Richmond warns housing targets must reflect local reality as Mayor unveils London Plan

“London needs more homes, but targets must reflect local realities.” That is the message from Richmond councillors following the publication of the Mayor of London’s Draft London Plan last week.

Richmond Council has welcomed the plan as an opportunity to support good growth and deliver more homes across the capital, including through brownfield land and small sites, but says borough housing targets must be realistic and backed by the infrastructure and investment communities need.

Richmond is committed to playing its part in delivering new homes, including affordable homes, through its own growth ambitions and by supporting well-planned development in the right places. 

However, the Council will examine whether the proposed 31% increase in Richmond’s housing target reflects what can realistically be delivered in a borough with significant heritage, land availability, environmental and flood-risk constraints.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of Richmond Council’s Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: “Richmond and London need more homes, and we are committed to delivering high-quality homes locally. But every borough faces different opportunities and constraints, and targets must reflect what can realistically be delivered.

“There are positive elements in the plan, including its focus on small sites and better use of land. We want to work with the Mayor to ensure growth is ambitious, deliverable and respects the parks, rivers, nature reserves, Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and open spaces that make Richmond upon Thames distinctive.”

The Council will scrutinise the plan’s approach to climate resilience, including energy efficiency, heat risk and flood risk. It says new standards must remain at least as ambitious as current local requirements, so progress on the energy performance of new homes is not undermined.

The Council is also seeking clarity on how any greater flexibility around affordable housing delivery would work in practice, including whether it could reduce the amount, quality or long-term affordability of homes secured for local communities. It also wants the London Plan to provide stronger safeguards against the local impacts of any Heathrow expansion, including noise, air quality, traffic, carbon emissions and pressure on surrounding communities.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, added: “This plan will shape London for years to come. We’ll judge it on whether it recognises local realities, respects local democracy and delivers the right homes in the right places, not simply bigger numbers on a page.

“Nobody disputes that London needs more homes. But growth must be sustainable, backed by the right infrastructure and delivered in a way that protects the places residents value. We will continue to work constructively with the Mayor while ensuring local voices are heard.”

The Council will now scrutinise the detail behind the London Plan before submitting its formal consultation response.