Mayor of London
London councils are currently debating the Mayor of London's influence on local planning powers, housing targets, and infrastructure funding.
Harrow Council formally opposed what it described as a planning power grab by the Mayor of London in December 2025, raising concerns about impacts on local infrastructure funding and control over planning decisions. In November 2025, Ealing Council considered developing 'grey belt' land to meet housing targets driven by the new London Plan, while Newham Council debated the Mayor of London's "Support for Housebuilding in London package" and its potential to reduce Community Infrastructure Levy income.
The Greater London Authority (GLA), headed by the Mayor of London, is reviewing the Green Belt as part of developing a new London Plan, which sets strategic planning and policy for the capital. This review, discussed by Ealing Council in November 2025, aims to identify sites with potential for development, including those previously characterised under the Green Belt.
The Mayor of London is the elected head of the Greater London Authority, responsible for strategic planning and policy for London. Councils are currently responding to proposals and policies from the Mayor regarding housing development and local planning control.
Key facts
- Harrow Council formally declared its opposition to a planning power grab by the Mayor of London in December 2025. Source
- Ealing Council discussed developing 'grey belt' land to meet housing targets driven by the new London Plan in November 2025. Source
- The Greater London Authority is reviewing the Green Belt as part of developing a new London Plan, as outlined in a report to Ealing Council in November 2025. Source
- Newham Council debated the "government and Mayor of London's Support for Housebuilding in London package" in November 2025. Source
- Newham Council is concerned a 50 per cent reduction in Community Infrastructure Levy income is proposed in the "Support for Housebuilding in London package", as discussed in November 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.