A cross-party committee has written to Sadiq Khan warning of a widening gap between what residents want built and the developments being delivered across London.
In a letter published today, the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee cites evidence showing that 70–80% of Londoners favour human-scale buildings with coherent frontages that reflect local character.
Polling and visual preference surveys suggest many prefer traditional forms over high-contrast ‘statement’ schemes — choices that often diverge from recent projects.
The warning comes as London must deliver 880,000 new homes over the next decade. The committee says failing to align design with public sentiment risks fuelling opposition and delaying schemes.
It urges the mayor to use the forthcoming London Plan to embed evidence-based design standards, expand borough-wide design codes and Neighbourhood Plans, commission a pan-London evidence report by August 2026, and require structured early-stage community engagement for major developments.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, said: ‘The mayor is committed to ensuring Londoners shape the development of their city. His Good Growth by Design programme champions the involvement of communities in decision-making.
‘As the next London Plan is developed, we will continue working closely with partners, stakeholders and boroughs to ensure that all voices are heard, as we build a better London for everyone.’
