London planning. By Christopher Barclay. SN/SC/1416.
London planning (243 KB, PDF)
• This note describes the town and country planning powers of the Mayor of London, as updated by the Greater London Authority Act 2007. It also explains the role of the London Plan.
• The Mayor’s planning powers do not replace either those of the London boroughs or those of the Secretary of State.
• Originally the Mayor was given the power to direct a borough to reject an application of strategic importance to London. Rejection would automatically allow an appeal to the Secretary of State. The 2007 Act also gave the Mayor the power to approve certain developments.
• The new London Plan was published on 22 July 2011
London planning (243 KB, PDF)
Certain changes of use can be done without planning permission, using what are known as permitted development rights (PDRs). This briefing formerly explained use classes and PDRs, examined recent changes and looked in depth at the controversy surrounding the PDR for change of use from office to residential accommodation.
Permitted development rights allow changes to be made to buildings and use of land without needing planning permission. This briefing outlines changes to use classes and PDRs made in 2020 and the Government's proposals for further change. It applies to England only.
Background and issues for consideration concerning the Government's proposed Shared Prosperity Fund, which will replace EU structural funding now that the UK has left the EU.
