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Plans for scores more gender neutral toilets across London to help trans and non-binary people feel more comfortable were revealed today.

Sadiq Khan will, for the first time, issue detailed policy guidance on new, free, publicly accessible loos in commercial developments.

In his London Plan – the capital’s planning strategy - tomorrow he will call on developers to provide more gender neutral facilities in public places like shopping centres, leisure centres and cinemas to reflect the capital’s diversity.

The Mayor envisages more unisex toilets, like those in Starbucks, with individual cubicles that can be used by either gender, disabled people as well as parents with babies.

City Hall aides said the toilets should be well designed so that users of all genders feel safe and comfortable, with full-length doors and partitions, clear layout and good lighting.

The issue of gender neutral toilets has been controversial with critics arguing they remove a “safe space” for biological women and girls.

The proposal of individual cubicles alongside separate men’s and women’s toilets has also divided the trans-community with many saying they don’t wish to be singled out.

Mr Khan said: “I have vowed to be a Mayor for all Londoners so I am determined to ensure that everyone has the ability to enjoy our great city to its fullest.

“Toilets are a vital public service and can help to shape the experience of the capital for those who live here and for those visiting.

“We need a range of toilets that reflect the incredible diversity of this city – giving people the confidence to move around London with dignity.”

Although the London Plan is only a guideline for town halls, council planners have tended to adopt the proposals wholesale into their decision making.

It also calls for ongoing surveillance, management and cleaning of toilet facilities to be agreed at planning stage, and for the installation of free drinking water fountains.

Stonewall chief executive Ruth Hunt said: “Gender-neutral toilets are a practical solution for many people, for many reasons and it’s a powerful demonstration of acceptance that has benefits for everyone.

“But this move isn’t just practical, it’s symbolic. By introducing gender-neutral toilets, planners can show that London is a city that cherishes its diverse population.”

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: “This is the latest casualty of an ideological tsunami that sweeps common sense and biological reality aside.”

David Kurten, London Assembly member for UKIP added: “The common sense solution is to have one or two unisex cubicles, which many public places already have, for everybody.

“Alongside that we also need to have separate women and men’s toilets and changing facilities. Particularly for women’s safety, we shouldn’t be opening up access to their toilets to those who are biologically male, however they identify.”

In March, North Caroline passed a law – the so-called “bathroom bill” - requiring people to use public toilets that correspond with the sex listed on their birth certificate.

It was partly repealed after a backlash from campaigners, businesses and artists, with stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr cancelling concerts in the state.

Many public places and companies across London, such as the Barbican Centre and Channel 4, have already introduced unisex toilets.