The GLA will publish interim guidance on affordable housing prior to the publication of the Mayor’s spatial development strategy, the London Plan, in 2003.
The guidance is expected to lay down the formula for providing the Mayor’s target of 50% affordable housing through the planning system.
Speaking at an RICS seminar on the deliverability of the London Plan yesterday, deputy mayor Nicky Gavron said that the interim guidance would be drawn up to clarify the Mayor’s policy, but would be amended following a new capacity study for London’s boroughs.
At the seminar, the RICS has challenged Mayor Livingstone’s affordable housing policy, saying that it would stymie development and potentially reduce London’s housing supply.
Speaking at yesterday’s seminar Graham Chase, chairman of the RICS commercial property forum, said: “The affordable housing policy shoots a hole in everything that the London Plan is trying to achieve.”
The draft London Plan states that London needs 23,000 new homes a year if it is to fulfil demand, although the Mayor’s housing commission has said that London actually needs 43,000 per year.
EGi News 05/12/01
