The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is set to announce today (Friday 9 May) that City Hall will "actively explore" releasing sections of the capital's green belt for housing, in what he calls a necessary shift to address London's deepening housing crisis.

Khan will admit that his position on green belt land has changed, stating that "bold solutions" are now required to meet the scale of the challenge – particularly for families and younger Londoners struggling to find affordable homes.

City Hall estimates that London needs around 88,000 new homes per year over the next decade – nearly one million in total.

This level of development has only previously been matched during the 1930s housing boom.

The Mayor is expected to say that while efforts to build on brownfield sites must continue, relying on them alone is not enough.

He will also challenge the common perception of the green belt, pointing out that much of it is "low quality, poorly maintained and inaccessible" to Londoners.

"The status quo is wrong, out-of-date and simply unsustainable," Khan will say.

"Carefully releasing certain areas of the green belt for housing could unlock hundreds of thousands of new homes, including social homes, while also boosting the economy."

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The Mayor is also urging developers and environmental campaigners to work collaboratively to deliver homes without compromising London's green future.

He acknowledges the sensitivity of the issue and has asked Londoners to keep an open mind as new evidence is brought forward.

Highlighting the real-world effects of the crisis, Khan will warn: "A generation of Londoners now simply can't afford to rent, let alone buy a home.

"Families are leaving the capital, primary schools are closing, and over 90,000 children are officially homeless.

"This goes to the very heart of the 'London promise' – that if you work hard, London will work for you. That promise is at risk."

Chair of London Councils, Cllr Claire Holland, added: "There is a desperate need for more affordable homes. Boroughs are committed to working with the Mayor and the Government to boost housing delivery."

The move comes as City Hall launches a new public consultation, 'Towards a new London Plan', which will shape the capital's future development over the next 20 to 25 years.

The consultation is open until 22 June, with a draft plan expected in 2026 and formal adoption set for 2028.

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