The London Lens is a regular column by Darren de Souza, Senior Policy and Projects Officer, and Emily Dixon, Senior Research and Content Officer, which reflects on the implications of local and national policy on the capital’s higher education landscape.
Amidst the upcoming policy-political announcements, this month’s London Lens zooms in on an area whose potential impact on the capital’s higher education may have gone relatively unnoticed: the Mayor’s London Plan, which is the spatial development strategy for Greater London, or, as Laura Citron from London & Partners put it, ‘what you are allowed to build where.’
The London plan is the strategy which could have the most marked physical impact on London’s higher education landscape. It is therefore important that universities are aware of proposals and ensure their voices are heard – both as institutions and as part of London Higher, who will be submitting a response this month.
Last published in 2021, the new London plan will focus on delivering affordable housing and economic growth whilst ensuring climate commitments are met. So, why is this relevant to London’s universities? The consultation document Towards a London Plan, says that it is ‘critical to support London’s universities and other tertiary institutions and the knowledge sector’s key contribution to London’s economy’. This echoes the recent London Growth Plan, acknowledging the presence and contribution of the 750,000+ staff and students in the capital.
Without adequate provisions for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), prospective students risk being unable to secure suitable housing. It is essential that applications for student housing are carefully considered against the London plan, and it is critical that appropriate provisions for their development are made if the higher education sector can adequately prepare for the forecast level of demand over the next decade. AccessHE recently forecasted an increase of over 50% of students from London aged 18-24 entering higher education between 2016 and 2030, meaning more than 38,000 extra students in this age bracket alone. Many of these students will choose to attend higher education institutions in the capital, and this is also indicative of rising numbers that will affect students from other areas choosing to study in London. HEPI has forecasted increasing demand for higher education by 2035, citing London as a key driver of this trend.
Purpose built student accommodation (pbsa)
The consultation outlines concerns around PBSA; in some areas, PBSA applications make up most planning applications and development capacity, leading to worries about the crowd-out of family housing, and the alteration of an area’s character due to intensity of concentration. It does also note that appropriate levels of PBSA can free up the private rental market for the non-student population and provides more choice for students. Considering the challenges in balancing supply with wider housing priorities, the London Plan could: set the balance and expected quality at a citywide level, e.g. via borough targets; or leave this to boroughs’ local plans, given that issues around PBSA are not felt equally across the city. In any case, it will be sure to consider how PBSA contributes to wider affordable housing provision – and the balance between affordable general housing and affordable student/shared housing.
Digital Infrastructure
Following London Higher’s roundtable on London as a global AI hub last year, there was discussion on the significant energy and water capacity needed to run the required data centres (and indeed where they would be located as demand increases). Universities will need adequate data centre capacity to cope with increased activity in this area, noting the significant challenges. The consultation outlines the current risks of data centres crowding out housing delivery/other industrial uses. The Greater London Authority is working with national government, utility providers and boroughs to ensure adequate electricity capacity is available in future for all London’s needs, including electricity needed for decarbonisation.
Access to employment
London Higher’s members help provide quality work opportunities and a skilled workforce. The London plan stresses that ‘acute workforce shortages across the construction and built environment industries’ could present a barrier to delivering the ambitious targets for meeting housing (880,000 homes over the next decade) and other development needs. New developments provide employment opportunities for Londoners during and after construction. It notes that proper planning can play a role in supporting inclusive growth by opening up employment opportunities in larger scale developments to Londoners – including those who are unemployed or from under-represented groups.
London’s heritage
The consultation recognises London’s rich architectural heritage, with buildings that contribute to a sense of place and civic pride. Our universities are woven into this tapestry – from the imposing Senate House in Bloomsbury to the iconic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, the Strand’s Bush House and the City’s Barbican. With the next plan set to consider the climate crisis, the challenge lies in how heritage buildings (such as those with listed status) can help meet net zero commitments and improve climate resilience. Retrofitting of university estates has been an ongoing topic of discussion for our Sustainability network, including the challenges of futureproofing complex historic buildings.
Collective Action
Decisions made by the London plan will shape London’s higher education sector for decades to come. London Higher will be submitting a collective consultation response for London’s higher education sector to ensure that the needs and contributions of its 750,000+ students and staff are not just heard but recognised with the infrastructure they need to thrive. Members can share their views at our London Plan consultation workshop on Friday 13 June from 10:30-12:00 – email darren.desouza@londonhigher.ac.uk to register your slot.
