Buildpass investigates… the London Local Plan.

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The London Local Plan is a strategic policy set out for the whole of London. Here we discuss its main features, and what we may expect from the new London plan.

Having a sound understanding of your local plan is an important way to adhere to the planning requirements of your new build or refurbishment. But, when it comes to the London Local Plan, it’s crucial to remember that things work a little differently.

The London Local plan is a legal part of the 32 London Boroughs’ development plans. Whenever a decision is made, the plan must be considered.

The plan for Greater London was written by the Mayor of London and published by the Greater London Authority. Since its initial publication in 2004, it has seen several changes. Let’s take a look at where the plan currently stands.

The London Local Plan | A guideline.

While the London plan is a strategy in its own right, it is required to take account of National Planning Policy for England, as well as the principles of the Greater London Authority (which are cemented by law). 

These include:

• promoting economic development and wealth creation in Greater London
• promoting social development in Greater London
• promoting the improvement of the environment in Greater London

In addition, any amendments or developments made to the London Plan must take into account the following features of the GLA Act 1999:

• the principle that there should be equality of opportunity for all people
• reducing health inequality and promoting Londoners’ health

• achieving sustainable development in the United Kingdom
• climate change and the consequences of climate change
• the desirability of promoting and encouraging the use of the Thames, particularly for passenger and freight transportation
• the resources available to implement the Mayor’s strategies.

With all of this in mind, the London Plan focuses on:

• the overall strategic plan for London, setting out an integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of London over the next 20–25 years

• a range of environmental issues such as climate change (adaptation and mitigation), air quality, noise and waste
• the framework for the development and use of land in London, linking in improvements to infrastructure (especially transport); setting out proposals for implementation, coordination and resourcing; and helping to ensure joined-up policy delivery by the GLA Group of organisations (including Transport for London)
• the strategic, London-wide policy context within which boroughs should set their detailed local planning policies
• the policy framework for the Mayor’s own decisions on the strategic planning applications referred to him
• an essential part of achieving sustainable development, a healthy economy and a more inclusive society in London

Unsurprisingly, the focus on sustainable development is music to our ears, and something that immediately applies to anyone hoping to create more energy efficient dwellings in the capital.\

The “Good Growth” policies.

You may have also heard of the ‘Good Growth’ policies. These are a set of policies created by Sadiq Khan to embed within the plan. They are:

• Policy GG1 Building strong and inclusive communities
• Policy GG2 Making the best use of land
• Policy GG3 Creating a healthy city
• Policy GG4 Delivering the homes Londoners need
• Policy GG5 Growing a good economy
• Policy GG6 Increasing efficiency and resilience

What is the New London Plan?

The London Plan is ever-evolving, and that is a good thing as our carbon targets become more challenging and technologies move on. As with all new policy, a number of drafts and consultations go on behind the scenes prior to the wider adoption. During 2019-2020 the new plan was subject to many reviews.

We expect to see further guidance on energy monitoring, an increasing need for new quality homes and Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Assessments being brought into the requirements.

As with everything in 2020 the pandemic has delayed the process but we look forward to hearing further news early in 2021.

I live in London and need support with the London Plan – can you help me?

Absolutely – here at Buildpass, we understand the specific obligations defined within the London Plan and can support you with your pre-planning and design to guarantee you fulfil the requirements. We can provide you with reports and guidance throughout your build and design journey.

Contact a member of the Buildpass team to find out more.