Strategic industrial locations (SILs)
Strategic Industrial Locations (SILs) are designated in the London Plan, a spatial development strategy setting out an economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of London.
SILs exist to ensure London provides a sufficient number of quality sites, in appropriate locations, to meet the needs of industrial and related sectors, such as logistics, waste management and environmental industries, utilities, wholesale markets, and so on.
There are two types of SIL:
- Preferred Industrial Locations (PILs), which are particularly suitable for general industrial, light industrial, waste management, and so on.
- Industrial Business Parks (IBPs), which are particularly suitable for research and development and other activities that require a better-quality environment.
Most SILs are more than 20 hectares in size, although some smaller areas of around 10 hectares can be of strategic importance where there is pressure on industrial land. Generally, SILs are located close to strategic transport infrastructure such as roads, rail, rivers, canals and safeguarded wharves.
The Mayor, and individual boroughs, are expected to promote, manage and protect the SILs.
Development proposals should meet the following criteria:
- They conform to the broad industrial type of activities that are prescribed as allowable.
- The strategic consolidation of the SIL should be included in an opportunity area planning framework or borough development plan.
- The proposal involves the provision of employment workspace to meet identified needs for SMEs or new emerging industrial sectors.
- The proposal involves small scale ‘walk to’ services for industrial occupiers, such as workplace nurseries, cafes and so on.
You can find out more and see the list of SILs here.
See also: Preferred industrial locations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.