Planning in London

LONDON PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT FORUM
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Minutes of the Meeting of the Forum held on Thursday 11th September 2008 between 2.30 and 5.30

at the City of Westminster Archives Centre, 10 St Ann's Street, London, SW1P 2DE. Our host was Mark Southgate.

Attendance: Brian Waters: Chairman, Alastair Gaskin: Reagh Consulting, Honorary Treasurer, Andy Rogers: Association of Consultant Architects, Brian Salmon: The Berkeley Group PLC, Charlotte Amor: Environment Agency, Lynda Addison: Addison and Associates, Mark Southgate: Environment Agency, Michael Schabas: Michael Schabas, Nusrat Gilani: London Civic Forum,, Patrick Sullivan: HTA Architects, Peter Eversden: London Forum, Peter Vardigants: Vista Capital Limited, Ron Heath: RIBA Urbanism and Planning Group, Satwant Pryce: L.B. Waltham Forest, Tim Wacher: RICS, Tom Ball: London Forum, Tuan Nguyen: Landscape Institute London Group, Drummond Robson: Honorary Secretary and Robson Planning

Introductions and Apologies. The Chairman thanked Mark Southgate as host and wished him every success in his forthcoming new post as Director of Casework at The Planning Inspectorate. Charlotte Amor was welcomed as replacing Zoë Cooper who has returned to New Zealand. The following sent apologies: Brian Whiteley: LB Waltham Forest, Duncan Bowie: London Metropolitan University, George Stowell: RIBA, Michael Coupe: London Society and Coupe Planning, Kay Powell: National Planning and Development Forum, Pat Thomas: Planning Lawyer, Riette Oosterhuizen, HTA.

Discussion Topic 1 The CLG review of planning applications (Brian Waters).

Brian Waters explained that Graham Davis – in charge of the 1APP/Validations review at CLG said there would be a quick review of the operation of the new application procedures, which did not suggest the time needed for reappraisal that is really required. A small group had been appointed to consider the issues consisting or 2 Civil servants and Consulatants Addison and Associates, Arups and Tony Thompson representing the Killian Pretty Review appointed by three Secretaries of State.

DOWNLOAD FULL MINUTES AS A WORD FILE HERE

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Minutes of the Meeting of the Forum held on Monday 10th March 2008 between 2.30 and 5.30

at RIBA London, at 77 (not 66) Portland Place for the afternoon of Tuesday 10th June 2008 between 2.30 and 5.30pm. Our host was Miranda Houston.

Discussion Topic: London plan policies and their effects under Mayor Boris Johnson.

Download full minutes as .Word file here

ATTENDANCE: Brian Waters: Chairman, Alastair Gaskin: Reagh Consulting, Honorary Treasurer, Alex Ferris: LASE (Now Landscape Institute London), Andrew Martin: Andrew Martin Associates, Brian Salmon: The Berkeley Group PLC, Brian Whiteley: RTPI and L. B. Waltham Forest, David Eversden: London Forum, David Lewis: London Forum, Duncan Bowie: London Metropolitan University, Esther Kurland: Urban Design London, Giles Dolphin: GLAGraham Saunders: English Heritage, Jack Hayes: Environment Agency, Lee Mallett: Regeneration and Communication, Michael Bach: London Forum, Michael Coupe: London Society and Coupe Planning, Neil Wilson: RIBA London LUPG, Ron Heath: RIBA Urbanism and Planning Group, Stephen Gleave: Taylor Young – Planning + Architecture, Tim Wacher: RICS, Tom Ball: London Forum, Drummond Robson: Honorary Secretary and Robson Planning

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Minutes of the Meeting of the Forum held on Monday 10th March 2008 between 2.30 and 5.30

at Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, More London, SE1 2AA. Our host was Giles Dolphin

Download full illustrated minutes as .Word file here

Attendance: Brian Waters: Chairman Andrew Rogers: Association of Consultant Architects, Bob Dolata: L.B.Hackney, Brian Whiteley: RTPI and L. B. Waltham Forest, Duncan Bowie : London Metropolitan University, Michael Coupe: London Society and Coupe Planning, Michael Chang: TCPA, Michael Kiely: ALBPO and L.B. Tower Hamlet, Neil Wilson: RIBA London LUPG, Riette Oosthuizen: Head of Planning HTA, Roger Chapman: GOL, Ron Heath: RIBA Urbanism and Planning Group, Tim Wacher: RICS, Tom Ball: London Forum, Drummond Robson: Honorary Secretary and Robson Plannin
Introductions and Apologies.

