Planning News London May 2015 London: manifesto round-up In the run-up to the general election, the main political parties’ manifestos have included a number of London-specific planning pledges. The Conservatives have re-announced intentions to devolve further planning powers to the Mayor of London – details are not specified but this is likely to be a reference to Mayoral Development Consent Orders which have already been legislated for. In addition, a new London Land Commission would be created, with a mandate to identify and release all surplus brownfield land owned by the public sector. The Liberal Democrats’ very detailed 153-page manifesto includes a promise to ensure London’s transport infrastructure is improved, to withstand the pressure of population and economic growth. Although the first to be released on 13 April, the Labour Party manifesto only commits to making a ‘swift’ decision on expanding airport capacity in London and the south east, following the outcome of ‘the Davies Review’ (being conducted by the Airports Commission). London’s airports Boris Johnson intervenes to block London City Airport expansion London Mayor Boris Johnson has overruled Greater London Authority (GLA) support to expand London City Airport, despite a planning report recommendation that he allow the local authority to decide the matter itself. In February, the London Borough (LB) of Newham approved proposals for the redevelopment of the airport, alongside changes to allow it to operate up to the 111,000 permitted limit for annual flights, increasing from the current 70,000. The Mayor justified his decision, stating: “…granting planning permission for this scheme would lead to an unacceptable increase in noise for East Londoners and would not be for the greater benefit of the city”. Outline approval for £1.7bn Royal Docks scheme The first phase of the Royal Docks scheme has gained approval, with the signing of a s106 obligation. Chinese developer ABP is expected to begin work on the 14 ha. site later this year, with the first phase due for completion in 2018. London housing The development forms part of a wider Royal Docks Enterprise Zone, which also includes Silvertown Quays. The Royal Docks is intended to become the third financial district in London, following the City and Canary Wharf. It is envisaged as a strategic trading hub with Asia, delivering around 20,000 fulltime jobs and boosting local employment in Newham by 30 per cent. Report on housing approvals reveals shortfall Outline planning permission for Silvertown Quays project A study by Stirling Ackroyd has analysed planning applications received and granted in London in 2014. It concludes that 27,470 new homes were granted planning permission in the capital last year – far fewer than the 40,000 annual target. A resolution to grant outline planning permission has been made by LB Newham for the £3.5bn Silvertown Quays project on land at the Royal Docks in east London. The development will provide offices, leisure and retail facilities and 3,000 homes (including affordable housing).The 24 ha. site also forms part of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone. For a detailed comparison of the planning-related manifesto headlines from Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, see the NLP guide. The report identifies Tower Hamlets as having granted permission last year for the greatest number of new homes. Quote of the month: “ “We want to secure the future of the Royal Docks: our vision for Silvertown Quays will re-engage the heritage of enterprise and innovation in the Royal Docks; securing a vibrant future by creating up to 14,000 new jobs and 2,500 new homes in a new and enlivened waterfront destination” Sir Stuart Lipton, Silvertown Partnerships “ Headline news Boris gives final go-ahead for 68-storey Canary Wharf tower South Quay Plaza, a redevelopment proposal for a residential, 68-storey tower at Canary Wharf has been approved; it will provide 888 flats, 188 of which will be affordable. The application was recommended for approval by LB of Tower Hamlets last November, but required referral to the Mayor. Boris Johnson decided not to take over the application and instead, a GLA report explained that outstanding issues relating to housing, urban design, the Blue Ribbon Network, climate change and transport, had been ”satisfactorily addressed, and the application is now acceptable”. Contact Us Margaret Baddeley Alison Bembenek [email protected] T: 020 7837 4477 [email protected] T: 020 7837 4477 Planning 2011-2014 Consultancy of the Year nlpplanning.com 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. NLP 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.Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116. Registered office: 14 Regent’s Wharf, All Saints Street, London N1 9RL© Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. 1
© Copyright 2024