New LPA retrofit report calls for planning changes to drive net zero & economic growth
Read the latest instalment of our Retrofit First, Not Retrofit Only series of papers, examining the need for clearer national guidance to help local councils make informed and balanced decisions around future development.
Our report warns that without further clarity around difficult decisions on schemes where there is an element of demolition, the industry’s efforts to decarbonise its buildings will be held back and put future investment and growth at risk.
In partnership with our report author Savills, we set out four key recommendations which we will be submitting to Government as part of its upcoming consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
We have engaged closely with senior planners across London boroughs, the GLA and MHCLG on our findings before issuing publicly, with our recommendations endorsed by the Planning Officers’ Society which represents 2,000 planners working across 80% of local authorities in England.
Its Immediate Past President Rob Bristow, the Director of Climate, Planning and Transport at London Borough of Lambeth, said our“easily implementable amendments” would “help planners, elected members, applicants and communities to better understand and assess the merits of development”.
In the report’s foreword Liz Peace CBEcited the controversy around M&S’s flagship Oxford Street store and other high profile redevelopments as symptomatic of the gaps in policy, and said changes would enable the public and private sector to “get on with producing a built environment that is fit for the future”. Read more here.
Photo left to right: WPA Chair Marcus Geddes (Landsec). Olivia Harris (WPA Board & Dolphin Living), Claire Outram (CPA Board & Brookfield Properties), Alexander Jan (LPA) and Lisa Fairmaner (GLA).
Last month over 160 London Property Alliance members and stakeholders attended an exclusive breakfast seminar to launch our recent Good Growth in Central Londonreport.
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, GLA and author of the report foreword delivered a keynote address to guests which was followed by a panel discussion focusing on its findings.
Produced in collaboration with Arup, the report explores future economic growth in the Central Activities Zone (CAZ), finding that a balanced approach to planning policy could unlock a £101bn boost for the national economy and hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
Our Southwark in focus seminar earlier this week, hosted at the newly refurbished Friars Yard, examined the borough’s rapid rise in development and investment. The London Borough of Southwark granted the second highest volume of major office floorspace in central London between January 2023 and May 2024 – approx. 2.5m sq ft.
Organised by our CPA NextGen Committee, the event featured a market update from Ben Fisher (Managing Partner, USP.London), followed by a panel discussion chaired by Sophie Morgan (Senior Development Manager, Landsec) and including Emma Cariaga (Joint Head of Canada Water & Head of Residential, British Land), Nic Durston (Chief Executive, South Bank Employers’ Group),Ben Fisher and Neil Kirby (Head of Sustainable Growth, London Borough of Southwark). Read more on the event here.
The Alliance has welcomed the Government’s commitment to ‘Get Britain Building’ and accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure as set out in the King’s Speech. A growth-focused approach to planning has a key role to play in supporting the Government’s ambition to kickstart economic growth, something the Alliance called for in our recent Manifesto for Growth.
Read the full manifesto and our four key asks here.
NPPF consultation expected imminently
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that the Government will consult on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), with the proposed revisions set to be announced before Parliament rises for recess next week.
Our most recent London Leaders interviewee, Lord Peter Hendy,has been appointed Rail Minister at the Department for Transport after spending almost a decade as Chair of Network Rail. In the interview conducted before his appointment, Lord Hendy discusses his stellar five-decade career, redevelopment plans for major London stations and his views on what the Government approach on transport investment needs to be.
Richard Olszewski to become new leader of Camden Council
Cllr Olszewski previously held the role of Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living and replaces Georgia Gould who has been elected as MP for Queens Park and Maida Vale. Find out more here.
Danny Beales, former Cabinet Member for Homes, Jobs and Community Investment, was also elected to Parliament, with his replacement expected to be confirmed by Cllr Olszewski in the coming days.
London Councils' new chair announced
Cllr Claire Holland has been elected as Chair of London Councils, replacing Georgia Gould. Cllr Holland has been the Leader of Lambeth Council since 2021 and the Deputy Chair of London Councils since 2019. Find out more here and read our London Leaders interview with Cllr Holland here.
Camden consults on EAP and pedestrianising Camden
Camden Council has launched a consultation on an updated Euston Area Plan (EAP) following last year's confirmation that HS2 will come to Euston. The EAP is a long-term planning framework to guide change in the area, focussing on the redevelopment of Euston station. Submit your thoughts before 8 September here.
The Council is also asking residents, workers, business owners and visitors for their views on plans to pedestrianise Camden High Street. If approved, an initial 18-month trial period would be launched from the end of the year or from early 2025. Submit your thoughts before 30 Augusthere.
Partner events and resources
Lunch and Learn: How to Get Started on Your Net Zero Journey
Heart of the City is hosting an online workshop to provide SMEs with help and advice on reducing their carbon emissions.
This annual event brings together industry leaders, policy makers and trailblazers to share latest thinking and help drive equitable and sustainable investment and development across the city.
The focus for LREF 2024 is Reimagine, where the industry will be challenged to look at new models for funding, delivery and management to support the key challenges of our times.
As a key partner to LREF we are able to offer WPA and CPA members £100 off ticket prices using the code: LPALREF
This Movers & Shakers breakfast, held in association with LPA and featuring WPA Chair Marcus Geddes (Managing Director, Workplace, Landsec), will bring together leaders and influencers in the real estate industry to discuss the changing trends in office working and the new parameters that developers and investors now have to contend with.
Did you know we monitor key planning committee decisions by all central London boroughs? Our comprehensive database of news and decisions stretches back 6+ years. Take a look here.
London Property Alliance, 10 Bloomsbury Way, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 2SL
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