FAQs
Glossary
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF):
The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the government's planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied.
London Plan:
The London Plan is the Spatial Development Strategy for Greater London. It sets out a framework for how London will develop over a 20-25 year period and the Mayor's vision for Good Growth. Borough's Local Plans must be in general conformity with the London Plan.
Local Plan:
A Local Plan sets out a vision, strategic priorities and a planning policy framework to guide and manage development in the borough over a period of 15 years.
A Local Plan is prepared by a Local Planning Authority and must be produced in line with planning policy requirements set out by national and regional government, as well as in consultation with the local community.
An up-to-date plan with a clear vision, objectives and planning policies will ensure the most appropriate development decisions and address the needs and opportunities of the area.
Neighbourhood Plans:
Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. Neighbourhood plans are part of the Development Plan for the borough.
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs):
A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a document that adds further detail to the policies already contained within a Local Plan. They can be used to provide further guidance for development on specific sites, or on particular issues, such as design. Supplementary planning documents are capable of being a material consideration in planning decisions but are not part of the development plan.
Greater London Authority (GLA):
The Greater London Authority (GLA) is the top tier administrative body covering the Greater London area. It is comprised of two parts: the London Assembly and the Mayor of London as defined under legislation. The London Assembly scrutinises the activities of the Mayor of London in the public interest.
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC):
The London Legacy Development Corporation was established in 2012 and is responsible for managing the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and delivering development and other regeneration projects within its area.
As the local planning authority for the area, in addition to preparing a Local Plan and other planning policy, the Legacy Corporation determines applications for planning permission within its area. This includes the areas of Fish Island, Hackney Wick and Bromley by Bow.
The planning powers of this area will be handed back to the relevant boroughs, including Tower Hamlets, by the end of 2024 as agreed by the Mayor of London.
Why is a new Local Plan needed?
All Local Planning Authorities are required by central government to have an up-to-date Local Plan. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, Tower Hamlets would see a reduced ability to apply local discretion on deciding planning applications. A new local Plan will ensure an accurate understanding of current needs, address known and emerging challenges and make the most of the borough’s unique assets and opportunities.
Of particular importance is ensuring that a new Local Plan best responds to the needs and aspirations of the local community, addressing cost of living pressures, responding to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and providing the best opportunity for local residents to thrive in Tower Hamlets.
Additionally, a new Local Plan will need to consider and plan for parts of the borough were the planning powers are currently held by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) planning authority. This includes the areas of Fish Island, Hackney Wick and Bromley by Bow. The planning powers of this area will be handed back to the relevant boroughs, including Tower Hamlets by 31 December 2024 as agreed by the Mayor of London.
Reviewing the Tower Hamlets Local Plan and preparing a new Local Plan is a priority for the council and the Mayor.
What will happen following this engagement?
Following this consultation the Council will seek approval from Full Council early next year to submit the plan to the Secretary of State (SoS). The SoS will then appoint an independent planning inspector who will then examine the Plan and make recommendations for any modifications that are required before it can be found sound and adopted. Once adopted, the Local Plan will replace the current Local Plan which was adopted in 2020.
What evidence is being used to inform the new Local Plan?
Evidence and information we use to create and inform the Local Plan is known as the evidence base. Details of what specific evidence has been used to support updated policies can be found in each section of the PDF draft new Local Plan document. The evidence base has been uploaded to this Let's Talk Page and can be found under the 'documents' section. As an example, to support the policies under the 'Homes for the community' section, a Local Housing Needs Assessment has been prepared.
What is the status of the emerging Local Plan?
Weight is the term used to explain whether a policy can be used in decision-making and to what degree. Full weight can only be given to the new Local Plan once it has been adopted by the Council. Until then, only limited weight can be given in deciding planning applications. The existing Local Plan will remain in place until then. Weight to policies and guidance will increase as we take the new Local Plan through the formal submission and examination stages.