On 6 December, Ashurst was delighted to welcome over 90 guests to the London First event: The New London Plan with Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning.
The event provided delegates with the opportunity to hear Jules Pipe CBE, the Deputy Mayor for Planning, and his team introduce the new London Plan which was published in draft form on 29 November. The London Plan is the Spatial Development Strategy that sets out the Mayor's planning policies to guide growth and development in the capital. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A.
Key takeaways from the session:
- At the heart of the Plan is the concept of Good Growth – growth on the basis of its potential to improve the health and quality of life of all Londoners, to reduce inequalities and to make the city a better place to live, work and visit – supported by six pillars, the Good Growth policies:
- Building strong and inclusive communities;
- Making the best use of land;
- Creating a healthy city;
- Delivering the homes Londoners need;
- Growing a good economy; and
- Increasing efficiency and resilience.
- Although the Plan is still at the consultation stage (with adoption currently planned for Autumn 2019), the GLA are intending to apply the policies with immediate effect.
- The Plan is very much delivery focussed. Indeed, for the first time, the entire Plan has been the subject of an impact assessment which concluded that all policies can be implemented without affecting viability. Accordingly, its policies can be implemented immediately at local level and developers should now be taking them into account in formulating their proposals.
- When preparing their own Local Plans, the London Boroughs should ensure that they are in conformity with the draft Plan rather than the current one.
- The clear emphasis of the Plan is on housing delivery, with smaller sites being expected to make a greater contribution than previously and the delivery of sites being supported by design codes.
- The strategic target of 50% affordable housing is viewed as being realistic. The 35% threshold for applications following the 'Fast Track Route' and avoiding viability assessments is already producing positive results. Schemes that can offer 35% or more affordable housing will be expected to explore the possibility of grant funding to further increase their affordable offer.
- A design-led approach to density will be taken, rather than relying on density matrices, taking into account planned, as well as available, infrastructure.
- In terms of Strategic Industrial Land, options to double or triple deck to intensify use will be explored and developers are encouraged to examine options to co-locate light industrial uses with residential ones.
- A masterplan approach (rather than a piecemeal approach) is viewed to be the key to successful development.
- The concept of a 24-hour city is supported and encouragement is given to those wishing to explore extended opening hours, for example, museums.
- Temporary uses are also encouraged, including meanwhile and pop up uses.
- The agent of change principle is embedded in policy, with responsibility for mitigating the impacts of development placed firmly on whoever came second, whether it be a residential scheme next to a noise producing premises, or conversely, a noisy operation next to an existing residential scheme.
- In terms of the environment, a big step change is needed to limit the effects of climate change. The aim is for London to become a zero-carbon city by 2050.
- By 2041, the Mayor's strategic target is that 80% of all trips in London should be made by foot, cycle or public transport.
- Minimum cycle parking and maximum car parking standards will be imposed,
In conclusion, the Plan represents a big step change in approach. It is a deliverable blueprint for the City, which is both sustainable and inclusive, but requires everyone to play their part and get behind it if it is to be a success.
If you'd like to read more, please see our Planning Nutshells commentary on the London Plan's housing focus.
