London Play

Working for a capital where all children can play

London Housing Strategy

London Play has been in discussion with the Planning Aid for London, a useful resource for any community group who wants to challenge a development proposal, and we have seen many which reduce the availability of green space.

London Play found them most useful as they pointed out this relevant section in the London Mayor's Draft Housing Strategy.

It says:

"Additionally, densification must not be at the expense of the provision of green or play space or of necessary community services and infrastructure."

Densification means building over open space on housing estates, often suggested as a way of raising funds to refurbish existing flats, and often held over tenants and residents as a threat, by saying - if we don't build over the green, there will be no money for your double glazing or new kitchens.

Sadly, it is the only reference to play in the whole document. When your local borough housing strategy comes up for revision, try to make it better than this.