The Chairman thanked Giles Dolphin for resolving conference room facilities at short notice to enable proceedings to take place. Apologies were received from Alastair Gaskin: Reagh Consulting, Judith Ryser: Isocarp/UGb/Cityscope Europe, Kay Powell: National Planning Forum, Leonora Rozee: Planning Inspectorate, Zoë Cooper: Environment Agency.

2.Discussion Topic 1. Validation of Applications Guidance to Local Planning Authorities due to be introduced through secondary legislation on 6th April 2008, as well as the proposed new application form APP1. (In practice this topic followed the second Discussion Topic).

This item was Introduced by Mike Kiely of Tower Hamlets ALBPO Chair of the Implementation Committee and representative of the Development Managers’ Group. “Local planning authorities will be required to allow applications on the Standard Application Form from 6th April 2008 when its use will become mandatory. However, until 6th May 2008 local planning authorities will accept applications both on the Standard Application Form and on their own forms” Communities and Local Government Circular 02/2008. MK said that the form will be all things to all people, whether you are applying for a new use as a Pizzeria, a rural scheme, minerals or Terminal 5 it is the same form. He considered the form to be too long. It may be completed on line (Although as it was pointed out this aspiration may be frustrated by the inability of public bodies to handle plans electronically and so could be self defeating). In paper form it is “a nonsense” since it must cover up to 26 variations even if not all have to be answered. It is introduced by The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (England) Order 2008 which was published in February.

The situation is likely, said MK, to result in greater transaction costs and applications may be technically validated but with key bits missing. It requires a fundamental review even before it is introduced! Only two things are really required:

1. An expanded form of the Design and Access Statement to include proper planning analysis (This could be as a Planning, Design and Access Statement which is often what in practice is produced. - DR).

2.The other document should be an impact assessment which can cover the matters which are clearly relevant to a particular case. The 1APP arrangement does not provide a clear message and runs the risk of Judicial Review. It should be kept simple and clear.

Brian Waters opened discussion by confirming that this was a clear case of both applicants and Councils saying the same thing – that the objective is to simplify planning, whereas this will further complicate it. The impact will be uneven.

This is accretional tinkering with the system. What is needed is to be much braver to provide a different consent regime based on a single development application, supported by the necessary changes to legislation and policy material.

(Cf Design and Consents Review http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/322859).

Michael Coupe added furthermore that a bill is proposed for the Spring to unify the differently worded ownership requirements of local authority applications and those proposed by the State.

Graham Davis (CLG) had insisted that there should be 2 lists – a national list and a closed local list (as opposed to a local - open ended - supplement).

DR reminded the Forum of the principles of validation as set out in the legislation, now slightly amended, which for validation only requires sufficient to describe the scheme, leaving other material to be supplied once the clock has stared ticking. This fundamental is almost universally ignored by planning authorities and needs to be revived to avoid excessive unjustified demands on applicants.

Brian Waters and Mike Kiely agreed that representations should be made to the Department about the unrealism of the adopted regime now to be introduced and to urge that it be deferred to avoid further delay to the administration of applications and their determination.*

3. Discussion Topic 2Review of delivery of the Mayor's strategic planning policies for housing. This item was introduced by Duncan Bowie, Reader in Urban Planning and Regeneration at London Metropolitan University.

The illustrated talk was entitled Housing Targets and Outputs in London. DB was concerned about the basis of the GLA’s formally adopted density matrix with excessive emphasis on maximising output based on demand rather than need. This is now revised in the recently altered London Plan.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER AT RIBA, 2.30pm.

