Local people have between now and December 10 to have their say on two key parts of the borough’s core strategy, which forms the main part of Wandsworth’s Local Development Framework.

The core strategy lays out the key policies and priorities that will guide development in the borough over the coming decade and a half. It identifies the main characteristics of the borough and sets out the approaches needed to ensure existing neighbourhoods and town centres are protected.

It details where new housing, retail space, leisure facilities, employment opportunities, transport improvements and other investment would be best provided over the next decade and a half.

To support and reinforce the overall core strategy two new documents have now been produced and it is these that members of the public are now being invited to comment on.

The first is the Development Management Policies Document which sets out the criteria that the council will use when considering planning applications.  The accompanying Site Specific Allocations Document includes policies for key local sites, and management strategies for eight areas where the greatest change is expected, including Nine Elms.

Once the public consultation is concluded in December, the results will be incorporated into both documents before they are submitted to the Secretary of State for approval in May 2011.

The outline Core Strategy has already been approved by a Government planning inspector and also endorsed by architecture and urban design watchdog group Cabe. Last month, experts from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) praised it for its clarity, structure and ability to communicate.

They declared: "The document expresses spatial themes as a series of simple maps to tell the story of the area and ensure that everyone can understand what the vision for Wandsworth is and how it can be achieved.  By clearly communicating the strategy Wandsworth can encourage understanding, engagement and contributions from developers and communities alike.

"The maps alone clearly explain the strategic priorities for each area and give a sense of what each place will be like in 15 years time. Wandsworth’s use of maps is successful as they succinctly communicate a large amount of information and make a spatial vision clear and accessible."

The council's executive member for strategic planning Cllr Ravi Govindia said:
"We have a definite vision for the future of the borough and our job is to communicate that vision as best we can so that people can contribute to it and make sure their voices are heard and their opinions and suggestions taken on-board.

"We all share a responsibility in making sure that Wandsworth retains its reputation as a great place to live, work, play and do business and this strategy will help us achieve that."

 

November 3, 2010