Last week Ken Livingstone had published on the GLA website (www.london.gov.uk) his first policy development report, called 'The State of London'. It seeks to inform the public on the progress the Mayor and the GLA have made on issues such as transport, the spatial development strategy and the environment.
In terms of transport, the Mayor's policies have developed some detail since his election and he has announced his plans for the following:
- The Central London Congestion Charging Scheme
- An independent study of the Government's Public Private Partnership strategy for the tube
- Integration initiatives to improve key transport interchanges
- Extension of the East London line to the north and south
- Completion of design work for CrossRail between Paddington and Liverpool Street
- Improvements to the bus priority programme
- Reductions in the cost of bus travel
The Integrated Transport Strategy for London is being drafted now and should be published for public consultation early next year.
The implications for transport planning in London are significant. As the drafting of the strategy continues, and policy announcements are made, the Mayor will be seeking to implement his policies through consultation. The London Boroughs will also have to keep a watchful eye on the process: their UDPs must implement the Mayor's transport strategy.
In addition, the Mayor has also announced a timescale for the production of the Spatial Development Strategy: the planning and development policy document that he is required to publish, for strategic development in London.
A draft will go to the Assembly in January 2001, with drafting continuing through to May 2001 when it will be made available for public consultation. An examination in public has been pencilled in for January 2002 with publication by about September 2002. Naturally these dates are subject to change.
Once the SDS is published in its first draft form, it will give the Mayor a sound policy basis to intervene on strategic planning policy issues and some types of planning applications. London Boroughs will also have to incorporate the SDS policies into their UDPs. All those involved in the property industry should keep an eye on the SDS process.
In the meantime, the rolling strategy document should provide helpful guidance on the way the Mayor's strategic policies are being shaped.
If you have any queries on the Mayor's planning and transport role in London, please contact Tony Kitson at abk@cms-cmck.com or on 020 7367 3556 or Chris Williams at cjcw@cms-cmck.com or on 020 7367 3571.
