House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
London Housing Delivery Update
18 March 2024 · Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Proposed by Michael Gove Con Surrey Heath
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Mayor of London is directed to review policies in the London Plan concerning industrial land and Opportunity Areas to boost housing delivery.
- Michael Gove has allocated 500,000 to provide specialist support for the Greenwich and Newham boroughs.
- This support aims to unlock over 7,000 new homes in the specified boroughs.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the under-delivery of housing in London and directs the Mayor to review policies that may be hindering housebuilding, while also providing support through a planning Super Squad.
Action requested
Michael Gove is directing the Mayor of London to review specific policies in the London Plan related to industrial land and Opportunity Areas to improve housing delivery. He has also announced £500,000 worth of specialist support for Greenwich and Newham boroughs to unlock over 7,000 homes.
Key facts
- The Greater London Authority's data shows a need to increase the rate of housing delivery from an average of 37,200 to more than 62,300 homes per year.
- Policies E4 through E7 in the London Plan related to industrial land use are being reviewed for their impact on housing delivery.
- The Mayor identified 47 Opportunity Areas with potential to deliver at least 2,500 homes or 5,000 new jobs each, but progress has been slow.
- The Planning Super Squad will provide £500,000 worth of specialist support in 2024/25 for Greenwich and Newham boroughs.