Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan rips up old planning rules



Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has demonstrated his determination to get London building the affordable homes it needs by ripping up the existing planning rules.


Mr Khan has also urged housebuilders to develop sites at increased housing densities to substantially increase capacity in London.

The mayor has removed constraints and density guidelines in his new draft London Plan to help boost the number of affordable homes granted planning permission in the capital.

The draft plan also outlines how the mayor will ask housebuilders to maximise the use of valuable land in the city.

Mr Khan believed that an increased number of homes should be built on sites close to town centres or good public transport, which would reduce the need for car parking spaces within developments.

The plan states that proposed development on sites that don’t clearly maximise housing density should be refused.

The draft London Plan also includes the mayor’s key strategic housing commitment for 50% of all new homes built to be genuinely affordable.

It strengthens his new approach offering private developers a fast-track route to planning permission if they reach a minimum of 35% affordable homes.

Mr Khan said: “With London’s population expected to increase by 70,000 every year – reaching 10.8 million in 2041 – it’s vital we properly plan for growth with new affordable homes in every area of the capital.

“I am using all of the powers at my disposal in my first draft London Plan to tackle the housing crisis head on – removing ineffective constraints on homebuilders so that we can make the most of precious land in the capital to build more homes in areas with the best transport links.

“My London Plan sets out how we are planning for the challenges our great city faces, but crucially focuses on my vision of a London that welcomes growth, celebrates its diversity and ensures every Londoner gets the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”



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