Planning

The London Plan

The Mayor’s London Plan is the overall strategic plan for London. It sets out an integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of the capital over the next 20-25 years. It is an over-arching document that picks up on the ‘places and spaces’ aspects of all the other Mayoral strategies, and provides the strategic, London-wide context within which boroughs must set their detailed local planning policies.

The Mayor has published his draft replacement London Plan, along with his draft Transport and Economic Development strategies - see Shaping London. The draft documents were open for public comment from 12 October 2009 to 12 January 2010.

The Mayor has published a Minor Alteration to the draft replacement London Plan. This is open for consultation from 7 December 2009 to 1 February 2010.

The Mayor is undertaking a full review of the London Plan, but until this process is complete (expected late 2011), the current version remains in force.

The current version of the London Plan (to give it its full title ‘the London Plan Consolidated with Alterations since 2004’) was published in February 2008.

London Plan alterations: use of planning obligations in funding Crossrail

The Mayor has published for consultation draft alterations to the current London Plan to allow contributions towards the funding of Crossrail to be raised from developments.

Promote a well-designed environment that respects London's heritage

The Mayor wants to see exciting new architecture and design, but equally wishes to respect the existing character of London's diverse places and its world-class heritage. The Mayor has published a draft Revised London View Management Plan SPG, which seeks to strengthen protection of designated views and safeguard the setting of London's World Heritage Sites. He will also alter the London Plan to identify places where tall buildings are appropriate, and to increase the weight to be given to local context and character in considering proposals for them.

The London Planning Awards

Amend London Plan to encourage co-operation in Thames Gateway boroughs

The Mayor is concerned that the Thames Gateway Executive is failing to adequately coordinate development of the Thames Gateway. The Mayor wants to meet with the head of the Thames Gateway Executive to gauge progress and set milestones.

Amend London Plan so councils secure proportion of affordable units for small independent retailers in developments

The Mayor wants to support small, independent shops and will encourage boroughs to use, where possible, Section 106 agreements to secure affordable retail space.

Discourage development on back gardens

The Mayor wants to protect the capital’s open spaces, and at present the London Plan does not protect domestic gardens from residential development.

Change London Plan to ensure it addresses needs of older people

The Mayor wants to build vibrant, mixed communities, and will therefore ensure that the London Plan promotes 'Lifetime Homes'.

Enhance provision and protection of street trees

The Mayor believes street trees improve the quality of life of all Londoners but is concerned some of the capital's streets, especially in deprived areas, have none at all. The Mayor will investigate whether the London Plan can be revised to ensure large developments include a certain ratio of street trees.

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Sustainability

Clarify Housing Strategy to call for all new homes to meet Level 3 of Code for Sustainable Homes by 2010, and Level 6 by 2016

The Mayor believes residential homes built without public money should still meet the tougher environmental criteria under the Sustainable Code and will amend the Housing Strategy to reflect this.

Produce strategy on encouraging sustainable growth in outer London

The Mayor is concerned that the outer boroughs are disconnected from the London Plan and will promote their regeneration through a forum promoting the unique needs of London's suburbs.

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