London Assembly to Discuss Local Development Influence
The London Assembly’s Planning and Regeneration Committee is set to gather on Monday 8 December 2025, to address concerns that a significant number of London residents feel excluded from decisions regarding local development. With research indicating that 65% of Londoners believe they lack influence over the design of their built environment, the Committee aims to examine the mismatch between public preferences and current urban development practices.
Key Issues on the Agenda
During the meeting, the Committee will delve into several pressing topics. Members will assess the types of housing and public spaces that resonate with Londoners, evaluate the extent to which these preferences are currently reflected in new developments, and explore persistent gaps in public engagement. Additionally, discussions will focus on whether existing regulations are hampering the realisation of desirable designs, and how effective current engagement tools are in providing residents with genuine input on local projects.
Expert Panels to Provide Insights
The session will feature two panels of experts aimed at enriching the discussion.
Panel 1
- Saffron Woodcraft, Faculty Lead for Public Policy at UCL Bartlett School
- Lucy Bush, Director of Research and Participation at Demos
- Robert Kerr, Design Director at ADAM Architecture
- Robert Kwolek, Senior Architectural Designer and Project Manager at Create Streets
Panel 2
- Dinah Roake, Chair of the London Housing Panel
- Sarah Considine, Head of Design Unit at the Greater London Authority (GLA)
- Holly Lewis, Co-Founding Partner at We Made That and Mayor’s Design Advocate
- Karen Montgomerie, Team Leader in Strategic Planning at GLA
- Marissa Ryan-Hernandez, London Plan Manager for Strategic Planning at GLA
Event Details
The meeting is scheduled to take place at 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, located at Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE. Both members of the media and the public are encouraged to participate in the discussions.
For those unable to attend, the meeting will be available for live viewing or later access through the London Assembly webcast or YouTube channel.
Background
Public sentiment around urban development in London highlights a broader conversation regarding citizen engagement and the importance of residential input in shaping cities. The findings reveal a clear desire among residents for better quality in design and functionality of their living spaces, underlining the necessity for a more inclusive approach to urban planning.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-press-releases/better-design-londoners
