The City of London Corporation has appointed Tom Sleigh as chairman of its planning and transportation committee.
He succeeds Shravan Joshi MBE, who has been chairman of the committee since 2022, with immediate effect. Joshi has taken on the role of the committee’s deputy chairman, uncontested, replacing Graham Packham.
Sleigh (pictured) is an elected, independent member, who has represented the ward of Bishopsgate since 2013, He previously chaired the City’s Barbican Centre board.
Sleigh said: “It’s a privilege to be elected chair of the planning and transportation committee at such a pivotal moment for the City. Our emerging City Plan 2040 sets a clear, ambitious framework – and I’m determined to deliver it with clarity, confidence and collaboration.
“I want the most beautiful and future-ready buildings in the country to rise in the City – architecture that lifts our spirits as much as our skyline. These must be designs that help shrink our carbon footprint, honour our heritage, and make the City irresistible to young people: a place to work, thrive and belong, drawn by its culture, sustainability and care for wellbeing.
“We have an opportunity to strengthen how we work with heritage groups and stakeholders – through conversations and a shared focus on quality and sustainability. I want to create space for constructive dialogue that helps us deliver the best outcomes for the City.”
Joshi added: “It has been a great privilege to chair the planning and transportation committee and work closely with the elected members and officers. As the new deputy chairman, I will do all that I can to support Tom in his new position, who brings a unique blend of cultural, political, and commercial experience to the role.
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together in my time as chairman, in particular the millions of square footage of new office floorspace now under construction, as we continue to deliver the Destination City growth strategy for the Square Mile. And in addition to the new office floorspace, we are seeing the diversification of the City, through new and cultural and educational attractions, food and beverage outlets, pocket parks and new sustainability and climate resilience infrastructure.”
