Bob Lane backs return of local planning powers and applauds LTGDC’s ‘positive and robust’ approach

Commenting on the de-designation of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation’s planning powers for London Riverside and the resumption of localised planning control in Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Newham, Bob Lane, LTGDC chairman said;

‘The time is right for full planning powers to return to the boroughs and the Mayor of London. Though our planning powers are set to transfer in April, we will continue to play an active development and investment role in London Riverside delivering our key regeneration projects in partnership with London Riverside boroughs.’

Since being granted planning powers in 2005 LTGDC has granted consent for business space with the potential to generate over 8,000 jobs and consents for 6,347 residential units – with 1,778 of these being affordable. Linked to LTGDC planning consents are planning agreements totalling over £20 million and which are set to deliver real community benefits. LTGDC’s planning role in the area has been a major contributor to London Riverside’s renewal, establishing a strong basis for its sustained regeneration.

Mr Lane said;
‘Under our watch we have brought forward significant developments that will have a positive and enduring impact for local people and the local economy. We used our planning powers at Beckton Sewage Treatment Works to secure expansion while also safeguarding future development at Gallions Reach and Barking Riverside. Beam Reach will see Tesco locate a major distribution facility with 900 jobs and our role in delivering the detailed planning consent at Barking Riverside enabled the start of one the largest residential developments in the capital.

‘Fresh Wharf in Barking will see a major injection of residential led mixed use development and in Havering our decisions were instrumental in delivering a new campus for Havering College and the construction of a new facility to equip young people with skills in building and construction.’

Mr Lane concluded;
‘It was both our positive and robust approach to planning that has seen us refuse less than 2 per cent of planning applications and for maintaining our 100 percent record at appeal for those applications that were turned down. This approach underpinned our efforts to drive-up growth and regeneration in London Riverside where future success will depend on maintaining the momentum of development.’