Capital 'needs 18 more Brent Crosses'

Central London needs 20 new department stores the size of Harvey Nichols to meet demand from a soaring population.

The figures come in a new report for the Greater London Authority, and will be the basis for planning decisions, including permits for new development.

This concludes that up to 16 million square feet of shop floorspace must be built across the capital, with Westminster the most critical area. There a total of five million square feet is needed - 20 times the area of Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge.

The report, commissioned to study demand for new shopping precincts, is certain to cause controversy.

Campaigners including Vanessa Redgrave have spoken out in recent weeks against the redevelopment of towns with sprawling shopping centres.

A spokesman for the GLA said the report, by planning consultant Experian Business Strategies, would help "inform planning decisions". But its conclusions have been questioned by some property analysts.