08 Oct West London Planners Preparing For Change

The Government is consulting on its proposals for the biggest changes to the planning system in seventy years – and West London boroughs are preparing for change.

These include a new approach to local plans based on zoning land according to the scale of development that could take place, with policies shown on maps and more accessible digitally. The principle of development would be established in the plan, rather than through individual planning applications. Design codes dawn up by boroughs would help ensure high quality, well-designed development. There would be wider use of technology to enable local people to engage with the planning process. The Community Infrastructure Levy and section 106 contributions used at the moment to fund infrastructure and affordable housing would be replaced by a new Infrastructure Levy. These changes are intended to make the planning system simpler, quicker, more certain and accessible.

The WLA’s planning officer networks are preparing a detailed response to the proposals. There are important areas the proposals don’t address, including the future of London’s unique system including the Mayor’s London Plan. In other areas, like the proposed Infrastructure Levy, there are important practical details needing to be resolved. Our networks bring together officers with decades of experience who will be keen to engage with Government in devising a new system. In particular it will be vital to make proper arrangements for the transition to a new system – and to ensure planning departments have the resources they need for major change.
West London boroughs are also preparing themselves for a new approach. Zoning is new to most planners trained in the UK and we have held a teach-in for officers, with speakers from New York City and Queensland (Australia) where zoning systems are used.

Debate about the Government’s proposals is just beginning and there will be plenty to discuss and decide before legislation is introduced and a new system put in place. West London has a great track record of planning for sustainable, inclusive growth to deliver great places – and will ensure that whatever changes are made to the system this will continue.

Find out more about the WLA’s infrastructure programme or contact Andrew Barry-Purssell, WLA Planning and Infrastructure Lead, for any specific queries.