"Nothing in Plan to guarantee people access to more and better housing in their local area" says Mike Tuffrey

12.00.00pm GMT Thu 10th Jul 2008

Commenting on the publication of 'Planning for a better London', a report that sets out the approach to planning issues of Mayor Boris Johnson, explaining the key areas he will want to address in revising the London Plan and the other related strategies and guidance the Mayor is responsible for, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly group Mike Tuffrey said:

"The previous mayor focused attention on London's central business district, seeing the suburbs as mere dormitory towns. But if Boris Johnson channels economic growth to outer London, he may find existing residents won't welcome the extra pressure on housing and the increased road congestion.

In reality a growing London creates pressures that need active management by regional and local government, not benign neglect from the centre. The change in tone to cooperation with boroughs is welcome. But Boris Johnson will soon learn that charm alone is not enough. It needs demanding targets too.

Conservative controlled boroughs don't have a good record in providing the affordable housing that Londoners so desperately need. There is nothing in this plan to guarantee people access to more and better housing in their local area.

Speaking softly to boroughs is the right approach but needs the threat of a big stick to back it up. "

A copy of the document can be downloaded from http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning/plan-better-london.jsp