Questions to the Mayor of London – answered at on 23 May 2022.
Will you ensure that the concept of Lifetime Neighbourhoods is restored to the London Plan, including designating local assets and infrastructure for protection, as recommended in the Just Space Recovery Plan?
My London Plan supports a London for everyone. The important aspects of Lifetime Neighbourhoods set out in the Just Space Recovery Plan are detailed in my London Plan, mainly through the requirement for inclusive neighbourhoods. These are neighbourhoods which are accessible, welcoming and barrier free for everyone, enabling people to travel easily by public transport, walking and cycling. Please see the Mayor’s question 2017-2943 for further detail.
Moreover, the Plan requires resident engagement and involvement at an early stage and on an ongoing basis, which I understand is an important part of the concept of Lifetime Neighbourhoods in the Just Space Recovery Plan. Policy D5 Inclusive design, for example, requires development proposals to submit inclusive design statements, which should detail engagement with groups such as older and disabled people. Policy H8 also requires that relevant proposals on estate regeneration take account of requirements, such as a residents ballot.
It is also a key aim of the Plan to protect and promote local assets and spaces that are valued by communities, including cultural venues and community facilities.
My team will continue to work with community organisations, such as Just Space, including as part of the Planning for London programme and in producing London Plan Guidance.