Growing London’s economy (GLE) in a way that benefits all

This chapter contains 13 policy areas. These are listed below with a high level summary of what each policy sets out. Before completing our questionnaire ion this chapter, please read it in full.

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GLE1: Sufficient and appropriate employment space

This policy is about ensuring that there is sufficient and flexible employment space in London to support economic growth and employment. The key elements are:

Boroughs need to plan for a range of employment space to meet different needs (suitable for larger companies, small businesses, different sectors and community organisations for example)
As far as possible the spaces should be adaptable over time
Where development would displace small or independent businesses, space should be re provided or suitable relocation options secured

GLE2: Supply of industrial land

This policy is about ensuring London has enough industrial land to support business activity and essential infrastructure (like waste and transport facilities). The key elements are:

Boroughs should work with each other to protect the land that is most important for this and provide further capacity in locations with good access for freight and logistics, while allowing housing growth in the most appropriate places
The remaining industrial land should generally be kept for industrial uses, with changes carefully managed

GLE3: Data centres

This policy guides where data centres should be located. These are the big new warehouses that store, process and distribute digital information. They are essential for a modern economy (and the emerging use of AI) but their development in London must be done in a way that manages their impacts and makes them better neighbours. Boroughs should identify appropriate sites (including on grey belt), taking account of issues such as electricity capacity and the need to protect land for housing and other essential uses.

GLE4: Night-time economy

This policy supports London’s 24 hour economy and protects night time uses such as pubs, culture, hospitality and other services that operate late or around the clock. Boroughs should plan for growth in suitable locations (such as town centres and high streets), protect valued pubs, and ensure night time areas are made safe for everyone and that they remain viable as neighbourhoods evolve.

GLE5: Culture and creative industries

This policy aims to protect and help strengthen London’s cultural and creative industries, spaces and venues. The key elements are:

Existing cultural spaces should be retained or replaced as part of new development, and new facilities supported in well-connected locations
Creative clusters, affordable workspace and temporary cultural uses are encouraged to help culture thrive across London and ensure continued access to cultural opportunities for Londoners

GLE6: Visitor infrastructure

This policy supports London’s visitor economy and seeks to spread its benefits more widely, while managing its impacts. The key elements are:

Visitor accommodation is steered to well connected, appropriate locations like central London and town centres
Development should improve the visitor experience and provide inclusive facilities such as rooms and bathrooms that can be used by wheelchair users
Short term lets that damage housing supply or neighbourhoods should not be supported

GLE7: Affordable workspace

This policy supports the delivery of affordable workspace for priority uses such as creative industries, community organisations and start ups. The key elements are:

Boroughs should clearly define where and when affordable workspace is required, based on evidence and viability
Where greater benefits can be delivered through off-site provision and community hubs, this is strongly supported
Existing affordable workspace should usually be retained or replaced with space of equal or better affordability

GLE8: Access to employment and skills

This policy is about getting major developments to deliver jobs, training and apprenticeships for Londoners. The key elements are:

Opportunities should prioritise local people, especially those who are under represented or out of work
Boroughs are encouraged to work across boundaries to ensure training can be fully completed on different sites where necessary

GLE9: Aviation

This policy aims to ensure that the environmental impacts from airport expansion and operations are effectively addressed. It recognises the economic benefits it can bring but is clear that expansion should only proceed if environmental impacts are fully addressed and public transport improvements are delivered. New aviation technologies, like drones, must be carefully assessed for their safety, environmental and community effects.

GLE10: Safeguarded wharves

This policy protects safeguarded wharves to support water based freight and reduce pressure on roads. New development near wharves must be designed so it does not restrict their long term operation.

GLE11: Circular economy

This policy supports the shift to a circular economy – this means that waste is reduced, and better use is made of natural resources and materials. It sets out requirements for new developments to demonstrate how they have been designed to minimise waste.

GLE12: Waste

This policy is about ensuring that London has enough waste facilities to manage its waste sustainably. Boroughs should plan - often jointly - to protect existing waste sites and identify new or expanded facilities where needed.

GLE13: Aggregates and mineral resources

This policy plans for a reliable supply of construction aggregates as needed in London up to 2050. It applies to only four boroughs where this is relevant, and they are expected to allocate sites to meet their share of London’s aggregate needs.

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