New Local Plan submitted to Secretary of State for examination
Lewisham’s new Local Plan – the borough’s main planning policy document – has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for examination.
The Local Plan sets out the Council’s vision for the future of Lewisham, along with the planning and investment framework required to deliver this vision over the coming decades. Once adopted, it will be used to assess all planning applications and ensure they meet the borough’s priorities.
It will help guide the delivery of new housing and infrastructure across Lewisham and aims to support inclusive economic development, protect green spaces and ensure the borough meets its climate responsibilities.
The Local Plan sets out a number of key strategic objectives that underpin the overarching vision, including:
- Delivering new, high-quality homes, including genuinely affordable homes, to help tackle the housing crisis and meet our target of delivering 28,000 new homes before 20381
- Securing the delivery of new infrastructure that benefits the borough, including the Bakerloo Line extension
- Creating a thriving local economy by growing Lewisham’s business base, supporting job creation and attracting investment into town centres
- Supporting sustainable development that helps to reduce carbon emissions, protect the environment and tackle the climate emergency
- Protecting and enhancing green spaces in the borough and promoting biodiversity
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “This is an important milestone in the development of our new Local Plan, as we look to realise our bold vision for the future of the borough. We want to ensure Lewisham continues to be a place where people love to live, work and do business. Our Local Plan will play a key role in securing the investment needed to deliver new homes and infrastructure, create a thriving local economy and support sustainable development.”
The new Local Plan has been developed through extensive consultation with residents, businesses, community groups, local organisations and other key stakeholders.
Following submission, an independent Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate will be appointed to represent the Secretary of State and lead the examination process. Public hearing sessions will take place and suggested modifications from the Inspector will be presented to the Council for consideration. Subject to approval by Mayor and Cabinet and Full Council, public consultation on the modified Local Plan will then take place.
Depending on the timescales involved, it is hoped that the new Local Plan will be adopted before the end of 2024. Find out more about the examination process for the draft Local Plan.
1 Target determined by National Planning Policy Framework