The Localism Bill - A London View
"The Government’s Localism Bill paves the way for greater decision making at a London level, but in many areas further clarity is needed regarding implementation and resourcing. The Bill features a number of reforms giving a greater role to local community groups in the planning process which could hinder London’s ability to grow. Significant questions remain about how many of the Bill's proposals will work in practice and we anticipate a considerable amount of further discussion and amendment as the Bill goes through Parliament. With the Local Government Finance review due in January, London First will be working with members to determine the best solution for London and London business."
Baroness Jo Valentine
Chief Executive
London First
Planning and development
The GLA forecasts that by 2031 there will be up to 1.3 million more people in the capital. London needs homes, offices and other developments to support this growth and remain an attractive location for global business.
London First’s planning objectives:
- ensure the planning system supports development and regeneration in London
- influence national and regional policies, representing business’ views to ensure policymakers recognise the complexity of development in London
- celebrate the role of planning in maintaining London’s world city status, to promote planning as a career choice and ensure departments are properly resourced
London First, working with experts in planning and development from its membership, is at the heart of the planning debate. London First works to improve planning policy and decision making. We do not get involved in individual planning applications.
In 2009/10 we have a specific focus on the London Plan through its Examination in Public; the establishment of the Mayor’s pan-London Community Infrastructure Levy for Crossrail; the planning aspects of the devolution agenda; and the London-specific impacts of national planning reform and the Decentralisation and Localism Bill.
The Localism Bill
In December 2010, as part of the Government’s efforts to move power away from central government to local authorities and communities, it published the Localism Bill. The Bill covers a number of policy areas that are of interest to London First members including, planning and development, housing, infrastructure, local service provision and local governance. We will be working closely with parliamentarians and other stakeholders to ensure that London’s interests are represented as the Bill is scrutinised in Parliament.
Localism Bill briefings:
Planning and Development
Neighbourhood planning
Our summary of Localism Bill
Community right to buy response
The London Plan
The London Plan – the Mayor’s spatial development strategy, first published in 2004 – is currently undergoing major review. London First represents business priorities and concerns during this process. We will also represent our members regarding changes to supplementary planning guidance, most critically on housing. Read more
Housing
The current economic climate has changed the way in which both the private and public sector approach housing delivery. Demand for homes in the capital remains strong, and indeed will increase, as a result of changing demographics and population growth. Capacity in the industry has decreased by more than half as a result of the recession, however. Ensuring the delivery of additional housing is therefore vital to support increasing demand and deliver greater affordability. Housing policy must be drafted sensitively, providing a balance of certainty and flexibility, to enable innovative solutions to deliver the types of homes needed to meet demand. Please contact David Leam for further information.
London Housing Strategy Consultation (August 2009)
Housing supplementary planning guidance (February 2010)
Laying the Foundations: A Housing Strategy for England – London First brief (November 2011)
Community Infrastructure Levy
London First was part of the industry coalition which in 2007 put forward proposals for a planning charge to replace the Government's Planning Gain Supplement. We are in regular dialogue with Government on the proposals for the Community Infrastructure Levy to ensure they support, not frustrate development and improve infrastructure delivery.
Community Infrastructure Levy – London First response (October 2009)
Mayoral CIL – London First response (February 2011)
Promoting planning best practice
The annual London Planning Awards are organised by London First to recognise and celebrate the contribution of planners to London’s development as a world city. Please contact Beena Chester for further information.
Councillor involvement in planning in London
Government Office for London, London Councils and London First undertook joint research, looking at existing arrangements for councillors’ involvement in all stages of the planning process, and their training. The benefits of greater involvement are considered to be greater certainty and clearer decision making. Connecting Councillors with Strategic Planning Applications, a good practice guide for London, has been produced as a key recommendation of the research.
