The London Plan might not be the catchiest name, but it’s a big deal when it comes to shaping how the capital grows and changes. Put simply, it’s the Mayor’s blueprint for how London should develop, covering everything from housing and transport to green space and jobs. Whether you’re a planner, developer, business owner, or just someone who lives in the capital, the London Plan influences the look and feel of the city around you. With the imminent publication of the Greater London Authority’s Towards a London Plan, outlining the high-level vision before the formal review process begins, now is the perfect time to examine its contents, potential changes, and why they matter.
A lot has changed since the last London Plan review. Back then, the political and economic landscape looked very different: interest rates were low, remote working wasn’t the norm, and the pressure to turbocharge housing delivery hadn’t reached today’s levels. Now, as the country focuses on reigniting economic growth, the London Plan faces a critical challenge: how to deliver 88,000 new homes a year while still providing the commercial space needed in a hybrid-working world, doing so sustainably, and making the most of London’s increasingly limited space.
The current London Plan runs to over 500 pages and is packed with detailed policies, some of which are rarely, if ever, used in practice. A document of that scale risks becoming a tick-box exercise rather than a true strategic guide, losing focus and clarity at the very moment the city needs decisive, deliverable direction. There is a clear need for a slimmer London Plan, one that is more strategic, more flexible, and capable of being delivered at speed, at a time when getting homes, infrastructure, and jobs on the ground has never been more critical.
The London Plan must strike a careful balance between meeting ambitious housing targets and supporting the commercial space needed for a thriving economy. With limited land and shifting patterns of demand, the Plan needs to promote high-quality, mixed-use development in the right locations: making better use of brownfield sites, intensifying town centres, and supporting co-location where appropriate. At the same time, it must align with London’s net-zero goals by encouraging sustainable transport, low-carbon construction, and large-scale retrofitting, all while ensuring development contributes to vibrant, liveable communities.
Delivering on these ambitions will require the right tools, investment, and powers, particularly to link development with infrastructure and unlock strategic sites. As this review progresses, business must have a seat at the table. From shaping viable policies to unlocking investment and delivery, the private sector has a vital role to play in building a plan that supports growth, sustainability, and prosperity across the capital.
What is for certain is that this review will need to grapple with a whole new set of challenges and priorities. BusinessLDN will bring our members on the journey as the review progresses, offering exclusive insight, intel, and access. To kick off, we’ll be hosting an exclusive, members-only briefing with the GLA’s London Plan team on 28 May, following the publication of Towards a London Plan next month, ensuring our members are well-positioned to shape the capital’s future. As the review continues, we’ll provide ongoing updates and opportunities to engage with key stakeholders, keeping members informed and involved at every step.
Contact Harry Steele to find out more about how you can get involved as a member.
Not yet a member of BusinessLDN? Contact Harry to learn more about joining 170 leading companies in our membership – and how you can get involved in our London Plan Programme.