The Environment Committee of the Greater London Authority Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss the Draft London Plan. Key discussions focused on the proposed changes to Green Belt policy, the balance between development and environmental commitments, and the strategy for tackling fly-tipping. The Committee noted the minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2026, completed, closed, and ongoing actions arising from previous meetings, and additional correspondence received. The Committee also noted the recent action taken by the Chair under delegated authority to agree letters to the Mayor of London relating to improving access to nature in London, and noted responses from the Mayor of London to its report on Zoning: The Heat Networks Puzzle and its letter on improving access to green spaces in London. The Committee noted its work programme, with the next meeting scheduled for 14 October 2026 at 2:00 pm. The Committee noted the list of offices held by Assembly Members as disclosable pecuniary interests, and declarations of any other interests deemed relevant and any necessary action taken by Members following such declarations. The Committee noted the draft London Plan and delegated authority to the Chair, in consultation with party group lead members, to agree any output arising from the discussion.

Scrutiny of Draft London Plan

The Committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the Draft London Plan, with particular attention paid to the proposed changes to Green Belt policy. Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, explained that the Plan aims for a pragmatic approach, suggesting that well-located pockets of Green Belt, such as those near Tube stations, could be developed at a reasonable density of around six storeys. This approach, he argued, would minimise the amount of Green Belt taken while maximising benefits, especially after exhausting all brownfield options. The Deputy Mayor stressed that this was a brownfield-first approach, with Green Belt development considered only when absolutely necessary and at the bottom of the chain of potential development sites.

Concerns were raised by Assembly Members about the potential for this policy to lead to urban sprawl and the loss of high-quality Green Belt land. The Committee also discussed the relationship between the Draft London Plan's environmental policies and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), noting that while the Plan aims to maintain ambitious green commitments, there are ongoing analyses to ensure consistency with the final NPPF.

The discussion also touched upon energy efficiency standards, with Rhian Williams, Senior Strategic Planner at the GLA, explaining the shift from the 'Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green' approach to energy use intensity and space heating demand standards, aiming for more accurate and realistic energy use pictures. The Plan's approach to data centres was also scrutinised, with Megan Life, Assistant Director for Environment and Energy at the GLA, highlighting the need for sustainable data centre development and the Plan's role in shaping the market.

Further discussions covered clean and healthy waterways, with Sophie Donaldson, London Plan Manager at the GLA, explaining the significance of the ten strategic locations identified. The Plan also sets standards for water use in new developments, aiming for 105 litres per person per day, with considerations for outdoor use and water capture.

The Committee heard from Richard Barnes of the London Wildlife Trust and John Sadler of CPRE London, who expressed concerns about the Plan's protection and enhancement of Green Belt and green spaces, stating that without stronger measures, they would not consider the Plan sound. They also highlighted the importance of urban parks and the need for better protection of MOL. The concept of wildbelt was discussed as a potential policy approach for nature recovery in the Green Belt.

Concerns were also raised about the removal of explicit policies protecting existing allotments and food growing spaces from the draft Plan, with the Committee seeking assurances that existing protections would be maintained.

Minutes and Actions

The Committee confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2026 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record. They also noted the completed, closed, and ongoing actions arising from previous meetings, as well as additional correspondence received.

Action Taken Under Delegated Authority

The Committee noted the recent action taken by the Chair under delegated authority, in consultation with party group lead members, to agree letters to the Mayor of London relating to improving access to nature in London.

Responses to Committee Outputs

The Committee noted responses from the Mayor of London to its report on Zoning: The Heat Networks Puzzle and its letter on improving access to green spaces in London.

Environment Committee Work Programme

The Committee noted its work programme, with the next meeting scheduled for 14 October 2026 at 2:00 pm.

Declarations of Interests

The Committee noted the list of offices held by Assembly Members as disclosable pecuniary interests. It also noted declarations of any other interests deemed relevant and any necessary action taken by Members following such declarations.

London's Fly-Tipping Problem

The Committee heard evidence from Dr Anna Scott (Keep Britain Tidy), Casey Dalton (Harrow Litter Pickers), and Dr Helen Holmes (University of Manchester) regarding the increase in fly-tipping incidents. They discussed the challenges in data collection, the environmental and social impacts of fly-tipping, and the differences between inner and outer London areas. The panel highlighted the link between deprivation and fly-tipping, the role of rogue traders, and the effectiveness of interventions such as crime scene tape and CCTV. They also discussed the importance of consistent council approaches, community engagement, and the need for better intelligence sharing between authorities.

The second panel, consisting of Dan Cooke (CIWM), Barry Russell MBE (Environment Agency), and Bob Mead (Environment Agency), focused on the causes of fly-tipping and illegal dumping, the environmental impacts, and the role of organised crime. They discussed the challenges of cost avoidance, site and service access, and the perception of low risk and weak penalties for offenders. The panel also highlighted the environmental hazards posed by fly-tipped waste, including asbestos, hazardous chemicals, and lithium-ion batteries, and the impact on soil, water, and air quality. The discussion also covered the EA's resources for remediation, the need for stronger punitive action, and the limitations of current legislation.

The third panel, featuring Richard Barnes (London Wildlife Trust) and John Sadler (CPRE London), expressed concerns about the draft London Plan's protection and enhancement of Green Belt and green spaces, stating that without stronger measures, the plan would not be considered sound. They also raised concerns about the potential loss of MOL and the need for greater ambition in creating new parks and green spaces. The discussion also touched upon the importance of food growing and the need for a robust strategy for food security.

The Committee also received information on the GLA's approach to assessing areas of deficiency in accessible green space, the process for creating regional parks, and the importance of Metropolitan Open Land. Discussions on biodiversity net gain highlighted concerns about developers gaming the system and the need for robust maintenance plans. The Plan's approach to energy efficiency, heat networks, data centres, and water use was also scrutinised.

The Committee noted the draft London Plan and delegated authority to the Chair, in consultation with party group lead members, to agree any output arising from the discussion. The next meeting was scheduled for 14 October 2026.