Risk governance in urban planning: A comprehensive policy analysis in the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation Plan, London

Effective risk management is essential for large-scale urban development projects to mitigate potential threats and enhance resilience. This study examines the risk governance strategies embedded in the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) plan in London, England, providing a structured analysis of its risk management framework. The research categorizes risks into five core areas, identification, assessment, mitigation, response, and monitoring, aligning with contemporary risk governance models. The OPDC plan demonstrates a strong commitment to proactive and adaptive risk strategies by integrating sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and contingency planning. Key risk factors, including environmental hazards, infrastructure vulnerabilities, housing policies, and socio-economic uncertainties, are systematically assessed.Findings indicate that the OPDC plan effectively incorporates both preventative and responsive risk measures, emphasizing sustainable urban design, environmental resilience, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, risk response mechanisms such as contingency planning and crisis management enhance adaptability to evolving urban challenges. However, gaps remain in adaptive governance, particularly in real-time risk tracking and cross-sectoral coordination. This study highlights the necessity of continuous risk evaluation and dynamic policy adjustments to strengthen urban resilience. Insights from this research offer valuable lessons for policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners seeking to integrate robust risk governance frameworks into urban development initiatives. The findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive, stakeholder-inclusive, and sustainability-driven approach to urban risk management, contributing to long-term urban resilience and effective policy implementation. • Developing a Comprehensive Framework aligns with contemporary urban risk management. • Categorizes risks into five: identification, assessment, mitigation, response, monitoring. • Sustainable urban design and stakeholder engagement form core risk governance elements. • Gaps persist in monitoring, coordination, and adaptive responses despite integrated risk strategies.