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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.
Read about the project here.
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.
Views are sought up to the end of 31st March 2026.
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.
Opinion is divided on the efficacy [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 [more…]
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 [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.
ESSA Introduction & Retrofit Guides
Our new member ESSA (The Edwardes Square Scarsdale and Abingdon Association) has written an introduction to their work in the attached pdf document.
We’ve added links to their professionally produced and comprehensive retrofitting guides on the new Resources page. Their guides focus separately on typical Victorian, mansion block and modern buildings in London. We’ve also posted links to the Bedford Park Society’s timely Energy Guide which addresses some of the same areas (mentioned in member news last month), and while on the topic of keeping this week’s [more…]
Overground improvements
In the website here it is reported that the Overground operates as a concession, in which TfL sets fares, procures rolling stock, and decides service levels. Next May, it will be managed by First Rail London (FRLL), a subsidiary of FirstGroup PLC.
From then, there will be extra peak-time trains on the Mildmay line, with shuttle services between Clapham Junction and Shepherd’s Bush during peak hours.
From December 2026, the Windrush line services through the core section will increase to 18 trains per hour.
Neighbourhood planning support
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) can claim grants for the costs they incur in meeting their neighbourhood planning duties in 2025-26 (as introduced by the Localism Act 2011).
The window for completing and certifying claim forms is open until Friday 6 March 2026 and details are here.
For Neighbourhood plans not yet made, LPAs can claim £20,000 from when they issue a decision statement detailing their intention to send the plan to referendum. They can claim £5,000 for each of the first 5 neighbourhood forums they designate.
Extra Council Tax
The Government has allowed some Councils in London to impose larger council tax increases after reducing their share of government funding.
Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Wandsworth, Westminster and the City of London will be allowed to raise rates by more than 5% for two years without local people having to approve.
The tables setting out the allocations to each council are accessible via this link.
Nature Restoration Fund
The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) is part of Part 3 the Planning and Infrastructure Act. It provides for Natural England to submit draft Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) to the Secretary of State. If the EDP is approved, this will allow developers to discharge their relevant responsibilities by paying a levy to meet environmental responsibilities relating to certain protected sites and species.
The Government has published a policy paper on implementing the NRF and DEFRA has issued a blog about it for [more…]
CBE for Tony Travers
Tony Travers, Visiting Professor in the LSE Department of Government, Associate Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy, Director of LSE London and Patron of London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies was awarded in the King’s New Year Honours a CBE for Services to Economics and to Public Service.
Congratulations to Tony for this well deserved honour.
You can book for our open meeting on 29th January to hear Tony’s comments on ‘Densifying the suburbs’.