London planning

• This note describes the town and country planning powers of the Mayor of London, as updated by the Greater London Authority Act 2007. It also explains the role of the London Plan.

• The Mayor’s planning powers do not replace either those of the London boroughs or those of the Secretary of State.

• Originally the Mayor was given the power to direct a borough to reject an application of strategic importance to London. Rejection would automatically allow an appeal to the Secretary of State. The 2007 Act also gave the Mayor the power to approve certain developments.

• The new London Plan was published on 22 July 2011