City of London planning chief seeks balance between heritage and progress

Tom Sleigh, the newly appointed chair of the City of London Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee, has stated that successful planning systems must balance heritage preservation with the need for change and economic development. In his first media interview, Sleigh, who is the youngest planning chair in the City's history, emphasized his commitment to a predictable, plan-led system designed to attract investors and developers.

Sleigh noted that the City of London has seen a revival in recent years, partly driven by post-COVID trends. He highlighted the importance of infrastructure in decision-making and aims to ensure high-quality streets that facilitate smooth movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and other transport users. While acknowledging that planning generates many questions, he views it as a relatively straightforward process when guided by clear policy.

He pointed out that the City of London differs from national trends, with last year being its best for planning applications in a decade. The committee approved half a million square meters of new grade A office space with an overall approval rate of 96%, which Sleigh sees as indicative of a non-adversarial planning approach. However, he also observed that planning has become more adversarial nationally over the past five to ten years.

Sleigh also indicated a shift in design preferences, suggesting that the era of 'sky gardens' might be passing, with a preference for 'real gardens' that offer more tangible benefits to office workers. He is introducing the City's 'destination city' plan to diversify the economy and encourage more varied cultural offerings. Sleigh, who has served as a councillor for 12 years, has consistently supported planning officer recommendations, including those for tall buildings, and aims to foster constructive dialogue with heritage groups to achieve quality and sustainability in new developments.