Night time economy
Sadiq Khan has launched a night-time economy taskforce following the departure in October 2024 of night czar Amy Lamé, after half of nightclubs closed during her eight years in the rôle. The Assembly has produced eighteen recommendations here for the night-time economy of which one is a voluntary levy on arena and stadium tickets to support grassroots music venues.
Inflation Rates
The CPI has just been published, and the usual nonsense about “inflation going up” has followed. In twelve months the index has risen from 131.5 to 135.4, i.e. 3% up from 2.5% last month.
However, the index in December 2023 was 132.2 and the 2.5% took it to 135.6 last month. If this increase of 3.4 points were evenly spread over the year, that would be 0.28 per month and if we add that to the December 2023 figure we get 132.48. … Read more...
Friary Park update
Residents in LB Ealing are opposed to development of an area called Friary Park because buildings are excessively tall, contrary to borough planning policies, and are being sold off-plan in other countries. An earlier video on this was posted here.
It has now emerged that the developer has amended their plans, resulting in significant reduction in the provision of the number of social housing homes. A second video has been produced by local people with an appeal to their Council not to let it happen.… Read more...
Grey Belt clarification
Following Peers’ inquiry into Labour’s ‘Grey Belt’ proposals, Lord Moylan wrote to Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP with sixteen questions. He commented “Our assessment is that the grey belt policy has been implemented in a somewhat rushed and incoherent manner. It is unlikely to have any significant or lasting impact on . . . achieving your target of 1.5 million new homes.” He pointed to a lack of a “sustainable location” definition.
Land use
The Government is consulting until 25th April 2025 for preparation of a Land Use Framework creating a toolkit to support decision making, “with England now one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.”
Funding for Local Plan delivery
The Government has announced new funding for preparation of Local Plans. Eligible local authorities are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 28 February 2025 to request a share of this funding. The eligibility criteria are set out here.
Blue roofs
Susdrain has produced Blue Roofs – A Guide to Implementation (C817D), a resource providing insights to help implementation of effective blue roof systems. There are many case studies and guidance documents for sustainable urban drainage on the Susdrain web site.
LB Ealing’s use of AI
The Prime Minister held a reception at Downing Street for staff and Councillors of Ealing borough to celebrate their successful use of AI to help the Council’s adult social services team spend more time with the people it helps by slashing the amount of time staff spent on paperwork. See here.
Tall Building evidence
The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee is investigating homes in London’s tall buildings and the impact of these buildings on the health and safety of residents. The Call for Evidence can be found here. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 4 March 2025.
Green spaces network
London Forum’s member societies are recommended to subscribe for updates by GoParksLondon and the London Friends of Green Spaces Network. There are some grants available and advice notes.
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Response to New Towns Draft Programme Consultation
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A lithium-ion battery fire every five hours
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Planning, Environment and Transport committee meeting
📅 Thu 11th June | 14:00 - 16:00
🚩 Room B1 70 Cowcross St, EC1M 6EJ (map)
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How Effective is Planning Enforcement ?
📆 Mon 29th June | 18:30 - 20:30
🚩 77 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EL (map)
How can we make it work better? Planning enforcement is important. Unless it’s done effectively, the integrity of the whole planning system is put at risk. But it’s one of the most frustrating issues for civic societies and local community groups. We’ll discuss this and related issues at this Open Meeting on 29th June. Please book here Cases typically range from: Large developments that grossly fail to meet planning conditions or even submitted drawings and plans; Illegal demolitions; Unauthorised residential alterations and extensions; Additional floors built on top of blocks of flats;…