Ken fears East is "bearing brunt" of housing plans

Back in February, Mr Johnson announced that the aim of delivering 50,000 new homes by 2011 would be achieved by setting a given number for each borough, as opposed to calculating a target in relation to population.

Speaking to London Chamber of Commerce and Industry members last week, Mr Livingstone argued that it was a mistake to simply see London as "a collection of 32 boroughs".

He said: "I'd rather see a better selection of homes in Bromley rather than pile more and more of it into Greenwich and Newham. Our society works better when you have a more balanced mix."

City Hall has since announced it will be reviewing the housing targets in the London Plan due to the growing population and the "changing climate".

Last month's proposals stated that the Mayor would take available resources into account before setting out targets beyond 2011, but that all new development "would still be expected to provide the fullest amount of affordable housing based on what is financially viable."

East London boroughs are currently expected to meet some of the highest targets in the capital. Newham is being asked to provide the most at 5,754, with Tower Hamlets in second with 5,164. Greenwich is fourth with 3,295. In comparison, Bromley must deliver 795, Kensington and Chelsea 574 and Richmond 443.

Newham Council has already appealed against its requirement, arguing it is "not realistic in the current economic climate".

A Newham Council spokesperson said: "We want the rest of the capital to play its part and therefore expect that targets are fairly and evenly set across the city.

"This is the only means of ensuring that London wide demand is met and that Newham is not asked to make provision for the rest of London.

"Putting the neediest people only in East London without enforcing social responsibilities and mixed communities in the west, stifles local efforts to improve opportunities for existing communities."