Draft London Plan and consultation
On July 16 2026, the Draft London Plan 2026 was published. This is the Mayor of London’s strategy for how the city should grow and develop over the next 25 years. It is a lengthy document, and includes policies on housing, jobs, transport, the environment and public spaces.
A consultation has now been opened on the draft plan, which runs from now until 15 October 2026.
For Havering, the draft plan includes a ‘Greenfield housing target’ for the borough of 12,060 homes to be built between 2027-2037 (approximately 1,200 per year). Whilst this does not specifically define this as Green Belt land, it would be difficult to envisage that not being a major part of what is intended.
This figure of 12,060 is 21% of the greenfield target for the whole of London, while other similar boroughs, such as Bexley and Bromley have a zero target.
Locally to us, Upminster has been designated as a ‘Broad location for growth’ (BLG) for both ‘Residential-led mixed use’ and ‘Green Belt Industrial – A127 (Upminster Area)’. The rationale for this appears to be that Upminster has good transport links (particularly rail) compared to other outer London locations.
The news of this proposal will bring dismay to many of our residents, as, if progressed, it could lead to the number of homes in Cranham and Upminster Wards increasing by 30-60% in the next decade.
Local UCRA councillors will be analysing the full contents of the Draft Plan, and responding to the consultation. Members of the public can also view the plan and submit comments by visiting Draft London Plan 2026 and the Draft London Plan Consultation.
Public transport capacity has clearly not been considered in this process. Multi modal transport nodes do not necessarily mean suitable growth capacity exists, the frequency and quantum of spare capacity in the rail and tube network is critical.
Hospital capacity is also woeful in Havering with Queens significantly under sized and demand having outstripped provision since it opened, with disastrous overcrowding.
There are brownfield sites all over Lindon that have laid dormant for years, with high PTAL ratings, and far better suited to helping meet demand. The Mayor should have intervened and progressed their development; Silvertown, Spillers Wharf, Plaistow Station, Bromley by Bow, Thamesmead….stalled sites that offer great potential.
This designation and its policies are flawed.
It would be very helpful if the combined six ward councillors would hold a public meeting for residents, to talk through the highlights and impacts for us and to guide us on how best to make effective representations. Not every resident reads these articles here, and not everyone understands what’s presented in the London Plan or how they can contribute. Thank you.