News

London's Transport Strategy

Edward Dawson, the Director of CPRE London, recently gave a talk to the CPRE South East Transport Group. This looked at the development of the various transport strategies for London. This highlighted the need for new interchanges and better planning. Topics covered included major infrastructure projects and recent developments such as the new London Bus (see photo), contactless Oyster card, high air pollution levels and low uptake of bike hire. He highlighted six issues that CPRE London continue to monitor.

See London's Transport Strategy :: 1-page briefing note (PDF)

All London Green Grid (January 2012)

The Mayor of London has proposed a Green Grid "to create fantastic places and spaces for existing and new residents in key parts of London". CPRE London has responded to the consultation with detailed comments. Our response says that London's "green areas need to be better understood and better appreciated" and that "the new Grid has the possibility of seeing the pepper pot of open areas as a connected continuum, and as a network of fundamental importance to people." We examine specific areas in detail arguing the case to link areas in London to the outer Green Belt.

See 1-page overview :: Full response (8 pages)

Launch of eBulletin

The aim of this new bulletin is to provide an up-to-date news service for members who are interested in planning developments within London, and wish to become more active. Topics covered in the October 8-page bulletin are:

The battle for London's airports
National Planning Policy Framework
The Localism Bill
London's landscapes
Environmental round-up
The future of town centres.

> Download the October 2011 eBulletin (PDF).

Family Housing Study (Oct 2011)

CPRE is sponsoring a study of regeneration processes at the Elephant and Castle. The aim of the research is to identify the main factors affecting redevelopment of inner city brownfield sites for family housing. It also aims to build on previous work by CPRE London, especially the report 'Family Housing - the Power of Concentration'. An update on developments was presented by Abigail Batchelor at our 2011 AGM - see Inner City Brownfield Housing Developments: The Elephant and Castle. It looks at what lessons have been learned as a result of plans for the Heygate Estate.

Response to NPPF Consultation (Oct 2011)

CPRE London has made a considered response to the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. Key points about its impact on London include:

The key impact will be on the Green Belt - CPRE would like to see increased protection and support for food growing
The proposed Framework does not support integrated planning including transport, amenities, local shops and green spaces, since it removes current detailed guidance
It creates uncertainty about the status of the 2011 adopted replacement London Plan
For CPRE London, an essential requirement of the Framework is for it to retain the 'brownfield first' policy
There is no special reason to give undue weigh to economic factors, when all aspects of land use must be weighed up in making viable decisions based on soundness and genuine sustainable development.

> Download our full response Planning Simplified or Stultified? (PDF)

In addition CPRE has received legal opinion on the Framework's implications for the Green Belt - see Press Release

Autumn 2011 Newsletter

The Autumn edition of our newsletter London Voice has recently been sent to members. Contents include:

Standing Up for London's Green Belts - an overview of our work and successes in stopping encroachment
High Streets or Low Expectations - a seminar being planned for March 2012 on Compact Communities and good urban design
Riots in London - Tottenham and Croydon bore the brunt of the disturbances; an idea on how to counter these outrages
Family houses for London - CPRE is refreshing earlier work on the 'power of concentration' and its importance for families in London
London campaigner, Edward Dawson - a profile of CPRE London's recently appointed Director.

> Download the full newsletter (PDF 103Kb).

Notice of AGM

The 2011 AGM takes place on Tuesday 25th October at 6 for 6:30pm in The Gallery at 70 Cowcross Street, London EC1.

Following the meeting there will be a talk Greening London's Green Belt by Dr Nicholas Falk Founder and Director of Urbed (Urban & Economic Development)

> Download the notice and agenda

This page last updated 5th March 2012.