Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment setting out a series of short discussion papers relating to key policy issues that would need to be addressed in the Local Plan.

The Sub-Committee was also asked to provide advice on key policy directions to guide officers in the drafting of revised or new policies. The key directions arising from the discussion were:

·                     Plan for further office development to meet demand, including within appropriate tall buildings in the east of the City, ensuring that new offices are flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of traditional city occupiers, emerging technology sectors and the needs of SMEs.

·                     Provide a bespoke policy approach to deliver the Corporation’s aims for Culture Mile, including making provision for new hotels where this does not impact on the City’s business function.

·                     Aim to meet the Mayor’s target for new housing in the City as set out in the revised London Plan reviewing the approach to affordable housing to increase the amount delivered in the City and requiring more on-site provision.

·                     Support for changes in the approach to transport, moving towards off-peak servicing, use of off-site consolidation, promoting greater permeability within buildings, considering the potential for more full or timed street closures and more planning for walking, cycling and cycling facilities. 

·                     Support for moving towards a ‘zero emission’ City that addresses air quality and climate change issues, with more greening of buildings and the public realm and measures to reduce waste and the need to transport waste. 

·                     Promote a more resilient City, encouraging smart technology and solutions, considering the potential for extensions to the pipe subway network, a greater emphasis on sustainable drainage and requiring developers to invest in security measures within buildings and in the public realm.