London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to build on 131 sq miles of green belt to address the housing shortage, raising criticism from environmentalists.
As reported by The Telegraph, Sir Sadiq Khan plans to develop more than 100 square miles of London’s green belt.
Sadiq Khan’s new green plan for London
According to The Telegraph, up to 131 square miles of London’s green belt are at risk from Sadiq Khan’s housing plans after missing targets.
The review, based on the mayor’s new plan, warns of threats to green spaces and areas with limited biodiversity. City Hall describes the plan as a vital framework for development.
The plan enables developers to buy land and build homes with minimal opposition from local residents. The majority of green belt land is in Outer London, an area with strong Tory support. The new London plan, effective in 2027, could enable developers to build on parks and green spaces, critics warn.
Most of London’s green belt is outside Khan’s control. But he promised to go further than the government to open green land for building.
Mr Khan’s pledge puts Greater London’s green belt land at greater risk than areas like Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
What did Fields in Trust say about London green space risks?
Fields in Trust, the UK’s only charity protecting parks and playgrounds, said there is
“a troubling pattern of policy decisions that put short-term financial pressures ahead of our children’s long-term health and wellbeing.”
Helen Griffiths, its CEO, stated,
“Planning reforms are already putting thousands of parks and green spaces at risk. These spaces are not surplus; they are vital to the future health and wellbeing of our children. Once lost, they are gone forever.”
What did Sadiq Khan’s spokesperson say about green belt release plans?
A mayoral spokesman confirmed the plans, stating,
“In May, [Sadiq] announced the bold decision to actively explore releasing parts of London’s green belt for development.”
They stated that Londoners
“are suffering the consequences of a perfect storm in housebuilding created by the last government – including a lack of national funding, high interest rates, spiralling building costs, delays from bodies like the building safety regulator and the lasting impact of Brexit.”
An official from the mayor’s office said the planned release would follow strict guidelines to ensure the “best use of land [and] boost the quality and accessibility of green areas.”
What did David Simmonds say about Sadiq Khan’s green belt plans?
David Simmonds, shadow local government minister, slammed Sir Sadiq Khan and Labour for “bulldozing the soul of London,” saying Housing Secretary Angela Rayner supports the plan.
He raised concerns that
“parks, outdoor sport and green spaces that define our neighbourhoods are now in Labour’s crosshairs.”
What percentage of London is covered by green belt land?
London’s green belt covers around a quarter of the city’s land. Areas like Bromley have over half their land protected as green belt.
The first quarter saw the completion of 1,210 private homes, just 5.5% of the target set by the government.
Labour’s homes target
- Labour plans 1.5 million new homes by 2029 to tackle housing issues.
- Focus on building more affordable and social homes with better funding.
- New rules require faster approvals and building on low-quality green belt land.