Clarifying design codes
LB Hounslow carried out a pilot to test an interactive map-based tool for presenting its 700-page character and design code.
- Outcome: The council made the design code easier to explore by breaking it into themed journeys and interactive maps.
- Scale and approach: Pilot project was delivered with support from communications and digital colleagues.
- Technology used: The council worked with Urban Intelligence to develop and test the Local Plan Maker tool, which combined maps, images, story-based journeys and embedded consultation features.
Road Safety Strategy
The Government issued consultations on Proposed Changes to Penalties for Motoring Offences, on Improving Moped and Motorcycle Training, Testing and Licensing, on Introducing a Minimum Learning Period for Learner Drivers and on a Road Safety Strategy.
The blood-alcohol limit is proposed to be reduced from 80mg per 100ml to 50mg (20mg for new drivers) as in Scotland. This is said to be equal to roughly a small glass of beer or of wine.… Read more...
Oxford Street pedestrianisation
Consultation on this subject closes on January 22nd, as here.
Neither of the two remaining diverted bus routes near to Oxford Street reach Regent Street, so we oppose the proposed curtailment of the 24-hour 94 bus service at Marble Arch. It would reduce options for travelling home after late night visits to the West End when Underground services finish.
Members can make views known to the Mayor here, including for the 94 buses to be routed via Wigmore street.… Read more...
Business Rates relief
The 2026 Supporting Small Business Relief (SSBR) scheme will cap bill increases at £800 per year or the relevant caps within transitional relief (whichever is the greatest) for any business losing eligibility for certain reliefs, including Small Business Rate Relief and 40% Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief at the 2026 revaluation.
The Government has issued guidance on Small Business Rates Relief.
For 2026/27 to 2028/29, the Government will reimburse local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, to grant 2026 SSBR.
Planning reform 2026
In a statement to Parliament, Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State MHCLG described the intentions of the Government to introduce twelve new policies in 2026 “to boost housing supply and unlock economic growth in the years ahead”.
He summarised actions taken in 2025, including publication of a draft replacement National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) on which a consultation runs until 10th March 2026, as reported in an update of 18th December 2025.
London Forum’s members should consider the proposed new NPPF and send us comments.… Read more...
Contesting land or property
If you believe land or property is not needed and could be put to better economic use, then you can raise a challenge by submitting a Right to Contest application.
The application process has two strands:
- Strand 1: land owned by a central Government department and their arms length bodies
- Strand 2: land owned by a local authority or certain other public bodies
You’ll need to contact the relevant organisation when submitting the form. Details are on the application form.
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Clarifying design codes
![Statutory consultees jigsaw - inspired by image by Markus Winkler [Unsplash] and made with AI](https://i0.wp.com/www.londonforum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Statutory_consultees.jpg?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1)
Statutory Consultees
Statutory consultees play an important role in the planning application process by providing expert advice on significant environmental, transport, safety, and heritage issues. There are currently 13 organisations that local planning authorities (LPAs) must consult about specialist issues when they receive relevant planning applications, from the Environment Agency and National Highways to Historic England.
Their role is very important, but there is widespread agreement that the system is not working well, causing needless duplication of effort and delays in making decisions.… Read more...
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Densifying the suburbs
📆 Thu 29th January | 18:30 - 20:30
🚩 77 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EL (map)
The next London Plan, with its much higher housing targets, will increase the pressure for higher densities in the suburbs. It could guide high-density housing / mixed-use development to high accessibility locations. The shape of the new strategy will be a key issue for the new London Plan. We’ll discuss these and related issues at this Open Meeting on 29th January – please book here ( https://www.londonforum.org.uk/events/densifying-the-suburbs/?occurrence=2026-01-29#booking ) Issues What is the vision? What should the strategy be? (Speaker: Prof. Tony Travers), and What would be needed to…
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Member Services Committee meeting
📅 Thu 5th February | 14:00 - 16:00
🚩 Room B1 70 Cowcross St, EC1M 6EJ (map)
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Planning, Environment and Transport committee meeting
📅 Thu 12th February | 14:00 - 16:00
🚩 Room B1 70 Cowcross St, EC1M 6EJ (map)