London 'Should Scrap Soulless Tower Blocks for Paris-Style Mansion Blocks'
Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly has proposed that London should replace extensive areas of low-density, low-quality housing with "beautiful" mid-rise developments on brownfield land. In a significant policy statement, he rejected the notion that meeting London's housing targets requires constructing "soulless tower blocks," instead advocating for emulating Paris by building "attractive" mansion blocks across the city.
Building Beautiful to Reduce Local Objections
Sir James argued that focusing on "beautiful" developments would lead to a significant drop in planning objections from local residents. He suggested that opposition often stems from poorly conceived projects rather than housing itself. "If people think development will make their area worse, they will resist it," he stated. "Hence, I'm saying, let's build on brownfield, and let's build well, because if they think that development will make their area better, they will support it."
He emphasized the practical benefits of this approach: "Beauty builds attachment, attachment encourages stewardship, stewardship encourages longevity of that housing stock." Sir James highlighted that everyone has a right to live among beautiful things, especially those who cannot afford to purchase beauty privately.
Addressing London's Severe Housing Shortage
London is currently grappling with a critical housing shortage. During the first three months of 2026, only 2,103 new homes were started in the private sector, far below the annual target of 88,000. City Hall is also expected to miss government-set affordable housebuilding goals. This crisis has prompted calls for innovative solutions.
Sir James's comments align with a recent report from the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee, which recommended pursuing "gentle density" across the capital to unlock more homes. He spoke at the London Housing Summit, organized by the Centre for London, stating: "We need to have a real commitment to build quality. We should not repeat the errors of the past."
Rejecting False Choices and Excessive Regulation
The Shadow Housing Secretary dismissed the false dichotomy between low-rise sprawl and soulless tower blocks. "You don't have to build badly just to build economically," he asserted. "And we do need to build neighbourhoods as well as accommodation units." He called for unambiguous action: "Low quality, low density housing should be knocked down and replaced with higher density, higher quality housing."
Sir James criticized current regulatory burdens, arguing that City Hall and central government have increased construction costs through excessive bureaucracy, taxes, and delays. "We have to be realistic that we need fewer layers of well intentioned, but stifling and counterproductive regulation and bureaucracy," he said, noting that it drives up costs and reduces viability.
Political Context and Future Vision
Traditionally, the Conservative Party's base has been accused of NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), opposing local developments. However, Sir James emphasized a shift, acknowledging that pro-housebuilding reforms are essential in London. He outlined a vision where a Conservative government would repair the "broken" construction industry and planning system.
"London does not need more slogans. It needs delivery," he concluded. "It needs a plan to get homes built. It needs a plan to make ownership a reality again. It needs a plan to make renting work." His proposal aims to create a city where homeownership becomes an ordinary part of life, rather than a luxury for the wealthy.
