News
London planning news, December 2019
03 Dec 2019
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Headline news |
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The Mayor having received the Report of the Examination in Public of the draft London Plan 2019 on 8 October, and the report subsequently having been made public, he must now publish a final version of his Plan to the Secretary of State before the end of the year.
As reported last month, the Panel has highlighted a number of areas where the draft Plan is inconsistent with national policy. Whilst it is not yet clear to what extent the Mayor will act on the Panel’s recommendations, in a letter to the London Assembly he made the following comments:
“I’m concerned by the recommendations to delete the aviation policy (which reflects my concerns about Heathrow expansion), delete my policy to prevent fracking in London, and loosen protections for the Green Belt.”
Whilst it is up to the Mayor as to whether to accept the recommendations set out in the Panel’s report, where he decides not to act on these he is required to publish and send to the Secretary of State a letter outlining his reasons.
The Secretary of State has the power to issue a holding direction which would stop the Plan from being adopted, unless the Mayor were to make the necessary amendments. This might arise, for example, if the Government concludes that the Plan is still not in accordance with national policy, or that the plan would be to the detriment of areas outside of London.
This is the first time since the establishment of the GLA that the Mayor and central Government are of different political parties at the time when the London Plan requires ‘sign-off’ so, in combination with the current political climate, uncertainty remains as to when the plan will finally be adopted. Whilst the most recent timeframes published by the Mayor expect a final version the London Plan between February or March 2020, next week’s general election and the formation of a new Government may push back planned timescales.
Even once adopted, the next Government might expect the Mayor to review the new London Plan “immediately” to reflect the 2018-2019 revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework, as stated in a letter issued from the Secretary of State to the Mayor in July 2019.
For further commentary on the EiP Panel’s recommendations to the Mayor, please see our series of blogs regarding the draft London Plan (links below).
Lichfields Planning Matters, New London Plan Panel Report: Homes for all?Lichfields Planning Matters, In search of London’s future industrial landPINS, Report of the Examination in Public of the London Plan 2019 and Recommendations
36th Mayors report to the Assembly
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Quote of the month |
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I’m concerned by the recommendations to delete the aviation policy (which reflects my concerns about Heathrow expansion), delete my policy to prevent fracking in London, and loosen protections for the Green Belt. Tackling London’s filthy air, maintaining and improving green spaces, and addressing the climate emergency are amongst my top priorities.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in his 36th Mayor’s Report to the Assembly, 14th November 2019 |
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Westminster Council City Plan approved by Full Council
Westminster Council’s new local plan covering the period 2019-2040 has been approved by Full Council. The plan must now be submitted to the Secretary of State for consideration before it can be adopted.
Richard Beddoe, deputy leader and cabinet member for place shaping and planning, commented:
“Our new city plan will pave the way to more homes, business growth and a greener city – striking a balance between conservation and the need to support more housing and jobs in the heart of the capital”.
The plan aims to deliver 22,222 new homes over the plan period, with 35% of these being affordable. To support this aim new office developments will also be required to contribute between 15 and 35 per cent of floorspace for affordable housing.
The plan would also introduce clearer policies for tall buildings in the Borough. Whilst it states that Westminster is generally not suitable for tall buildings, the plan recognises that developments which exceed 30m in height or are more than twice the height of the prevailing context, can in some instances provide a significant contribution to the housing and economic objectives of the plan.
The plan identifies the Victoria and Paddington Opportunity Areas, the Marylebone Flyover/Edgeware Road junction, and the Housing Renewal Areas, as being acceptable locations for tall buildings, given the existing context and opportunity for growth, provided that new development meets the General Principles required for new tall buildings as set out in the plan.
City of Westminster, Westminster approves new City Plan for central London
City of Westminster, City Plan 2019–2040
Mayor’s Civic Innovation Challenge to help visualise city data and make planning more accessible
The Mayor has introduced the second round of his Civic Innovation Challenge, inviting the capital’s tech sector to find new solutions to some of the big issues facing the capital.
One of the key areas included in this year’s Challenge, will include looking at how data and technology can help to democratise planning the planning system, by improving user experience and helping to visualise city data to improve accessibility.
Three successful companies will be awarded £40,000 to develop their solutions with other companies getting a range of business and product development support.
London’s Chief Digital Officer, Theo Blackwell commented:
“The Civic Innovation Challenge is a unique opportunity for tech companies to tackle some of the most pressing problems facing our capital. I would encourage London’s tech talent to put their creativity to the test and help solve these challenges”.
Mayor of London, Mayor asks tech sector to help tackle London’s challenges
Elizabeth Line completion dates pushed back again
Further delays for the Elizabeth Line have been announced, with the project now not opening until at least 2021.
A statement from Mark Wild, Chief Executive of Crossrail Ltd said:
“Our latest assessment is that the opening of the central section will not occur in 2020, which was the first part of our previously declared opening window. The Elizabeth line will open as soon as practically possible in 2021.”
Crossrail, Update on the progress to complete the Elizabeth Line
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The Lichfields perspective |
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The clear implication and conclusion from the Panel is that this London Plan will not result in ‘homes for all’ and still leaves some big unanswered questions as to how to bridge the gap between current housing delivery, the increased housing targets and the higher still housing needs.
Martin Taylor, Planning Director https://lichfields.uk/blog/2019/december/2/new-london-plan-panel-report-homes-for-all/ |
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Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and cannot be relied on to cover specific situations. We recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Lichfields accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication. Lichfields is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116