Londoners Oppose Increasing Mayor's Planning Powers

A poll of London residents reveals that the majority of the city's residents are opposed to a proposal that would grant the mayor overarching powers over planning. The survey of 1,000 residents showed that 54% of Londoners oppose the mayor being granted further powers.

"Under the proposals published by the Government in July, the Mayor would be able to overrule any council’s wishes and effectively deprive local communities of their ability to influence what gets built in their neighbourhood."

"Only 27 per cent support proposals to award the Mayor further powers over planning, while, when asked who should be mainly responsible for planning in their area, an overwhelming 75 per cent of Londoners named their local council."

However, many residents are not satisfied with the current way planning happens in their city. When asked if they thought the system of granting planning permission in their area should be left as it is only 23% believed that there should be any change.