Here is a briefing on the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee meeting of 8 September 2025. The committee addressed London's energy grid capacity and its impact on housing and economic growth, reviewed responses to previous committee outputs, and discussed the committee's work programme. Authority was delegated to Councillor James Small-Edwards, Chair of the Planning and Regeneration Committee to agree on the output of the discussion on London's energy grid.

Energy Infrastructure and Capacity

The committee continued its discussion from a prior meeting on whether London's energy grid can support new housing and economic growth, particularly focusing on constraints in West London. The discussion included members of Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator (NESO), SSE and National Grid.

Key points that were raised included:

• The impact of data centres on energy capacity.
• The need to accelerate investment in transmission capacity.
• Aligning grid planning with local demand.
• The importance of transparency from energy providers.
• Balancing housing needs with the energy demands of industry.
• The potential for data centres to provide heat to local heat networks.
• The need for a strategic approach to data centres in the London Plan.

Recommendations

• The committee delegated authority to Councillor James Small-Edwards, Chair of the Planning and Regeneration Committee, in consultation with party group lead members, to agree on the output from the discussion.
• The committee also heard that the London Plan should encourage approaches like passive housing to reduce demand, promote a strategic approach to hydrogen, identify testbed locations for smart grids, and consider multi-utility corridors.

Responses to Committee Outputs

The committee reviewed responses from the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, to previous reports:

• Unlocking Development in London - The Mayor highlighted actions to support SME developers, progress on Housing Delivery Taskforce recommendations, and the importance of prioritising housing in the London Plan.
• Social Value in Planning and Regeneration: Knowing the Price of Everything and the Value of Nothing - The Mayor noted that the recommendations would be considered in the development of the next London Plan.
• Do Tall Buildings Work in London? - The Mayor outlined how the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) will inform housing needs, and the London Plan Viability Study will explore the impact of tall buildings on land values.

Planning and Regeneration Committee Work Programme

The committee noted its work programme, including upcoming meetings on housing, opportunity areas, public engagement with design, and living in a heating London.