City of London Planning and Transportation Committee appoints new Chair
The City of London Corporation has elected Tom Sleigh as the new Chair of its Planning and Transportation Committee, an appointment that signals a shift in tone as the Square Mile moves towards a future shaped by climate resilience, culture, and contemporary design. The committee, which steers decisions on development and infrastructure across the City, now falls under Sleigh’s leadership at a critical juncture, with the upcoming City Plan 2040 already in motion.
Tom Sleigh has been an elected member representing Bishopsgate since 2013 and brings a mix of political experience and cultural influence to the role. His previous tenure as Chair of the Barbican Centre Board saw him secure over £190 million for the centre’s long-term renewal. He also chaired the Investment Committee, responsible for a real estate portfolio valued at £4 billion, including some of the City’s most recognisable heritage assets.
Speaking after the appointment, Sleigh emphasised his ambition to shape a built environment that is sustainable, inspiring, and attractive to future generations. The committee’s new direction will put design, sustainability, and cultural relevance front and centre. Not just in glossy office blocks but in how everyday spaces reflect the City’s identity and values. From honouring heritage to reducing carbon output, the agenda reflects a growing push to adapt the Square Mile to the expectations of those who live, work, and study in and around it.
Sleigh takes over from Shravan Joshi MBE, who steps into the Deputy Chairman role after leading the committee since 2022. Joshi’s term saw the advancement of the City’s Destination City strategy, with millions of square feet of office space approved and construction now well under way. That work also encouraged broader investment in green space, education hubs, and cultural offerings, all designed to help the area thrive beyond traditional nine-to-five working hours.
The Planning and Transportation Committee plays a central role in how the City evolves, from tall buildings and transport links to open space and the preservation of listed structures. As such, it sits at the junction of heritage, policy, and private investment—often having to balance different pressures and interests. Sleigh has already made clear that he wants to deepen engagement with stakeholders, not only within the development sector but also across arts, education, and conservation networks.
Outside of Guildhall, Sleigh is Chair of Goldsmiths, University of London, and of the South Bank Employers Group. He also co-chairs the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board, giving him a broader view of how planning, policy, and placemaking connect across the capital. His professional background spans roles at The Bank of London and Amazon UK, along with experience at organisations including the BBC and Lloyds Banking Group.
The challenge now will be how this leadership transition shapes implementation of the City Plan 2040 and the way new developments are reviewed. With pressure mounting to create adaptable, climate-conscious spaces that remain commercially attractive, the committee’s direction could shape the City for decades to come.
For more updates on the City of London Planning and Transportation Committee and further insights into policy decisions shaping the capital, visit EyeOnLondon City. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
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