Weight to be given to emerging Local Plan Policies
Newham emerging Local Plan policies are at an advanced stage and meet the requirements of paragraph 48 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Inspector’s post‑hearing letter (PDF) indicates that the Plan is likely to be found sound, subject to proposed Main Modifications.
Accordingly, the Council considers that considerable weight can be given to the emerging policies prior to formal adoption, with decision‑making taking account of the identified Main Modifications.
Support for Housebuilding measures
On 25th March Housing Secretary and Mayor of London confirmed emergency measures to accelerate housebuilding in the capital. These measures are set out in full in the Support for Housebuilding LPG | London City Hall.
Moving forward, planning applications received by the London Borough of Newham will be assessed using the Support for Housebuilding LPG alongside relevant development plan policies. Relevant development plan policies include the requirement in emerging Local Plan Policy H4.2, which requires a viability assessment where new residential developments with the capacity to deliver ten dwellinghouses (C3) or more fail to deliver 40 per cent of the number of new social rent homes as family dwellinghouses (C3) with three or more bedrooms. Therefore to qualify for the fast track approach this emerging Local Plan requirement will need to be met.
With regards to affordable housing provision, eligible developments will be assessed using the requirements of the time-limited planning route, including overall affordable housing percentages and tenure splits set out in the Support for Housebuilding LPG. Any schemes which do not meet the relevant threshold and tenure split set out through the time-limited planning route in the Support for Housebuilding LPG will be expected to meet the affordable housing targets set out in the borough’s emerging Local Plan, which now has considerable weight in decision-making.
