ABSTRACT
A plan without a mechanism for implementation is no more than a plan. The implementation of the London Plan depended on borough plans, Unitary Development Plans under the pre-existing statutory framework, incorporating the policies in the London Plan, and on both strategic planning applications referable to the Mayor and locally determined applications being determined in line with the policies set out in the Plan. There was no precedent either for ensuring that local plans were in conformity with a regional plan; nor was there any precedent for a regional planning body operating development control functions in relation to specific planning applications. The adoption of the Plan represented a fundamental change in the strategic planning framework for London. It represented a shift in the balance of power between the Mayor, the boroughs and the central government with GOL as its agent.
