Wandsworth Council has voiced significant concerns over the Mayor of London's Draft London Plan, questioning the realism and local applicability of proposed housing targets and planning policies. While supporting the overall ambition for growth, the council argues for amendments to ensure targets are realistic, deliverable, and responsive to local circumstances.
A key point of contention is the proposed increase in the borough's housing delivery target to 2,343 homes per year. The council deems this figure potentially unrealistic or undeliverable due to slowing build-out rates across the borough, falling capacity of locations, such as Nine Elms, for example, and the challenging housing market conditions.
Concerns were also raised about the assumption that industrial land will contribute significantly to housing delivery, with the council stating that Given the importance of these sites to the borough's economy, we believe decisions on their future should be determined locally, rather than through London-wide assumptions.
The council is concerned about the assumption that industrial land will deliver around 3,600 homes.
The proposed removal of opportunity area status from Clapham Junction has also been opposed. The council fears this move risks weakening the case for the investment needed to support its future growth and station improvements,
potentially hindering necessary upgrades.
Furthermore, Wandsworth Council expressed concerns that the proposed approach to density and tall buildings might not adequately reflect the borough's diverse character.
They are seeking safeguards to ensure density remains design-led and can continue to be shaped through the local plan, our frameworks and our site allocations.