Policy SD4 — The Central Activities Zone (CAZ)

Policy SD4 The Central Activities Zone (CAZ) A The unique international, national and London-wide roles of the CAZ, based on an agglomeration and rich mix of strategic functions and local uses, should be promoted and enhanced. B The nationally and internationally significant office functions of the CAZ should be supported and enhanced by all stakeholders, including the intensification and provision of sufficient space to meet demand for a range of types and sizes of occupier and rental values. C The distinct environment and heritage of the CAZ should be sustained and enhanced. D Taking account of the dense nature of the CAZ, practical measures should be taken to improve air quality, using an air quality positive approach where possible ( Policy SI 1 Improving air quality ) and to address issues related to climate change and the urban heat island effect. E The unique concentration and diversity of cultural, arts, entertainment, night-time economy and tourism functions should be promoted and enhanced. F The vitality, viability, adaptation and diversification of the international shopping and leisure destinations of the West End (including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and the wider West End Retail and Leisure Special Policy Area) and Knightsbridge together with other CAZ retail clusters including locally-oriented retail and related uses should be supported. G The CAZ as a centre of excellence and specialist clusters including functions of state, health, law, education, creative and cultural activities, and other more local Special Policy Areas should be supported and promoted. H The attractiveness and inclusiveness of the CAZ to residents, visitors and businesses should be enhanced, including through public realm improvements and the reduction of traffic dominance, as part of the Healthy Streets Approach (see Policy T2 Healthy Streets ). I Infrastructure to sustain and enhance the CAZ and its agglomeration of strategic functions including its public transport and digital connectivity and its potential to accommodate new development should be secured. J The safety, security and resilience of the CAZ should be promoted working with businesses and communities. K The quality and character of predominantly residential neighbourhoods, where more local uses predominate, should be conserved and enhanced. L Development of social infrastructure that meets the distinct needs of the CAZ should be supported. M Sufficient capacity for industry and logistics should be identified and protected, including last mile distribution, freight consolidation and other related service functions within or close to the CAZ and Northern Isle of Dogs to support the needs of businesses and activities within these areas. N In Development Plans, boroughs should: 1) define the detailed boundaries of the CAZ, the Northern Isle of Dogs, town centres (including the International centres), CAZ retail clusters, Special Policy Areas and specialist clusters of strategic functions having regard to the CAZ Diagram shown in Figure 2.16 2) develop locally sensitive policies to meet this Plan’s objectives for the CAZ 2.4.1 The CAZ is the vibrant heart and globally-iconic core of London. It is one of the world’s most attractive and competitive business locations . It accommodates one third of London’s jobs and generates almost 10 per cent of the UK’s output. It contains the seat of national Government and is internationally renowned for its culture, night-time economy, tourism, shopping and heritage. It is also home to more than 230,000 residents. 2.4.2 The density, scale and mix of business functions and activities in the CAZ are unique and are underpinned by the connectivity provided by public transport, walking and cycling networks. This agglomeration results in exceptional levels of productivity, which is not replicated elsewhere in the UK, and provides national benefits. It requires different or tailored approaches to the application of national policy to address its distinct circumstances. 2.4.3 For the purposes of CAZ policies, the Northern Isle of Dogs (NIOD) is recognised as a CAZ ‘ satellite ’ [9] location for world city office functions. Future potential reserve [10] locations for CAZ office functions are Stratford and Old Oak Common. 2.4.4 The strategic functions of the CAZ include, but are not necessarily limited to: a. functions associated with the State, Government and Monarchy b. diplomatic organisations (such as embassies and high commissions) c. agglomerations of nationally and internationally significant offices and company headquarters connected with finance, business, professional bodies, associations and institutions d. uses connected with science, technology, media, communications and cultural sectors of regional, national and international importance e. centres of excellence for higher and further education and research f. centres of medical excellence and associated specialist facilities g. legal establishments of regional, national and international importance h. arts, culture, leisure, entertainment and activities and areas of regional, national and international importance i. retailing, including specialist outlets, of regional, national and international importance j. tourism facilities including hotels and conference centres k. specialist creative clusters including for example clothing, fashion, jewellery, printing, antiques, musical instruments, art and culture l. transport facilities, especially for public transport of regional, national and international importance m. places of worship and places of assembly of regional, national and international importance n. use and enjoyment of the River Thames o. heritage, built environment, the Royal Parks and other green and open spaces (public and private). 2.4.5 Development Plans should set out the appropriate balance between the various CAZ strategic functions in different parts of the CAZ having regard to local circumstances. 2.4.6 The CAZ contaiLondon Plan Policy SD4 · official source →