Download full illustrated minutes here as .doc file

AGENDA: Discussion topics:
• Review of Government Planning taking account of Kate Barker Barker's Review of Land Use Planning and Householder Development Consents Review which focuses on the link between planning and economic growth. Speakers to be agreed. (Tony Thompson of DCLG invited).

• The Economics of Climate Change. Sir Nicholas Stern’s Review, (also commissioned by the Treasury) is looking at the medium to long term economic implications of climate change and assesses approaches to tackle the issue. It is due to be issued before the meeting.1. Introductions and Apologies; New Membership.

The Chairman thanked Miranda Housden and RIBA for arranging and hosting the event. Apologies were received from Sebastian Catovsky, who nevertheless sent his presentation and speaking notes, Alastair Gaskin, Bob Dolata, Gideon Amos, Michael Bach, Michael Edwards, and Stephen Robinson RICS. Tim Wacher explained that this was his last formal meeting as RICS representative and that Michael Edwards would attend in this capacity in future. The Chairman and meeting thanked Tim as a long standing contributor to the Forum and hoped that he would continue to attend anyway, which Tim accepted. The Chairman also said that Michael Edwards was an academic representative of RICS who also attended representing UCL so that he hoped RICS could also offer attendance from a practitioner, which Tim agreed to pursue. Martin Simmons said that Deborah Ganley: London Councils had asked to attend future meetings.

Adam Cook, Chair of Landscape Architecture SE(LASE) described the growing relationship of interrelationships between landscape and the built environment and said his membership was increasingly aware of the need to develop links with planning. At the end of the meeting having heard the discussion he and the Forum were glad to welcome LASE as a new member. The two discussion topics were taken in reverse order.

2. Discussion Topic The Economics of Climate Change.

The Chairman explained that Dr. Sebastian Catovsky, a member of the Stern Review Group, had had to withdraw at the last minute but had sent his presentation which was displayed to the meeting for the quietest session in the Forum’s history while the arguments were read by those attending.

What is the purpose of our Review? It is about the economics of climate change, taking the science as the starting point.

Climate change is an externality with a difference:

Global
Long-term
Uncertain
Potentially large and irreversible

The economics is driven by the science. Science tells us that effects of green house gas emissions generate damage (an externality) which is global, long-term, uncertain and potentially very large. This is market failure on greatest scale the world has seen.

Part 1 of the Review sets out the foundations of the economics and the science.

Stabilisation and Commitment to Warming..... continues with illustrations: download Word file.

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Previous minutes:
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 19th SEPTEMBER AT 2.30PM AT CABE (COMMISSION FOR ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT) COMMITTEE ROOMS 2 AND 3, AT 1 KEMBLE STREET LONDON, WC2B 4AN BETWEEN 2.30 AND 5.30.

intro follows. Download full illustrated minutes here as .pdf file

1. Introductions and Apologies

The Chairman invited those present to introduce themselves. He thanked Esther Kurland on behalf of CABE for hosting the event and agreeing to speak. The Chairman also said that Nigel Pallace, who had provided valuable contributions to Forum debates was now promoted to a new job. He has passd on the Forum’s good wishes and thanks. Bob Dolata from Hackney currently represents ALBPO at the meeting. Apologies were received from Gideon Amos (TCPA), Alan Byrne (EH), Pat Thomas (Planning Lawyer), Brian Whiteley on behalf of RTPI RAC and Martin Simmons acting on behalf of ALG. (Two others from ALG - Deborah Ganley and Damian Price expressed interest in attending).

2. Discussion Topic 1: Design and access statements: How to write them and how to read them – presentation of CABE guidance by Esther Kurland followed by discussion.

