The London Plan Mayor of London introduction London-our unique inheritance has undergone rapid change many times in its history.Over the last 2000 years,it eated an outstanding cultural,social economic environmental and built heritage.Its strengths are unique.It is: one of the three world financial centres,Europe's financial capital and the world's most economically internationalised city the most culturally diverse city in the world the largest city in the European Union the uk's centre of government.culture and tourism as well as busines onment that att wn ,waterways racts a r the an unsurpassed range arts and cultu activit ional centre for the creative industries and the new knowledge economy a safe and green city a world centre of academic excellence,providing research and consulting services internationally a hub of unsurpassed international transport connections a city which has the important advantage that its main language. English,is as close to an international lanquage as exists in the world today a city wit diverse suburban environments that offer many people a high quality of life. ii London,throughout its history,has succeeded in maintaining its unique character as a city and its distinctive network of neighbourhoods and town centres.This gives Londoners a wide choice as to the type of lifestyle they can support,enjoy and pursue.This distinctive character of diversity is not only one of London's greatest strengths but deeply appreciated by its population-a key factor contributing to its quality of life, and one which this plan seeks to strengthen Time for change Over the past 20 years London has changed dramatically.Some of these changes are being driven by international forces,including: the globalisation of many economic sectors,and the dominance of the finance and business sectors,frequently interlinked with dramatic advances in technology an increased inter-relationship between major economies hents in telecommu nicati ns and rapid tran ort effectivel shrinks distar decision taker etwen eople market and business
The London Plan Mayor of London 1 London - our unique inheritance i London has undergone rapid change many times in its history. Over the last 2000 years, it has created an outstanding cultural, social, economic, environmental and built heritage. Its strengths are unique. It is: • one of the three world financial centres, Europe’s financial capital, and the world’s most economically internationalised city • the most culturally diverse city in the world • the largest city in the European Union • the UK’s centre of government, culture and tourism as well as business • a city with a vast heritage of historic buildings, townscape, waterways and an environment that attracts visitors from all over the world • a city with an unsurpassed range of arts and cultural activity • a UK and international centre for the creative industries and the new knowledge economy • a safe and green city • a world centre of academic excellence, providing research and consulting services internationally • a hub of unsurpassed international transport connections • a city which has the important advantage that its main language, English, is as close to an international language as exists in the world today • a city with diverse suburban environments that offer many people a high quality of life. ii London, throughout its history, has succeeded in maintaining its unique character as a city and its distinctive network of neighbourhoods and town centres. This gives Londoners a wide choice as to the type of lifestyle they can support, enjoy and pursue. This distinctive character of diversity is not only one of London’s greatest strengths but deeply appreciated by its population – a key factor contributing to its quality of life, and one which this plan seeks to strengthen. Time for change iii Over the past 20 years London has changed dramatically. Some of these changes are being driven by international forces, including: • the globalisation of many economic sectors, and the dominance of the finance and business sectors, frequently interlinked with dramatic advances in technology • an increased inter-relationship between major economies, where internationalisation of investment and trade accompanies developments in telecommunications and rapid transport effectively shrinks distances between people, markets, and business decision takers introduction
2 Mayor of London The London Plar a fundamental and accelerating environmental imperativeto us energy and res ources more efficiently,mitigate the impacts of and adapt to,climate change,value the environment and reduce harmful emissions and environmental stress movement of people across borders,bringing with them fresh ideas new cultures enhanced skills and access to new markets growth of incomes and wealth with particularly strong rising demand for leisure and tourism activities an increase in social and economic polarisation opinion welcome diver ant t of disc makin y and iminatio mi use of res Paralympic Games which w London to host an exemplary Olympiad,to highlight London's unique diversity and to contribute to its development as an exemplary sustainable world city. iv The phenomenal growth in London's finance and business services sector, which has concentrated in central London,and in population,which has increased almost throughout the city,has not been matched by sufficient investment Hous ansp ort office stock skills and the public realm have all x perienced und -in ment.The bene of yancy h e not been share