Embedding social value into the London Plan

Although social value is increasingly recognised as an important concept in planning and development, our research highlighted that there is still much to be done. While the London Plan references social value in various policies and supporting texts, it lacks a clear and explicit definition or reference to the term. Our research also revealed that social value is already acknowledged in 14 adopted or emerging Local Plans across London, covering a wide range of topics—from affordable workspaces to community assets and heritage sites. This illustrates that there is growing awareness of and enthusiasm in promoting social value at a local level - but also underscores the need for stronger guidance within the London Plan itself to ensure consistency across the capital. Without this, the incorporation of social value into planning decisions may remain inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities for development projects to deliver tangible benefits to the communities they serve.

Stakeholder conversations strongly emphasised the need for clearer definitions and more structured approaches to measuring social value. There was also a strong call for enhancing community engagement throughout the planning process, including policies that ensure community involvement at every stage of planning and development. For communities, social value goes beyond KPIs or measurable outcomes; it is deeply tied to the engagement process itself. These discussions revealed that social value is not only about what is gained but also about what may be lost—a nuance often overlooked in traditional planning metrics.

The insights gathered from the desk review and the stakeholder conversations were crucial in shaping the report’s recommendations, grounding them in the lived realities of London’s planning landscape. The six recommendations are as follows:

1. Propose a comprehensive and inclusive approach to understanding social value that fosters consistency and empowers communities to define social value locally.
2. Embed social value as a golden thread throughout the London Plan to try and maximise the potential for positive impact at all points of the planning process.
3. Strengthen community agency in decision-making by proposing more impactful ways for them to participate locally.
4. Clarify potential social value measures to illustrate the different ways in which social value can be delivered as part of the planning and development process.
5. Provide clarity and suggestions on how to measure, monitor and enforce social value, taking into account ways of capturing the social value added, lost and retained.
6. Ensure that the communication of social value in London planning policy is clear and accessible and avoids the use of jargon.

As we think more deeply about the ways in which planning policy can support the creation of better places that can foster healthier and happier lives, we must recognise that social value isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a vital consideration for creating inclusive, thriving communities. By embedding social value into the London Plan, the Mayor can send a powerful message that urban development should not only achieve economic and environmental objectives but also strengthen the social fabric of the city as well.