Richmond Council has warned that future housing targets for the borough must reflect local constraints, as it responds to the Mayor of London's newly published Draft London Plan.

The Council welcomed the plan as an opportunity to support growth and increase housing delivery across the capital, including through brownfield sites and smaller developments.

However, it said proposed targets must be realistic and matched by the infrastructure and investment needed to support communities.

Under the draft plan, Richmond's housing target would increase by 31%. The Council said it would examine whether the higher figure can be achieved given the borough's heritage areas, limited land availability, environmental protections and flood-risk challenges.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, chair of Richmond Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: "Richmond and London need more homes, and we are committed to delivering high-quality homes locally.

"But every borough faces different opportunities and constraints, and targets must reflect what can realistically be delivered.

"There are positive elements in the plan, including its focus on small sites and better use of land.

"We want to work with the Mayor to ensure growth is ambitious, deliverable and respects the parks, rivers, nature reserves, Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and open spaces that make Richmond upon Thames distinctive."

The Council said it would also review proposals around climate resilience, including energy efficiency standards, heat risk and flood protection.

It said any new requirements should remain at least as ambitious as existing local policies to ensure improvements in the energy performance of new homes are not weakened.

Richmond Council is also seeking further details on proposed flexibility around affordable housing delivery, including whether changes could affect the amount, quality or long-term affordability of homes secured for local residents.

The authority has called for stronger protections against the potential local impacts of any future Heathrow expansion, including concerns around aircraft noise, air quality, traffic, carbon emissions and pressure on nearby communities.

Council leader Cllr Gareth Roberts said the London Plan would have a long-term impact on the capital and must recognise the differences between London's boroughs.

"This plan will shape London for years to come," he commented.

"We'll judge it on whether it recognises local realities, respects local democracy and delivers the right homes in the right places, not simply bigger numbers on a page.

"Nobody disputes that London needs more homes. But growth must be sustainable, backed by the right infrastructure and delivered in a way that protects the places residents value."

The Council will now examine the detail of the Draft London Plan before submitting its formal consultation response to the Mayor of London.

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