Richmond Council highlights challenges in the draft London Plan

Richmond Council has responded to the Mayor of London’s Draft London Plan by welcoming its goal of increasing housing supply, while warning that borough targets must reflect local circumstances.

The Council says it supports good growth, including development on brownfield land and small sites, but believes any increase in housing numbers must be realistic and supported by infrastructure, investment and community needs.

The report highlights Richmond’s commitment to delivering new homes, including affordable homes, through its own growth plans and by backing well-designed development in suitable locations. However, councillors say the proposed 31 per cent rise in Richmond’s housing target may not be achievable because of the borough’s heritage protections, limited land availability, environmental constraints and flood-risk concerns.

Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, said London and Richmond both need more homes, but every borough has different opportunities and limits. She stressed that growth should be ambitious yet deliverable, and should protect Richmond’s parks, rivers, nature reserves, Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and open spaces.

The Council also plans to examine the plan’s approach to climate resilience, energy efficiency, heat risk and flood risk, arguing that new standards should not be weaker than current local requirements. It is seeking clarity on possible changes to affordable housing rules, particularly whether greater flexibility could reduce the amount, quality or long-term affordability of homes.

Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts said the plan should be judged on whether it respects local realities, local democracy and the need to place homes in the right places. Richmond will now review the details before submitting its formal consultation response.