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Design assessments
Urban Design Learning (UDL) has made available here past videos of its examinations of the design aspects of developments across London which affect the public realm.
Some may be of interest to London Forum members.
![Pavement Parking [photo: gov.uk]](https://i0.wp.com/www.londonforum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/s300_pavement-park.jpg?fit=300%2C195&ssl=1)
Pavement parking
There was a consultation on this subject, as the Government is taking forward a new approach to pavement parking for decisions being made closer to the communities affected.
The Government issued its interim proposals on the points made in 15,381 responses. It promises to bring forward a regulatory framework which is national in scope and local in implementation. The issue of rental e-bikes blocking pavements needs to be addressed as they cause an unnecessary obstruction of the pavement and restrict the movement of disabled pedestrians.
Managing consultation responses
LB Hounslow and Chesterfield BC tested new digital tools for managing consultation responses.
- Outcome: Hounslow reduced the time and cost of processing responses and improved consistency across consultations which freed up officer time for engagement and plan making.
- Scale and approach: Pilot project delivered by planning teams from both councils working jointly with an external supplier and supported by service designers.
- Technology used: The councils worked with Urban Intelligence to develop and test new response management features within the existing PlaceMaker platform.
Details are here.
Statutory Consultees – consultation response
London Forum has responded as here to this consultation.
It is to be hoped important statutory consultees will be retained and that those consulted will respond quickly and fully to enable changes or prompt decisions within the time allowed. It is important they all receive funding sufficient to meet their statutory obligations.
TfL’s as a consultee is of critical importance.
If Historic England’s role is to be reduced, it must be ensured that LPAs are adequately resourced to fill the gap.
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.