Ken Livingstone has offered the planning portfolio to his newly appointed deputy mayor Nicky Gavron.
Gavron, who is ex-chair of the London Planning Advisory Committee (LPAC), would advise Livingstone on planning but he would retain ultimate responsibility for decisions. She has yet to confirm whether she will accept the post.
The names of the members of the new Cabinet will not be announced until the distribution of portfolios is agreed.
As LPAC chair, Gavron was the driving force behind a radical report submitted last month to the DETR. This advocated replacing existing development plans with more streamlined “neighbourhood plans” containing less land use allocations except in areas needing regeneration. Gavron also spearheaded LPAC’s congestion charging proposals for the capital. Previously an opponent of tall buildings, her views on this issue are now understood to have softened.
CB Hillier Parker planning partner Brian Raggett welcomed Livingstone’s offer to Gavron. “Hopefully she will dissuade the mayor from intervening excessively where he shouldn’t intervene,” he said.
EGi News 11/05/00
