The publication of the Draft London Plan represents a significant update to London's strategic planning framework. While many longstanding principles remain, the Mayor’s objective is to provide a more pragmatic approach to land use, housing delivery and infrastructure that could unlock new opportunities across the capital.

At its core, the Draft Plan seeks to tackle London's housing shortage, unlock economic growth and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable city. 

A new approach to Green Belt development

A key policy change is the proposed approach to London's Green Belt. Recognising that brownfield development alone is unlikely to meet future housing demand, the Draft Plan introduces a targeted, plan-led approach to Green Belt release, where justified, to meet strategic housing needs.

Rather than a blanket review, the Plan identifies Broad Locations for Growth where Green Belt release should be considered through Local Plan reviews, alongside a second tier of future growth locations. Development will be expected to be landscape-led, supported by masterplanning, well-connected by public transport and deliver accessible green space alongside high-quality design. 

Delivering more homes 

The Mayor's ambition remains to maximise housing delivery whilst acknowledging the realities of viability and infrastructure constraints. The Draft Plan sets a new ten-year housing target of 558,000 homes, which it considers to be reasonable and plausible through site optimisation, industrial land release and selective Green Belt development. It also identifies a longer-term pathway towards the previous target of 850,000 homes 

A key facet is the introduction of a new Optimisation Framework for sites over 0.25 hectares, which are outside of the Green Belt and do not include tall buildings. Rather than relying on maximum density assumptions used previously in the London Plan, the framework establishes minimum density expectations linked to a new Sustainable Access Measure, encouraging higher-density, mid-rise development in sustainable locations while maintaining a design-led approach. 

A Small Sites Design Code is also proposed to increase delivery on smaller sites, whilst the definition of tall buildings is increased to 30m+.

Affordable housing thresholds 

Affordable housing remains central to the strategy, with the 50% strategic affordable housing target retained. 

However, changes are proposed to the Threshold Approach to qualify for the Fast Track Route. Instead of a single London-wide threshold, three new locational bands of 35%, 25% and 20% affordable housing are proposed, reflecting differing market conditions across the capital. New threshold routes are also introduced for Green Belt, industrial and public sector land, alongside a fast-track route for smaller schemes. Greater emphasis is also placed on delivering social rented homes and homes for key workers through a revised tenure split.

London's digital infrastructure

For the first time, the Draft Plan includes a dedicated strategic policy for data centres, recognising their growing importance to London's economy and the increasing demand created by artificial intelligence and digital services.

Local Plans will be expected to identify suitable locations based on land availability, electricity network capacity and water supply, without compromising meeting housing, economic and infrastructure needs. Developers will also be expected to demonstrate heat recovery, renewable energy generation, efficient water use and wider community benefits whilst minimising impacts on existing infrastructure.

New approach to energy policy

The Draft Plan also proposes a change to London's sustainability policies. Rather than focusing primarily on carbon offsetting, the new approach prioritises measurable improvements in building performance through Energy Use Intensity and Space Heating Demand standards.

Whole-life carbon assessments are strengthened, with new embodied carbon targets proposed for referable schemes. 

Accessible green space 

The Draft Plan places greater emphasis on the delivery and protection of Accessible Green Space (AGS) as part of creating healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods. The proposed policy introduces new Strategic and Local AGS designations, requires boroughs to identify areas of deficiency through their Local Plans and establishes a clear expectation that major developments contribute to increasing accessible green space, prioritising on-site provision wherever possible. 

Next Steps 

Although the Draft London Plan will continue to evolve through consultation and examination, the direction of travel is apparent. The Mayor is seeking to increase housing delivery, support targeted Green Belt release and promote emerging sectors such as data centres, whilst balancing growth with environmental sustainability. 

Union4 is closely monitoring the consultation which runs until the 15 October 2026 and advising clients on its implications. Whether you are promoting strategic Green Belt land, bringing forward residential or mixed-use development, or planning data centres, our team can help you prepare representations to the Draft Plan and develop a planning strategy for your site that responds to the emerging policy landscape.

Contact us at planning@union4.co.uk