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What does the new London politics mean for planning?

Six months on from the 2018 council elections, Turley London office this week brought together three key players in London local government to share their views on politics and planning in the capital.

Chaired by Nick Jones, national head of Turley Strategic Communications, the guest speakers were: Labour’s John Biggs, the directly elected Mayor of Tower Hamlets; Liberal Democrat Leader of Richmond Councillor Gareth Roberts; and Conservative Councillor Will Sweet, the Chair of the Planning Applications Committee at Wandsworth Council.

All three political speakers gave fascinating insights into the specific planning challenges facing their different boroughs - from the need to engage their communities on the scale of change required in their areas, to the need to balance provision of housing and vital infrastructure with the retention of open space; and of course the challenge across the capital of delivering affordable housing.

Whilst differences were clear across the three boroughs and the three political persuasions, our speakers were refreshingly aligned in respect of wanting to work in a positive and flexible way with developers, planners and communities to achieve the best outcomes for their areas. Attendees at the event came away with a real sense that these areas of London at least are open for business.

After the initial presentations, discussion from Turley’s guests ranged from the inevitable questions around affordable housing within the capital, and pressure on the Green Belt without; to what London councils are doing to raise architectural quality and aspirations within their communities; to the need to deliver employment space.

Turley’s London office offers a full range of services, including Planning, Strategic Communications, Heritage, Design, Economics and Sustainability.

For information about future events being hosted by Turley please register your details here.

For more information on Turley’s Strategic Communications offer in London and the South East please get in touch with Phil Brogan.

7 November 2018