City chairman: Successful planning systems are not those that always say yes

Chris Hayward, the policy chairman for the City of London Corporation, emphasizes that successful planning systems do not always prioritize saying "yes" to development. Instead, these systems provide businesses with the certainty needed to invest and build, while also maintaining a clear vision for how cities will evolve over time.

The City of London's planning process, known as City Plan 2040, is being finalized and will serve as the framework guiding development in the city for years to come. The key takeaway is that when decisions are timely, consistent, and rooted in a stable plan, economic growth and prosperity can be achieved more effectively. Heritage protection does not mean preventing change, as exemplified by the careful consideration given to the Tower of London in the planning process.

The plan supports the development of necessary commercial space while preserving heritage assets, strategic views, and the character of London. The goal is to grow intelligently, concentrating development in appropriate areas, retrofitting, and creating better public spaces to ensure growth aligns with the historic environment. The publication of the Planning Inspectorate’s report will provide a powerful tool to support economic growth, strengthen confidence, and shape the future success of cities, emphasizing that successful planning systems are those that project authority and confidence, not those that always say yes.