London residents have until 10 April to respond to a consultation by the Mayor of London on a number of proposed changes to the London Plan. The document being consulted on is referred to formally as the Draft Further Alterations to the London Plan.
The London Plan sets the context for local planning in relation to London's places, people, transport, response to climate change and economy and all its chapters are of great interest. However, from a community perspective, perhaps the most interesting is the chapter entitled London's Living Spaces and Places.
Lifetime Neighbourhoods - key elements (click to enlarge)A significant change to the Living Spaces and Places chapter is the incorporation of the concept of "lifetime neighbourhoods". The document defines these as
places where people at all stages of their lives:
1. can get around – neighbourhoods which are well-connected and walkable;
2. as far as possible, can have a choice of homes, accessible infrastructure and services, places to spend time and to work, with a mix of accessible and adaptable uses; and
3. belong to a cohesive community which fosters social interaction and social capital.
The draft changes place specific emphasis on easy access to to services and facilities by public transport, cycling and walking.
For more information about the Lifetime Neighbourhoods concept see this document.
Another significant change is the emphasis placed on cooperation between boroughs and "community-led groups", who are encouraged to agree on local priorities. However, perhaps more controversial is the suggestion that "Community-led projects in general or Community Rights that give powers to the communities to take more control over the area where they live are an alternative route to the usual planning process". This could be seen as further reducing the powers of democratically elected borough councils.
To see the London Plan (with the draft changes in blue bold font) visit this page. . The same page has details of how to comment.
