In a significant policy shift, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced plans to explore developing parts of the city’s green belt to tackle the city’s housing crisis.
Speaking in Greenwich on May 9, 2025, Khan emphasised the urgent need for “bold solutions” to address the profound impact of the housing shortage, particularly on families and young Londoners.
London requires 88,000 new homes annually over the next decade, a target not seen since the 1930s housing boom. Khan acknowledged that relying solely on brownfield sites is insufficient, stating, “We have to be honest with Londoners that this alone will not be enough to meet our needs.”
The Mayor highlighted that much of the green belt is “low quality, poorly maintained and inaccessible,” arguing that the current approach is “wrong, out-of-date and simply unsustainable.” By strategically developing areas near transport links, Khan believes delivering hundreds of thousands of affordable homes is possible, boosting both the economy and housing availability.
Khan’s plan includes working closely with the UK Government to secure necessary housing and transport infrastructure investments, such as the metro-isation of rail lines and extensions to the Bakerloo line and Docklands Light Railway. He aims to create a “new consensus on planning” that balances housing needs with environmental concerns, asserting, “The idea you have to choose between housebuilding and the environment is a false choice.”
City Hall will impose conditions on any green belt development to maximize affordable housing, ensure energy efficiency, and enhance biodiversity and public access to green spaces. Khan called on environmental campaigners and developers to collaborate, stating, “We can take this experience and ensure we make London and the green belt greener in everything we do.”
The announcement coincides with the launch of a consultation for the next London Plan, which will guide the city’s development over the next 20 to 25 years. The plan’s objectives include resolving the housing crisis and promoting sustainable economic growth while protecting the environment.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner welcomed the proposal, noting, “The government welcomes the bold proposal announced by the Mayor today, which rises to the challenge of tackling London’s housing crisis.” London Councils chair Cllr Claire Holland and MP Florence Eshalomi also expressed support, emphasizing the need for more affordable homes.
Generation Rent CEO Ben Twomey encouraged public engagement, stating, “I encourage renters across the capital to have their say on the Mayor’s proposals.”
The consultation document, “Towards a new London Plan,” is available for public response until June 22. A draft plan is expected in 2026 and formal adoption in 2028.
© London West (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
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