Planning and Development

Advocating for a pro-growth approach to unlock the capital’s potential

BusinessLDN advocates for a planning system in London that is pro-growth to support our mission and maintain London’s reputation as a great place to work, live, and play.

The planning system in London is unique in many ways. We work with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Planning Officers Society London to ensure the business community’s voice is heard in the planning policy debate and that any national planning reforms work for the capital.

People on a construction site discussing plans

A new vision for London’s planning system

We’ve worked tirelessly to influence every iteration of the London Plan, the Mayor’s spatial development strategy. Our advocacy transforms how planning works by:

Shaping key policies – On housing supply, affordable business space, and industrial capacity.
Supporting viable development – Ensuring development viability remains achievable.
Championing design-led density – Promoting a design-led approach to residential density and optimisation of development opportunities.
Engaging strategically – Working on local planning policy of strategic importance for London.

We continue to run our popular forums for member and stakeholder engagement at all levels of government, including the Planning and Development Advisory Forum, Planning Officers Society London, the West End Streets Steering Group, and the Industry and Logistics Sounding Board.

What success looks like

An effective planning system is:

Pro-growth – Supporting development that unlocks London’s potential

Strategic – Coordinating between local and regional planning authorities

Business-focused – Ensuring the business community’s voice is heard

Responsive – Adapting to London’s unique planning challenges

Our track record

Previous work includes:

Successful advocacy in previous London Plan examinations

Shaping policies on affordable business space and industrial capacity

Influencing development viability assessments

Establishing sector-specific workstreams and stakeholder forums

Help shape the future of London

We continue to advocate for a planning framework that serves economic growth while maintaining London’s liveability and character.

Our goal: Removing planning and development barriers to ensure businesses can navigate planning effectively while supporting economic growth and meeting housing need.

BusinessLDN’s London Plan workstream puts you at the centre of the consultation’s preparation and examination, offering exclusive insights, valuable connections, and a platform to influence the policies shaping the capital’s future.