etween al workless Londoners account for 16 per cent of all UK worklessness'. y The result has been: increased difficulties in travelling around London,with heavy traffic and slow and unreliable journey times-although alleviated in central London through the introduction of the congestion charge and major expansion in bus capacity ure on bus ite ntaging people and creating a destabilising factor in the UK macro-economy skills gaps in some sectors,alongside social deprivation in many areas and increased economic and social polarisation continued social exclusion and discrimination,particularly affecting minority ethnic communities increasing pollution,damaged environments and chronic under investment generally and in particular.in the public realm. vi nt in schools th f by ag growin shortage of skille d workers and rising fears about crime,safety and security
2 Mayor of London The London Plan • a fundamental and accelerating environmental imperative to use energy and resources more efficiently, mitigate the impacts of, and adapt to, climate change, value the environment and reduce harmful emissions and environmental stress • movement of people across borders, bringing with them fresh ideas, new cultures, enhanced skills and access to new markets • growth of incomes and wealth with particularly strong rising demand for leisure and tourism activities • an increase in social and economic polarisation • changes in opinion and values making people welcome diversity and be less tolerant of discrimination, misuse of resources and pollution. • the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games which will allow London to host an exemplary Olympiad, to highlight London’s unique diversity and to contribute to its development as an exemplary sustainable world city. iv The phenomenal growth in London’s finance and business services sector, which has concentrated in central London, and in population, which has increased almost throughout the city, has not been matched by sufficient investment. Housing, transport, office stock, skills and the public realm have all experienced under-investment. The benefits of economic buoyancy have not been shared between all Londoners. Most strikingly, workless Londoners account for 16 per cent of all UK worklessnessi . v The result has been: • increased difficulties in travelling around London, with heavy traffic and slow and unreliable journey times – although alleviated in central London through the introduction of the congestion charge and major expansion in bus capacity. • upward pressure on business costs • acute housing shortages resulting in rising house prices, reducing real living standards, disadvantaging people on modest and low incomes, and creating a destabilising factor in the UK macro-economy • skills gaps in some sectors, alongside social deprivation in many areas and increased economic and social polarisation • continued social exclusion and discrimination, particularly affecting minority ethnic communities • increasing pollution, damaged environments and chronic under investment generally and in particular, in the public realm. vi These problems have been paralleled by a lack of investment in schools and health facilities, by a general growing shortage of skilled workers and rising fears about crime, safety and security
The London Plan Mayor of London 3 vilhcotemixtf strengths,opporgs and con yor prepared the first strategic plan fo years.The plan addresses current problems,but aso looks to th oners in 20 viii The Mayor believes that London's future will be significantly shaped by a number of factors driving change,which are described in Chapter 1. The most significant of these,at least for a spatial development strategy, is the projected rapid growth of people and jobs,driven by powerful market and demographic forces Growth ix p-rooted 050 This plan sets out policies to accommodate that growth in a sustainable way. within London's own boundaries and without encroaching on London's own precious green spaces. x The Mayor believes that accommodating London's growth has five key implications for future policy direction. Firsroth caeher takes pla e more int e ting brownfield sites.In short-Londo must become a more compact city. xii Secondly,growth must be accommodated in ways that respect and enhance the environment by being exemplary in mitigating and adapting to climate change,and in being energy and waste efficient. xiii Thirdly,the future scale and phasing of development should be integrated with the capacity of the public transport system and accessibility of differe locat ons xiv Fourthly,this level of growth will be inhibited unless a range of supply side issues is dealt with to match the demand.These include the supply of commercial floorspace,housing,relevant skills,adequate transport and a high quality environment. xv Fifthly,clear spatial priorities are needed.Areas of London that have not benefited from recent development-notably in parts of the east- should be prioritised for future d ment.Other eas,including the Cen will also accommodate considerable growth
