The NPF had the pleasure this week of holding our second event of the year “The London Plan: Where do we go from here?” in partnership with DP9 Limited.

Guests were treated to speeches, debate and Q&A from a range of voices involved in the future of London’s built environment on the opportunities the London Plan brings to the capital as well as where it could be improved.

The NPF would like to thank the event Chair, Jonathan Wade, Head of Spatial Planning at RBKC and our panellists for their time and insights:

• Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills
• Alexandra Milne, Director at DP9
• Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich
• Emma Williamson, Director of Planning at the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)
• Chris Katkowski KC, Co-author of the London Plan Review

Items discussed include:

• The London Plan sets the framework for growth but delivery can be buffeted by events. There is an agreement that high standards and quality must be maintained but there is a willingness to discuss how local authorities, the GLA and development community can work together.

• The size and scale of the London Plan. Whilst there was debate about the need for the number of policies included, there was general agreement that the language in parts could be simplified to provide clarity.

• The Mayor’s focus on climate change is clear, but bold actions and financial support are needed to empower local authorities and unlock opportunity areas.