Folowing the Chairman’s welcome Esther Kurland from CABE Urban Design London, currently on secondment to TfL who gave a presentation “How to write Urban Design Statements” based on material to be found on the CABE website at

http://www.rudi.net/files/How%20to%20write%20statments%20June%202006.pptOther useful associated websites are Urban Design London http://www.urbandesignlondon.com/ and Urban Design reading List for Councillors

http://www.rudi.net/files/Councillors%20reading%20list.doc

The determining source for Design Statements is Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (England) Order 2006.The talk covered the relationship between Design and Planning and sought to answer

What are statements, Reading tips, Writing tips and A made up statement

EK quoted Lord Rooker, Planning Minister, House of Lords, Jan 04 ‘If we deliver poor design, we know that we will not deliver sustainable development’ and ‘All involved in planning must workto achieve sustainable development’ derived from the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. This Act sets the processes and procedures for Planning. It is the PPSs and PPGs that set the policy content and direction. General points, in summary they say:

Design Matters
Design cuts across planning policy areas
Design is about how places work
Impossible to separate planning and design

Key PPS1 policy tests:

Refuse designs that don’t take advantage of opportunities for improvement - positively make places better for people.
This should be the aim of all involved.
LPAs should have robust, positive design policies based on local character and objectives.
Have regard to ‘By Design’ (CABE. 2000) http://www.cabe.org.uk/AssetLibrary/1818.pdf

Good Design should:

Address the connections between people, places and access to jobs and services
Integrate development into the existing natural and built environment and reinforce local distinctiveness
Be an important part of providing successful, safe and inclusive places
Create places everyone can use and enjoy
Consider impacts on the natural environment

The appraiser should ask “is the design good enough to approve?” rather than “is it bad enough to refuse?”

The Good, the Bad, the OK?

PPG1 said refuse bad design
CABE’s 2004 Housing Audits found 61% of new homes in the South East were mediocre and 17% were good
The 2005 Audit showed that 70% of homes in the North were mediocre and only 6% were good
Now PPS1 is saying only approve good design
What will the audit in 5 years find? Design at a Glance Gives up to date information on national design policy This doc is available from Cabe.

Principles of Good Design

Character: should have its own identity

Continuity and enclosure: public and private should be clearly distinguished

Quality of public spaces: should have attractive and successful outdoor areas
Ease of movement: easy for everyone to get to and move through
Legibility: has a clear image and be easy to understand
Adaptability: able to change easily
Diversity: values difference
Inclusivity: for everyone, without special treatment

CONTINUES ON ATTACHED WORD DOC WITH ILLUISTRATIONS

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 26 TH JUNE AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON (JEREMY BENTHAM ROOM) BETWEEN 2.30 AND 5.30 .

Attendance: Brian Waters - Chairman

Alan Byrne: English Heritage

Alastair Gaskin: Reah Consulting Ltd

Andrew Rogers: Association of Consultant Architects

Bob Dolata: L.B. Hackney

Bruno Moore: Audit Commission

Debbie McMullen: GLA

Joanne Fox: Planning Aid for London

Judith Ryser:

Lee Mallett: Regeneration and Communication/PiL

Martin Simmons: for ALG

Meeta Kaur: S.J.Berwin

Michael Bach: London Forum

Michael Edwards: UCL

Peter Eversden: London Forum

Sir Peter Hall: UCL

Suzanne McGuire: UCL

Tim Wacher: RICS

Tom Ball: London Forum

Stephan von Roon: UCL/Tishman Speyer

Nikos Karadimitriou: UCL

Jales Tippell: for Planning Officers Society

Oliver Pohlisch (Swiss Planner)

Angelus Eisinger (Swiss Planner)

Andre Bideau (Swiss Planner)

1. Introductions and Apologies

The Chairman welcomed the speakers including Bruno Moore, Sir Peter Hall, Michael Edwards and Martin Simmons, thanked UCL as hosts and invited representatives to introduce themselves. Apologies were received from Nicky Gavron (Deputy Mayor) who is abroad, Giles Dolphin (GLA), John Lett (GLA), Kay Powell (National Planning and Development Forum), Leonora Rozee (Planning Inspectorate), Roger Chapman (GOL) and Pat Thomas who is shortly to leave S.J.Berwin but wishes to continue to attend.

The Forum learned with sadness of the death of Geoff Marsh.

Download full [extensive] minutes here as a Word .doc. Also see feature in October PiL No. 59

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 March 2006 at City Hall. For Drummond Robson's full and extensive minute please download the .pdf

FOR PREVIOUS MINUTES CLICK HERE