Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has indicated a potential shift in the London Plan's guidance that discourages air conditioning in new homes, as the capital faces increasingly severe heatwaves. Speaking at the launch of the Heat Ready London plan on June 25, 2026, Khan stated that developers should use "every tool" to ensure buildings are fit for the future, including air conditioning, heat pumps, and shading.
Current guidance and calls for change
The existing London Plan instructs developers to prioritize passive cooling measures like shading over air conditioning, which City Hall says is not a ban but effectively discourages installation. Critics argue this guidance makes it harder for developers to include AC in plans, as councils may refuse applications. With a new London Plan due next month, there have been growing calls to reform the guidance.
Khan did not confirm a change but said, "What I can't do is pre-judge the New London Plan for obvious reasons." Deputy Mayor Mete Coban added, "We're not against air conditioning," emphasizing the need for proper home design to reduce energy costs.
Heat Ready London plan
The Heat Ready London plan includes retrofitting high-risk homes, expanding urban greening, and increasing access to "Cool Spaces" where residents can escape heat. Khan noted that a million homes, 1,600 schools, 250 hospitals, and 350 care homes suffer from extreme heat, requiring significant investment. He suggested the government may need to provide additional funding.
However, Green Party Leader Zack Polanski criticized the plan, saying, "This plan lacks the funding, timelines and urgency needed to meet the scale of the challenge." He called for immediate practical measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Political reactions
The Conservatives have pledged to overturn what they call an effective ban on air conditioning in new homes. The London Climate Resilience Review recommends prioritizing mechanical ventilation over AC, but the Assembly's Planning and Regeneration Committee has suggested that active and passive cooling should work together.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero declined to comment on the plan.
