The future of Lord Rogers as the mayor of London’s design adviser was thrown further into doubt this week as Richard Barnes, Boris Johnson’s deputy mayor, failed to confirm whether the Labour peer would remain in the role.

Barnes did say the capital’s architecture watchdog, Design for London (DfL), would continue. He said: “The important thing for us is to have a range of advice from people like the RIBA and Design for London.”

When asked whether Rogers would continue in his role he replied: “I don’t know. Do you have a crystal ball?”

It has been reported that Rogers had offered his services to the mayor, but neither the Greater London Authority nor Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners were able to confirm this.

It is understood that DfL personnel, including director Peter Bishop, have cancelled public appearances and external meetings for the immediate future. A spokesperson confirmed that Bishop had not met with Johnson after he became London mayor three weeks ago.

Speaking at the RIBA Futures Fair, Barnes confirmed for the first time that the Johnson regime would be cutting down on the number of high-rise developments in the capital.

We need to build human-size places of distinction
and grace

Richard Barnes

Citing a study which found that 84% of people would prefer to live anywhere rather than a high-rise building, he said: “It seems incredible that high-rise developments dominate planning applications. It’s time public opinion was taken into account when planning public places. We need to build human-size places of distinction and grace.”

Barnes, the leader of the Conservatives on the London Assembly, was appointed deputy mayor on 7 May. He also leads the council of Ealing and Hillingdon.

Johnson has appointed David Ross, co-founder of the Carphone Warehouse, to the board of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).

Neil Coleman, who was the former mayor’s Olympic adviser, will remain on the LOCOG board as an adviser to the GLA.

  • The Institution of Civil Engineers has called for a target of zero carbon for all new buildings in London. The ICE’s Agenda for Climate Change said the mayor’s current proposals “do not go far enough”.