Current developments in the London Plan LSE London Seminar 9 February 2009

London is different Formally a region in its own right; but functionally part of a wider city-region A different governance structure: The Greater London Authority: Elected, executive Mayor London Assembly RDA a GLA “functional body” RSS a Mayoral strategy (“The London Plan”) A different legal basis: GLA Acts 1999/2007 Regulations GOL Circular 1/2008

The London Plan Mayor’s spatial development strategy First published 2004; two sets of alterations; consolidated version Feb 2008 Alteration to support funding of Crossrail currently in train “Planning for a Better London” – setting out Mayoral direction on planning – published for comment July 2008 Mayor announced complete review of the Plan December 2008

Change…. Change: New Mayor, with new ideas and a new advisory team More emphasis on working with the boroughs More emphasis on outer London More emphasis on heritage and distinctive approach to design Who have launched a re-write of the London Plan, Transport and Economic Development strategies Economic turmoil New issues du jour – eg food

…and continuity Challenges haven’t changed greatly: Addressing population and employment growth Maintaining London’s world city status Supporting a dynamic economy Providing homes for Londoners Transport Climate change

The bigger picture: some things old… Still seeking to resolve the strategic/local dynamic (an issue since Salisbury in 1899) Still seeking to contain London’s physical growth (an issue since Morrison in 1934) Still addressing tensions between London and rest of the UK (an issue since Barlow in 1937) Still addressing problems of development and infrastructure (an issue since Uthwatt in 1942) Still addressing London’s resistance to big plans and easy answers (an issue since Wren in 1666)

Late Victorian London

Great War London

Peak population London

..some things new.. London’s economy: a nasty downturn or something more? London’s population: what will happen to migration? London’s environment: what differences will climate change bring?

..and some thing blue? Possibility of further political change, whatever the result of an election in or before 2010 Implications for the GLA Implications for strategic planning Implications for policy areas such as housing More immediately – implications for work on the London Plan

London: basic facts Population 2006: 7.6 million 2026: 8.36 – 8.71 m 2031: up to c8.7 m Households 2006: 3.2 m 2026: 3.75 – 3.92 m Employment 2006: 4.6 m 2026: 5.5 m Sectors Manufacturing: - 124,000 Fin.&Bus.Services: +605,000

The new London Plan It will be: Shorter and more strategic More user-friendly; arranged in more topic-based chapters It will start with a stronger spatial vision Chapters on: People (eg housing, social infrastructure) Economy Transport Quality of life (eg built/green environment) Environment/climate change Implementation, monitoring and review

Revising the London Plan: Process Assembly/functional body draft proposals “Statement of Intent” To be issued Spring 09 “Public consultation” draft plan Autumn 09 Examination in Public Summer 2010 Panel’s Report “Intention to Publish” draft: for Government Publication: winter 2011

Emerging objectives Meeting the challenges of growth An internationally competitive and successful city A city of diverse, strong, secure and accessible neighbourhoods A city that delights the eye A world leader in improving the environment Easy, safe and convenient access to jobs, opportunities and facilities

Key policy areas: Housing (1) Will deal with Demand/need Supply quality Affordable housing Remove 50% target, but retain emphasis on maximising Shift proportions between social and shared ownership/intermediate Supply: Continued support to maximise output Optimising (rather than maximising) density Link with adequacy of infrastructure Support for more family housing

Key policy areas: Housing (2) Quality: Space standards Protection of back gardens Designing out crime Specialist housing: new policies on Homes for the elderly Student accommodation Gypsies and Travellers Translating pitch need assessment into provision targets (Government requirement)

Key policy areas: The Economy Supportive policies for all enterprises Tall buildings Outer London Commission to recommend growth hubs Central Activities Zone (CAZ) Support distinctive central commercial etc functions, but also protect/enhance residential areas within the CAZ Retail Securing affordable small shop units through s106 Support West End

Key policy areas: Design and Community Safety Promote a well designed environment to make the most of London’s heritage and local character Develop principles for designing out crime Supportive policy framework for community safety/criminal justice facilities Support tall buildings in appropriate places Review London Views Management Framework and enhance protect for World Heritage Sites.

Key policy areas: Climate Change Making progress on tackling climate change Ensuring the most effective use of resources, particularly energy and water Encouraging decentralised energy infrastructure and exploring the use of low carbon energy options Supporting micro-generation and renewable energy

Key policy areas: Open and Green Space Major administration priority Promotion of London’s green infrastructure to enhance quality of life. Protect/enhance London’s green and open spaces: Green Belt / Metropolitan Open Land to playing fields to local pocket parks. Protect and promote trees and woodland, including the examining ways of protecting street trees Promote the provision of trees in new development

Key policy areas: Infrastructure Major area for review: To support borough planning, as required by PPS12 To prepare for the Community Infrastructure Levy Transport: Oppose the current plans for a third Heathrow runway Investigate scope for a Thames Estuary airport Transport to support development of outer London Give strategic policy support for cycling and walking Promote better use of the Thames and London’s waterways

Key policy areas: Infrastructure (2) Will also cover: Other physical infrastructure, eg: Water Power Information/communications technology Social infrastructure, eg: Schools Health Provision for older Londoners

Key policy areas: East London and the Thames Gateway Continue to promote East London and Thames Gateway as priority areas for development and regeneration Ensure that new communities have the transport, social, environmental and cultural infrastructure they need Ensure that realistic plans are in place to make the most of the legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – including accessibility