Austin Macauley 20 November 2014

Report: London’s diversity makes neighbourhood plans ‘too difficult’

Legislation brought in to help communities influence planning decisions has had little impact in London because it does not fit with the capital’s diversity.

A third of boroughs do not have neighbourhood forums and just one successful plan has been introduced since the Localism Act came into force three years ago, according to a report from London Assembly’s planning committee.

It said the legislation ‘was designed primarily for smaller, more homogenous areas than can be found in London’. The capital’s ‘complex network of mixed communities with diverse interests seems to make even defining neighbourhood areas a difficult and time consuming process’.

The committee has asked for further evidence around why progress has been so slow, whether there is enough local authority support and whether legislation is being interpreted consistently across London.

Committee chair Nicky Gavron said: ‘Planning shapes the places where people live and work and it is right that local people should be involved in the process of deciding local priorities. This is why the planning committee agrees that the idea of neighbourhood planning, promoted in the Localism Act, is a positive one. But with only 80 of London’s 1,200 neighbourhoods expressing an interest in this new planning process,?we think that the policy is in need of a refresh in London to make it work more effectively.??

‘This report provides an opportunity to develop views on what the mayor should be doing to help support neighbourhood planning. In light of Government reforms on permitted development, many neighbourhoods are developing valuable local assets like community spaces, shops, and offices. More should be done to facilitate neighbourhood plans that protect what exists, not just promoting new developments.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Victims Development Officer (Violence Against Women)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO1 - £39,855 - £42,324
We need a versatile and enthusiastic officer to improve services for victims of VAWG and modern slavery. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Community Facilitator level 1

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Scale 5 - £31,524 to £32,931
We are seeking to fill a number of roles to help us deliver our new vision for Health and Adults Services (HAS) Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Personal Advisors

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£38,934 - £40,755
This is a rewarding, challenging and essential role, in our support of young people Leaving Care. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director - Corporate Services

Teignbridge District Council
£93,688 - £100,549 per annum
Develop your career with a forward-thinking authority based in an attractive part of South Devon. Newton Abbot, Devon
Recuriter: Teignbridge District Council
Linkedin Banner