The London Plan Mayor of London 3 vii This was the context – a mixture of strengths, opportunities and concerns – in which the Mayor prepared the first strategic plan for Londoners in 20 years. The plan addresses current problems, but also looks to the future. viii The Mayor believes that London’s future will be significantly shaped by a number of factors driving change, which are described in Chapter 1. The most significant of these, at least for a spatial development strategy, is the projected rapid growth of people and jobs, driven by powerful market and demographic forces. Growth ix The London Plan cannot realistically reverse these strong, deep-rooted factors driving change, nor does the Mayor wish it to do so. This plan sets out policies to accommodate that growth in a sustainable way, within London’s own boundaries and without encroaching on London’s own precious green spaces. x The Mayor believes that accommodating London’s growth has five key implications for future policy direction. xi First, growth can only be accommodated without encroaching on open spaces if development takes place more intensively, leading to higher densities and plot ratios on existing brownfield sites. In short – London must become a more compact city. xii Secondly, growth must be accommodated in ways that respect and enhance the environment by being exemplary in mitigating and adapting to climate change, and in being energy and waste efficient. xiii Thirdly, the future scale and phasing of development should be integrated with the capacity of the public transport system and accessibility of different locations. xiv Fourthly, this level of growth will be inhibited unless a range of supply side issues is dealt with to match the demand. These include the supply of commercial floorspace, housing, relevant skills, adequate transport and a high quality environment. xv Fifthly, clear spatial priorities are needed. Areas of London that have not benefited from recent development – notably in parts of the east – should be prioritised for future development. Other areas, including the Central Activities Zone and town centres, will also accommodate considerable growth
4 Mayor of London The London Plar xvi for the East and South East of Englandsupport the centra message of this plan:that London must fulfil its potential as a world city in the national interest as well as that of Londoners.Accommodating the anticipated growth in London will be beneficial both to London and the rest of the UK.This plan seeks to work with the market and to address the potential supply side constraints. xvii In today's competitive world,London needs a competitive strategy supported by a ea uate public inv estme economic wth 90 he many i ces,transp the envit ent that are r the qu across London.It will provide the opportunities for Londoners to benefit from more and better jobs and from the improved standards of living that flow from them.It will also allow London to continue to make a substantial annual net contribution to the rest of the UK economy" (also see Paragraph 1.11). benefits will not flow automatically.n particular,tacklin most diff ng nge th at h faced wever n is one part t of an integrated approach by the Mayor and the GLA group,including the London Development Agency (LDA),in which tackling social and economic exclusion is a unifying theme running through all the strategies. There is also now a broad understanding of the issue across all sectors- social inclusion is central to the concept of sustainability and it is of increasing concern to the private sector.for the voluntary and community sectors.it is the core of their aspirations.in the spirit of partnership (see Cha pter 6)and with the full inv nent of all sectors,growth can e focused on tackling exclusio xix This plan does so by directing growth to where it is most needed, providing more affordable housing and promoting policies for education, health,safety,skills development and community services,as well as tackling discrimination and promoting equal access to all London's opportunities. Sustainable development xx All policies,as will be seen from Chapter 2,are set within overarching romote sustainable dev opment to tackle which together from a powerful strand running throughout the plan
4 Mayor of London The London Plan xvi Regional Planning Guidance and the emerging Regional Spatial Strategies for the East and South East of Englandii support the central message of this plan: that London must fulfil its potential as a world city in the national interest as well as that of Londoners. Accommodating the anticipated growth in London will be beneficial both to London and the rest of the UK. This plan seeks to work with the market and to address the potential supply side constraints. xvii In today’s competitive world, London needs a competitive strategy. If properly supported by adequate public investment, economic growth will help to pay for the many improvements in services, transport and the environment that are needed. It will improve the quality of life for all across London. It will provide the opportunities for Londoners to benefit from more and better jobs and from the improved standards of living that flow from them. It will also allow London to continue to make a substantial annual net contribution to the rest of the UK economyiii (also see Paragraph 1.11). Equity xviii These benefits will not flow automatically. In particular, tackling social exclusion has proved to be the most difficult challenge that has faced past regeneration initiatives. However, this plan is one part of an integrated approach by the Mayor and the GLA group, including the London Development Agency (LDA), in which tackling social and economic exclusion is a unifying theme running through all the strategies. There is also now a broad understanding of the issue across all sectors - social inclusion is central to the concept of sustainability and it is of increasing concern to the private sector. For the voluntary and community sectors, it is the core of their aspirations. In the spirit of partnership (see Chapter 6) and with the full involvement of all sectors, growth can successfully be focused on tackling exclusion. xix This plan does so by directing growth to where it is most needed, providing more affordable housing and promoting policies for education, health, safety, skills development and community services, as well as tackling discrimination and promoting equal access to all London’s opportunities. Sustainable development xx All policies, as will be seen from Chapter 2, are set within overarching policies to promote sustainable development and to tackle and adapt to climate change, which together from a powerful strand running throughout the plan
