The RICS is calling on London Mayor Ken Livingstone to include key elements of its transport strategy in the London Plan.
In its response to the draft version of the Plan, which is now out for consultation, the institution urges the Greater London Authority to adopt its “Transport Development Areas” (TDA) strategy as the basis for development across the capital. The RICS strategy would introduce a hierarchical framework of TDAs across Greater London where development is to be encouraged.
The Mayor’s draft London Plan proposes four broad “Areas of Change”: Thames Gateway, Wandle Valley, Lee Valley and the Western Wedge (the Plan’s terms for west London).
The RICS argues that, with the exception of the Western Wedge, there may not be sufficient market interest in these areas. The institution recommends increased investment in local transport to boost market demand.
Tim Wacher, Chairman of the RICS Greater London Group, said: “We would like to see our TDA approach adopted as the framework for development in London. This would help to maintain a strong central area, but also contribute to creating a polycentric city to boost the town centres around outer London, such as Woolwich, Ealing or Stratford, as well as sustainable development around new lines such as CrossRail.”
The 28-page response also criticized the Mayor’s proposed solution to the housing shortage, which recommends borough-by-borough blanket targets, almost entirely funded by the private sector through planning gain.
Peter Bennett, chairman of the RICS London regional board, said: “We agree that the development industry can make a contribution to solving this crisis, but it cannot do it alone. The 50% targets for affordable housing on new developments may prove to be counter productive. There should be targets, but they should be more focused, with different percentage targets in different areas reflecting local needs and comparative land values and property prices.”
He acknowledged that “radical decisions on land use and massive increases in public funding” will be needed to solve the city’s housing crisis.
The response also recommends that the final draft of the London Plan includes a strict Code of Practice for planning applications which ensures consistency in GLA decisions .
It advocates “London-wide strategic grounds” for decisions made by the Mayor, and states that “judgments on the grounds of aesthetics, which are subjective and difficult to justify”, such as the Mayor’s blocking of the Frogmore development at Westminster Bridge, SW1, should be “carefully considered”.
EGi News 01/08/01
