cyclist in Hammersmith’s part-segregated Cycleway 9 was hit by a moped and died. LCC CEO Tom Fyans criticised the cycleway design which allows mopeds to enter it.
This is the sixth cyclist death this year and TfL is raising awareness of Highway Code rules.
An illegal e-bike boom article in the Guardian reported some of them capable of 70mph.
Lime loses e-bike contract
Hounslow Council has sacked Lime as the provider of e-bike services in the borough after a string of complaints from residents. In June 2025 there were nearly 30,000 active Lime users there but a minority of them dumped bikes anywhere.
Forest and Voi will become the borough’s exclusive e-bike operators from Monday 11 August 2025. A report is on the local community website here.
The Future of Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus
Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate are working together to reimagine the public realm of Regent Street, Haymarket, and Piccadilly Circus.
This site on the Commonplace platform contains tools to get involved, and a survey that members may wish to complete.
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Chief Planning Officer’s newsletter
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The rise and fall of bus passenger numbers in London
Bus passenger numbers in London reached a peak of 2.4 billion in 2014, but since then have fallen to 1.8 billion in 2025. This decline is now exercising the Mayor and GLA [more…]
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