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
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T: 020 7837 4477
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