Policy information sourced from The London Plan 2021
GG2 Making the Best Use of Land
To create successful sustainable mixed-use places that make the best use of land, those involved in planning and development must:
- enable the development of brownfield land, particularly in Opportunity Areas, on surplus public sector land, and sites within and on the edge of town centres, as well as utilising small sites
- prioritise sites which are well-connected by existing or planned public transport
- proactively explore the potential to intensify the use of land to support additional homes and workspaces, promoting higher density development, particularly in locations that are well-connected to jobs, services, infrastructure and amenities by public transport, walking and cycling
- applying a design–led approach to determine the optimum development capacity of sites
- understand what is valued about existing places and use this as a catalyst for growth, renewal, and place-making, strengthening London’s distinct and varied character
- protect and enhance London’s open spaces, including the Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land, designated nature conservation sites and local spaces, and promote the creation of new green infrastructure and urban greening, including aiming to secure net biodiversity gains where possible
- plan for good local walking, cycling and public transport connections to support a strategic target of 80 per cent of all journeys using sustainable travel, enabling car-free lifestyles that allow an efficient use of land, as well as using new and enhanced public transport links to unlock growth
- maximise opportunities to use infrastructure assets for more than one purpose, to make the best use of land and support efficient maintenance.
For more information please see The London Plan 2021