Sir Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans to “actively investigate” the potential for development on portions of London’s green belt in an effort to tackle the city’s housing crisis.

The Mayor of London argues that existing regulations that prevent construction on green belt land are “incorrect, outdated, and fundamentally unsustainable,” particularly given the rising demand for housing.

In what he describes as a “radical shift” in strategy, city planners will consider declassifying certain areas of green belt if requirements related to affordable housing, energy efficiency, transport infrastructure, and access to green spaces are met.

London’s Conservative Party has condemned the proposal, labeling it a “total betrayal” of the Mayor’s earlier commitments to safeguard the green belt.

During a speech in Greenwich, southeast London, Sir Sadiq pointed to increasing mortgage interest rates, Brexit, and “soaring construction costs” as contributing factors to the ongoing housing crisis in London.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported an 11% increase in rental prices for those living in the capital last year, while an estimated 183,000 Londoners are currently residing in temporary accommodations, such as hotels and hostels.

City Hall noted that approximately 88,000 new homes will be required annually over the next decade to meet demand.

“We have young professionals unable to leave their family homes for years, lifelong residents being priced out of their communities, and primary schools closing due to families being unable to afford housing in the area,” the mayor stated.

“The detrimental effects of the housing crisis are widespread and significant.”

He mentioned his intention to collaborate with the government to expedite construction on brownfield sites but cautioned that “this alone will not suffice to fulfill our requirements.”

“City Hall’s new stance is to actively consider allowing parts of London’s green belt to be developed.”

According to him, a significant portion of London’s green belt consists of “low-quality” land, with only 13% of it being public parkland.

“Given the quality of London’s green belt and the severity of the housing crisis, I believe maintaining the current stance is inappropriate, outdated, and simply not viable.”

“Carefully selected development in specific green belt locations could enable us to create hundreds of thousands of new homes.”

The mayor also indicated that he would take action if local councils fail to expedite planning applications.

The government has welcomed this initiative, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner describing it as a “bold proposal” that “addresses the urgent need to confront London’s housing challenges.”

Claire Holland, leader of Lambeth Council and chair of London Councils, backed the idea, citing a “desperate need for new housing, particularly affordable options.”

Ben Twomey, chief executive of the advocacy group Generation Rent, expressed support for the mayor’s consideration of the proposal, stating that housing costs are “pushing too many individuals towards poverty and homelessness.”

Among the green belt areas in London potentially affected by this initiative is Enfield, where the local council plans to build 3,700 homes on the picturesque Vicarage Farm.

Activist Carol Fisk is opposing these developments, accusing Sir Sadiq of prioritizing growth “at any cost.”

She remarked, “We are greatly disheartened that a mayor who has consistently defended the green belt throughout his tenure has now reversed his position.”

Speaking to BBC Radio London, Ms. Fisk said, “The green belt isn’t the solution. There are numerous planning permissions that remain unexecuted, and ample brownfield land still available for development.”

She also argued that implementing rent controls and additional landlord reforms would be more effective solutions for the housing crisis.

The countryside charity CPRE, which stands against these proposals, pointed out that there are currently 300,000 planning permissions that have not yet been acted upon.

Andrew Boff, a member of the City Hall Conservatives, remarked, “The mayor has repeatedly assured the London Assembly that he would protect the green belt. This declaration constitutes a complete betrayal of those assurances and shows total disregard for Londoners who value these essential green areas.”

David Simmonds, the Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood, and Pinner, and shadow minister for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, stated, “The mayor should focus on bringing forward existing homes that already have planning permission in the capital, rather than sacrificing the green belt. Once it’s lost, it’s lost forever, and it’s a critical asset for both current and future Londoners.”

This report includes contributions from BBC London’s political editor Karl Mercer, Lauren Stanley, and political reporter Susana Mendonca.