The planning system in London

Most planning applications in London are determined by the boroughs. However, the Mayor has powers to take over and determine some planning applications of potentially strategic importance to London, subject to a policy test. In addition, all planning applications which meet certain criteria must be referred to the Mayor for comment.

Our work in this area has included reaching agreement with the GLA to reduce the threshold at which some planning applications go to the Mayor, meaning that more will be decided by boroughs. The Government have endorsed this agreement and will be amending the relevant regulations in late 2011/early 2012.

London Councils is also lobbying on the provisions in the Localism Bill that allow Mayoral Development Corporations to be established. These will have significant planning powers over their area, and we want to ensure that boroughs' interests are fully represented in this process.