Barnet Council objects to Mayor's London Plan
Concerns raised over housing targets and Green Belt policies in formal response to City Hall.
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The central claim is attributed to Barnet Council, with a named official signing off the letter.
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The article clearly separates the council's concerns from the mayor's proposals and explains the context of the London Plan.
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Barnet Council has officially responded to the Mayor of London's draft London Plan, stating that key elements of the proposals raise "significant concerns for Barnet". The council is urging Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan to amend the draft plan.
The council's formal response was agreed at a meeting of its cabinet on Monday, 14th. While supporting the mayor’s overall objective of delivering sustainable growth and addressing London’s housing needs, the Labour-led administration believes the draft plan requires further refinement in its evidence base regarding housing delivery, infrastructure provision, and the proposed approach to Green Belt release.
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The authority faces a £200 million budget deficit over three years, driven by social care and housing costs.
Housing Targets and Green Belt Policies
The council's primary concern centres on the mayor’s new housing target for the borough. This is in addition to issues raised about the plan's reliance on Green Belt release, infrastructure capacity, affordable housing delivery, transport impacts, and the need for greater local flexibility to meet Barnet residents' needs.
Proposed changes to Green Belt development policies have been a consistent concern for the local authority. Barnet Council had previously warned that the mayor does not have the remit to make direct changes to the borough’s Green Belt as part of any new London Plan. The draft plan suggests developments on Green Belt land could be acceptable if they meet "sustainable location tests" and allows for "residential-led" schemes if new homes are located near specific bus routes or railway stations.
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Barnet was identified as having up to seven "well-connected train stations" near "broad locations for growth" that contain Green Belt land. The mayor's office has described the draft London Plan as a "bold vision for the capital" and a "blueprint for building a fairer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone over the next two decades."
Next Steps
The council's response, which is formally signed off by Neeru Kareer, the assistant director of planning and building control, will be sent to the Greater London Authority by Friday, 23rd.
Questions this report answers
+What is Barnet Council's main objection to the draft London Plan?
Barnet Council has raised significant concerns primarily regarding the proposed housing targets for the borough and policies affecting Green Belt land. The council also argues that the evidence base supporting these proposals needs further strengthening before they are finalised.
+When will Barnet Council's response be sent to the Mayor of London?
The council's formal response to the draft London Plan was agreed by its cabinet on Monday, 14th. The final response will be submitted to the Greater London Authority by Friday, 23rd.
+What are the specific concerns about Green Belt policy?
Barnet Council has previously stated that the Mayor of London does not have the authority to directly alter the borough's Green Belt. The draft plan suggests Green Belt development could be acceptable under certain 'sustainable location tests', including proximity to bus routes or railway stations.
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