The Greater London Plan
It would be nothing less than a disaster to London, and indeed to the nation, if Sir Patrick Abercrombie's report on the town plan- ning of Greater London were put into cold storage and left there during the months of redevelopment that lie immediately before us. In a letter to The Times last Tuesday, Sir Patrick pointed out that now is the time when a clear lead from the Government is essen- tial if the opportunity for the re-creation of Greater London is not to be lost. Houses, as everyone knows, are needed now. Nothing
can stop a flood of building development the moment the labour and the materials are released, and nothing ought to stop it. If measures are not taken to ensure the development of new estates on the right lines, then it is certain they will be developed on the wrong lines, and we shall have a resumption of the old evil process of extending the haphazard built-up dormitory areas on the outer fringe of London, for more and ever more occupiers who will seek their work within the London area. Sir Patrick's plan envisages the creation of satellite communities on new sites or in existing towns enlarged. Here the people who are withdrawn from the overcrowded parts of London should live and also have their work. Such a development is a task which will require concerted action by authorities concerned with housing, the location of industry, and transport. Action by the central Government is essential. Sir Patrick pleads for the early setting up of an Executive ComMission authorised to act for and in consultation with Departments of State and the local authorities. A decision must be taken quickly, for to delay it is tantamount to deciding in favour of planlessness.
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