The London Assembly has appointed Labour’s Nicky Gavron (pictured) to head up its planning and housing committee for the forthcoming year.

The assembly has named new chairs for four of its committees. They are:

• Nicky Gavron (Labour) will chair the planning and housing committee, dealing with issues including affordable housing, the Mayor’s planning decisions, and a programme to improve fire safety in residential buildings.
• Valerie Shawcross (Labour) will chair the transport committee, dealing with issues including the upgrade of the London Underground network and improving the accessibility of public transport in the capital.
• Darren Johnson (Green) will chair the environment committee, dealing with issues including flood risks in the capital and the sustainability of the 2012 Olympic Games.
• Len Duvall (Labour) will chair the committee on economic development, culture, sport and tourism, looking at issues including the future of venues for the 2012 Olympics after the Games have finished.

• Planners urged to allow more farms in London
• Coal Authority appoints Redmond and Henton
• GLA’s London Housing Strategy
• Turley Associates appoints new director
• Government gets Olympics contingency fund warning