‘Towards a New London Plan’ – Consultation underway

The Greater London Authority (‘GLA’) has launched the “Towards a New London Plan” consultation, marking the first formal step towards shaping the next version of London’s spatial development strategy.

This ‘early engagement’ document, published on 9 May 2025, sets out the Mayor’s initial thoughts on key priorities and strategic directions for the capital’s future and forms a preview of what is to be expected in the draft new London Plan, which is targeted for publication in spring 2026. It invites views from stakeholders across the built environment on the challenges and ambitions that will define planning policy in London through to 2040 and beyond. The consultation runs until 22 June 2025.

This document sets the groundwork on a new London Plan that must respond to the capital’s evolving challenges. These challenges include: delivering more homes, achieving net zero by 2030, supporting a fairer economy, and improving Londoners’ health and quality of life.

Some key points from the consultation include:

• Housing: The government has set London a challenging target of planning for 88,000 new homes per year, which is more than double current rate of delivery. The new London Plan will need to unlock new mechanisms, locations, and delivery models to address this scale of housing. This includes recognising that ‘other housing options’ may be required to meet housing need.

• Affordable Housing: The threshold approach for affordable housing is proposed to be reviewed to ensure it remains effective under current economic conditions. Potential changes include introducing new tenures and raising the affordable housing requirement on Green Belt land.

• Industrial Land Strategy: The consultation sets out a move towards a more coordinated and flexible approach to managing industrial land. Importantly, it raises the question of whether a London-wide industrial land need should be identified rather than relying solely on borough-level assessments. It explores opportunities for intensification, co-location with other uses, and the potential to use “Grey Belt” land for industrial purposes which could help free up better located urban sites for housing.

• Green Belt & Grey Belt: The consultation considers a strategic review of London’s Green Belt. The emphasis is on underutilised or poor-quality sites near stations and high streets, subject to delivering affordable homes, biodiversity gains, and public green space.

• Opportunity Areas (OAs): The role of OAs is being re-evaluated, including potential re-designation, streamlining, and better linking delivery to transport infrastructure and investment certainty.

• Town Centres & Suburbs: Emphasis is placed on intensifying town centres, high streets, and suburban small sites with scope for mixed-use and mid-rise development.

• Transport and Infrastructure: The consultation document notes that strong public transport connectivity is fundamental as is other essential infrastructure. The Plan aims to align density with accessibility, supporting sustainable travel modes.

• Design: The GLA is proposing new design codes and minimum height benchmarks to maximise the potential of small sites and ensure they play a more significant role in meeting London’s housing targets. Alongside this, the definition and planning approach to tall building clusters is under active review to reflect evolving urban form and local context.

Access the full consultation document and submission portal here:
https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/planning/london-plan/towards-new-london-plan-consultation

Engaging in this consultation is crucial for shaping policies that will influence London’s development. Should you require assistance in formulating a response or understanding the implications for your projects, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Key Dates:

• Consultation opened: 11:59pm on 9 May 2025
• Closes: 11:59pm on 22 June 2025

Article prepared by: Tito Arowobusoye  | Please contact the Firstplan team at info@firstplan.co.uk.