Boris Johnson: mediation call for low-level planning in London

The fate of low-level planning applications should be determined by mediation services to take the weight off London's overworked planning system, according to London mayoral hopeful Boris Johnson.

The idea came as part of a forum organised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which asked mayoral candidates to put their views across on a range of property and construction issues affecting Londoners, including planning, skills, sustainability and affordability.

London Assembly member Bob Neill, part of the Johnson campaign team, told a forum of construction bosses last week that mediation panels should process smaller applications, allowing the Mayor of London to take a strategic planning role.

He said: "It would take out some of the volume that clogs up the system and the mayor would involve himself in fewer planning applications."

And RICS suggested seconding specialist planners from the Greater London Authority planning team to support and speed up council applications.

Meanwhile, Green Party candidate Sian Berry said she planned to roll out free insulation to all London homes if elected.

Berry said she "stole" the idea from a Yorkshire scheme partnered with Scottish Power, and is confident a similar scheme would work in London with the support of a similar energy provider.