What exactly is the London Plan?

It’s a strategic planning document initially established by the Greater London Council to deliver sustainable developments for our capital city.

Strategic planning in London is the shared responsibility of the London Mayor, the 32 London Boroughs and the Corporation of the City of London, with the Mayor producing what’s known as a strategic development strategy.  This is now known as the London Plan.

As it focuses wholly on London, its targets are specifically designed for achieving sustainable developments and a healthy economy, differing from other schemes in place across the country. 

What targets has the London Plan set?

From a sustainability perspective, the London Plan has responsibility for setting its own targets regarding energy efficiency.

In 2015 the directive towards producing zero carbon homes was abolished by David Cameron’s government.  This was a national initiative put in place by the Conservative / Liberal coalition.

As stated, the London Plan was permitted to set its own targets and by April 2017 all new residential developments containing more than ten individual units were expected to be zero carbon.

Commercial buildings are expected to have a 35 per cent reduction. This figure far exceeds that being set by other local authorities across the country.

Would you expect that this extra commitment towards energy infrastructure and efficiency – as demonstrated within the London Plan – will eventually be adopted throughout the country?

Traditionally, sustainability policies established within the London Plan have led the way in terms of nationwide adoption.

The Merton Rule is an example of this.

In 2003 the London Borough of Merton established a planning policy requiring new commercial properties over 1000 sq.m to generate at least 10 per cent of their energy needs using on site renewable energy systems.

This policy was put in place to reduce CO2 emissions in the built environment and serves as a cost incentive for architects and engineers to design energy efficient buildings.

Merton has since worked closely with other authorities and professions to embed this rule into the rest of the UK.

There are several other policies which have filtered through to other local authorities and been adopted nationwide. The London Plan has played a pivotal role in establishing some national policies and strategies.

Have any other local authorities across the UK started to take on this ‘over commitment’ toward energy efficiency adopted by the London Plan?

National policies state that local authorities must set CO2 levels based on current building regulations. This means they’re unable to adopt principles laid within the London Plan.

However, this is likely to change and the expectation towards using low carbon technologies is increasingly significantly across the country.

Are there any things – Brexit for example –  which you think might impact the London Plan moving forward?

The UK has is seen as a world leader in the reduction of use of climate change gases.

We’re leading this change with a target of an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 house gas emissions by 2050. It’s unlikely that any future government will amend this. 

How can planners in London achieve their CO2 targets? Do you have any tips for them?

To achieve targets, planners and developers need to keep pace with technology and materials to ensure buildings are constructed according to best practice in terms of energy efficiency.

It’s a combination of having an awareness of how buildings can be designed coupled with a knowledge of energy modelling software.

For instance, insulation materials with more effective qualities can reduce the potential for thick floors, walls and ceilings, thus resulting in cost  and CO2 savings.  Using appropriate materials for junctions around windows can reduce the need for insulation elsewhere in the building, so planners need up to date knowledge and understanding.

Do London planners face any specific challenges?

Maintaining viability is crucial.

Planners and developers have to achieve the CO2 targets whilst ensuring schemes are on budget and are viable from a sustainability perspective. Balancing these is a real challenge.

Is there anything around planning within an urban environment which impacts the interpretation or implementation of the London Plan?

Development within urban areas means that spaces are tight and buildings are tall.

Connecting new buildings to heat networks will help towards reducing CO2 emissions and achieving targets, yet currently they’re not that widespread in London.

Is CGC becoming more London centric, and if so, why?

We are winning increasing volumes of work in London and the south east and we believe this is due to our expertise and reputation in dealing with the London Plan’s specific CO2 emission requirements. 

What exactly is the London Plan?

It’s a strategic planning document initially established by the Greater London Council to deliver sustainable developments for our capital city.

Strategic planning in London is the shared responsibility of the London Mayor, the 32 London Boroughs and the Corporation of the City of London, with the Mayor producing what’s known as a strategic development strategy.  This is now known as the London Plan.

As it focuses wholly on London, its targets are specifically designed for achieving sustainable developments and a healthy economy, differing from other schemes in place across the country. 

What targets has the London Plan set?

From a sustainability perspective, the London Plan has responsibility for setting its own targets regarding energy efficiency.

In 2015 the directive towards producing zero carbon homes was abolished by David Cameron’s government.  This was a national initiative put in place by the Conservative / Liberal coalition.

As stated, the London Plan was permitted to set its own targets and by April 2017 all new residential developments containing more than ten individual units were expected to be zero carbon.

Commercial buildings are expected to have a 35 per cent reduction. This figure far exceeds that being set by other local authorities across the country.

Would you expect that this extra commitment towards energy infrastructure and efficiency – as demonstrated within the London Plan – will eventually be adopted throughout the country?

Traditionally, sustainability policies established within the London Plan have led the way in terms of nationwide adoption.

The Merton Rule is an example of this.

In 2003 the London Borough of Merton established a planning policy requiring new commercial properties over 1000 sq.m to generate at least 10 per cent of their energy needs using on site renewable energy systems.

This policy was put in place to reduce CO2 emissions in the built environment and serves as a cost incentive for architects and engineers to design energy efficient buildings.

Merton has since worked closely with other authorities and professions to embed this rule into the rest of the UK.

There are several other policies which have filtered through to other local authorities and been adopted nationwide. The London Plan has played a pivotal role in establishing some national policies and strategies.

Have any other local authorities across the UK started to take on this ‘over commitment’ toward energy efficiency adopted by the London Plan?

National policies state that local authorities must set CO2 levels based on current building regulations. This means they’re unable to adopt principles laid within the London Plan.

However, this is likely to change and the expectation towards using low carbon technologies is increasingly significantly across the country.

Are there any things – Brexit for example –  which you think might impact the London Plan moving forward?

The UK has is seen as a world leader in the reduction of use of climate change gases.

We’re leading this change with a target of an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 house gas emissions by 2050. It’s unlikely that any future government will amend this. 

How can planners in London achieve their CO2 targets? Do you have any tips for them?

To achieve targets, planners and developers need to keep pace with technology and materials to ensure buildings are constructed according to best practice in terms of energy efficiency.

It’s a combination of having an awareness of how buildings can be designed coupled with a knowledge of energy modelling software.

For instance, insulation materials with more effective qualities can reduce the potential for thick floors, walls and ceilings, thus resulting in cost  and CO2 savings.  Using appropriate materials for junctions around windows can reduce the need for insulation elsewhere in the building, so planners need up to date knowledge and understanding.

Do London planners face any specific challenges?

Maintaining viability is crucial.

Planners and developers have to achieve the CO2 targets whilst ensuring schemes are on budget and are viable from a sustainability perspective. Balancing these is a real challenge.

Is there anything around planning within an urban environment which impacts the interpretation or implementation of the London Plan?

Development within urban areas means that spaces are tight and buildings are tall.

Connecting new buildings to heat networks will help towards reducing CO2 emissions and achieving targets, yet currently they’re not that widespread in London.

Is CGC becoming more London centric, and if so, why?

We are winning increasing volumes of work in London and the south east and we believe this is due to our expertise and reputation in dealing with the London Plan’s specific CO2 emission requirements.