Are we building the right sort of homes?
By John Biggs
The East End, and particularly the Isle of Dogs, has seen a massive housing boom in the last 20 years.
While the recent downturn in construction has had an adverse impact, one of its benefits is the opportunity to take stock and see whether we are building the right sorts of homes, in the right numbers.
The answer is that from a developer's point of view it has been a success - not many property firms went bust in the boom.
From the local community's point of view, however, the area has been filled with one and two-bedroom flats that do not meet the needs of local people or of a long-term settled community.
It is time for us to examine where we have reached and to look at more balanced housing targets for the future.
Meanwhile, traffic chaos continues with two weekend Blackwall Tunnel closures. I diverted across the Dartford Bridge last weekend, and I have a hunch the jams were less bad because lots of people stayed at home or did the same.
As I never stop reminding people, a longer term answer is needed - another bridge or tunnel or maybe one of each.
Meanwhile the Mayor has suggested a cable car. While this would doubtless have some benefits - you could look down on the traffic jams for example - it is not the answer.
- John Biggs is London Assembly Member, City and East
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Is this the same John Biggs when on the board of the LDA actively conspired with Ken Livingstone to hide the £120 million black hole in its finances until after the 2008 London elections?
John,
All very true, but it was a labour council that have been responsible for the planning that has resulted in these "problems".
How then can you criticise it?