The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has published revised proposals for alterations to the London Plan to help fund Crossrail.

The alterations were first announced last December so that new office developments, in central London and in the northern part of the Isle of Dogs could be required, through the planning system, to make a financial contribution towards the cost of Crossrail.

Since December the London Assembly, the Greater London Authority Group, and developers and local authorities have been consulted on both the alterations and new planning guidance. As a result of developers' concerns over the impact of the charge on the viability of new developments, particularly in the current economic climate, the revised proposals now include viability as a planning policy test for the purpose of negotiating financial contributions.

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The Mayor is also seeking views on whether it would be appropriate to have a lower rate of contribution during the first years of the charging scheme, and whether the boundaries of the charge area in central London should be adjusted to reduce impacts on places where investment margins on new developments are tighter.

Mr Johnson said: "Crossrail is vital for the future of the capital. It will transform our transport network and ensure London emerges strongly from the current economic downturn.

"I have listened carefully to the views and concerns of developers over contributions to this crucial venture and I am committed to taking a wholly pragmatic approach in future negotiations and will consider every case individually.

"It is important that we now move forward and ensure that those new developments which benefit most from Crossrail can contribute their fare share."

(CD/JM)