Policy D2 — Infrastructure requirements for sustainable densities

Policy D2 Infrastructure requirements for sustainable densities A The density of development proposals should: 1) consider, and be linked to, the provision of future planned levels of infrastructure rather than existing levels 2) be proportionate to the site’s connectivity and accessibility by walking, cycling, and public transport to jobs and services (including both PTAL and access to local services). [26] B Where there is currently insufficient capacity of existing infrastructure to support proposed densities (including the impact of cumulative development), boroughs should work with applicants and infrastructure providers to ensure that sufficient capacity will exist at the appropriate time. This may mean that if the development is contingent on the provision of new infrastructure, including public transport services, it will be appropriate that the development is phased accordingly. C When a proposed development is acceptable in terms of use, scale and massing, given the surrounding built form, uses and character, but it exceeds the capacity identified in a site allocation or the site is not allocated, and the borough considers the planned infrastructure capacity will be exceeded, additional infrastructure proportionate to the development should be delivered through the development. This will be identified through an infrastructure assessment during the planning application process, which will have regard to the local infrastructure delivery plan or programme, and the CIL contribution that the development will make. Where additional required infrastructure cannot be delivered, the scale of the development should be reconsidered to reflect the capacity of current or future planned supporting infrastructure. 3.2.1 Infrastructure provision should be proportionate to the scale of development. The locations and scale of growth will be identified through boroughs’ Development Plans, particularly through site allocations. Infrastructure capacity, having regard to the growth identified in the Development Plan, should be identified in boroughs’ infrastructure delivery plans or programmes. Boroughs and infrastructure providers should also consider the cumulative impact of multiple development proposals in an area. 3.2.2 If development comes forward with a capacity in excess of that which could be supported by current or future planned infrastructure, a site-specific infrastructure assessment will be required. This assessment should establish what additional impact the proposed development will have on current and planned infrastructure, and how this can be appropriately mitigated either on the site, or through an off-site mechanism, having regard to the amount of CIL generated. 3.2.3 The capacity of existing and future public transport services , and the connections they provide, should be taken into consideration, as should the potential to increase this capacity through financial contributions and by joint working with Transport for London. In general, the higher the public transport access and connectivity of the site, and the closer it is to a town centre or station, the higher the density and the lower the car parking provision should be. The ability to support higher densities through encouraging increased levels of active travel should be taken into account. 3.2.4 Minor developments will typically have incremental impacts on local infrastructure capacity. The cumulative demands on infrastructure of minor development should be addressed in boroughs’ infrastructure delivery plans or programmes. Therefore, it will not normally be necessary for minor developments to undertake infrastructure assessments or for boroughs to refuse permission to these schemes on the grounds of infrastructure capacity. 3.2.5 In certain circumstances, development will be contingent on the future provision of public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure. In many areas of London higher densities could be supported by maximising the potential of active travel. Those limited circumstances for which Part B of the policy could apply include development being brought forward in areas where planned public transport schemes will significantly improve accessibility and capacity of an area, such as Crossrail 2, DLR extensions, extension of the Elizabeth line, and the Bakerloo line Extension. It may be necessary to require the phasing of development proposals to maximise the benefits from major infrastructure and services investment whilst avoiding any unacceptable impacts on existing infrastructure prior to the new capacity being available. 3.2.6 In order to support the Healthy Streets Approach, development proposals should take account of the existing and planned connectivity of a site via public transport and active modes to town centres, social infrastructure and other services and places of employment. Opportunities to improve these connections to support higher density development should be identified.London Plan Policy D2 · official source →