The London Plar Mayor of London xi urces inclu construction sd,energy,transport infrastructure,Wa .It me ans in turn t at open spaces,rivers and features should be protected and enhanced so that growth can benefit the city's breathing spaces.Equally the quality of the existing and new built environment will need to be enhanced,so that a more dynamic and active city can also enjoy more attractive surroundings. The mavor's vision xxii The three themes set out above,of growth,equity and sustainable them out all the May mic Develo opme ent S economic devel opment founded on investment in London's places and infrastructure,its people and enterprise,and in marketing and promoting the best of what the capital has to offer. xxiii The Transport Strategy sets out policies and proposals to improve transport in London,which is a particular 'supply side'constraint to economic growth and quality of life.The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy,the Biodiversity,Air Quality,Municipal Waste Management, Ambie Noise Ene rgy and Culture Stra seek to safe guardthe env ronme e the qu .By pulli g th ches the Londor Plan provides ne amewor olves the of London to achieve both social and environmental benefit.It is this integration of policies that creates a strategy for truly sustainable growth. xxiv This takes us back to the Mayor's vision-to develop London as an exemplary.sustainable world city.based on the three balanced and interwoven themes of strong,long-term and diverse economic growth social inclusivity and fundar tal i nts in the environ use of The vision i et ou full in the e Mayor's Intr From vision to objectives xxv So that his vision can be fully implemented and integrated across all his strategies,the Mayor has set out five common themes for each strategy to ensure that London can become:a city for people,a prosperous city, a fair city,an accessible city and a green city.In this plan,each of these themes has been developed into a specific obiective.Given the nature of the plan-which is the Mayors spatial development strategy- an additional objective about the future spatial structure of Lo ndon has been added as a for erunne to the other
The London Plan Mayor of London 5 xxi A more compact city will enable the more effective use of scarce resources, including land, energy, transport infrastructure, water and construction materials. It means in turn that open spaces, rivers and other water features should be protected and enhanced so that growth can benefit the city’s breathing spaces. Equally the quality of the existing and newbuilt environment will need to be enhanced, so that a more dynamic and active city can also enjoy more attractive surroundings. The Mayor’s vision xxii The three themes set out above, of growth, equity and sustainable development, are consistent themes throughout all the Mayor’s strategies. The Economic Development Strategy sets out the framework for sustainable economic development founded on investment in London’s places and infrastructure, its people and enterprise, and in marketing and promoting the best of what the capital has to offer. xxiii The Transport Strategy sets out policies and proposals to improve transport in London, which is a particular ‘supply side’ constraint to economic growth and quality of life. The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the Biodiversity, Air Quality, Municipal Waste Management, Ambient Noise, Energy and Culture Strategies seek to safeguard the environment and enhance the quality of life. By pulling these approaches together, the London Plan provides the framework that resolves the physical demands of integrating substantial growth within the structure of London to achieve both social and environmental benefit. It is this integration of policies that creates a strategy for truly sustainable growth. xxiv This takes us back to the Mayor’s vision – to develop London as an exemplary, sustainable world city, based on the three balanced and interwoven themes of strong, long-term and diverse economic growth, social inclusivity and fundamental improvements in the environment and use of resources. The vision is set out in full in the Mayor’s Introduction. From vision to objectives xxv So that his vision can be fully implemented and integrated across all his strategies, the Mayor has set out five common themes for each strategy to ensure that London can become: a city for people, a prosperous city, a fair city, an accessible city and a green city. In this plan, each of these themes has been developed into a specific objective. Given the nature of the plan – which is the Mayor’s spatial development strategy – an additional objective about the future spatial structure of London has been added as a forerunner to the others