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INTRODUCTION

The introduction explains the purpose and role of the Local Plan, its relationship to other plans, the information which has informed it and how it use it. It also provides an overview of Newham’s geography, people, economy, homes, neighbourhoods and environment.

  • Newham’s neighbourhoods are each unique through their historic built character and social and cultural diversity. There are opportunities across all neighbourhoods for new development which should be designed to complement and enhance these unique characters.
  • In the majority of Newham, where most buildings are up to three storeys high and there are lots of terraced and semi-detached houses, seven or more storeys (above 21m), would be perceived as a tall building.
  • Twenty areas can accommodate tall buildings above seven storeys, based on an assessment of existing heights, potential for development and sensitivity of the wider context.
  • The Newham Design Review Panel has been effective at challenging developers to improve the quality of design.

VISION AND OBJECTIVES

The vision describes what the borough will look like in 15 years’ time and is supported by a number of objectives which are shaped around the Building a Fairer Newham strategy.  The vision is illustrated on the key diagram

  • Newham’s neighbourhoods are each unique through their historic built character and social and cultural diversity. There are opportunities across all neighbourhoods for new development which should be designed to complement and enhance these unique characters.
  • In the majority of Newham, where most buildings are up to three storeys high and there are lots of terraced and semi-detached houses, seven or more storeys (above 21m), would be perceived as a tall building.
  • Twenty areas can accommodate tall buildings above seven storeys, based on an assessment of existing heights, potential for development and sensitivity of the wider context.
  • The Newham Design Review Panel has been effective at challenging developers to improve the quality of design.

BUILDING A FAIRER NEWHAM

The building a fairer Newham policies address how and where we will deliver the different types of development needed to meet our objectives. They also direct how residents will be involved in shaping our borough and how developments should support the delivery of infrastructure and contribute to improving health, wellbeing and social value.

  • Newham’s neighbourhoods are each unique through their historic built character and social and cultural diversity. There are opportunities across all neighbourhoods for new development which should be designed to complement and enhance these unique characters.
  • In the majority of Newham, where most buildings are up to three storeys high and there are lots of terraced and semi-detached houses, seven or more storeys (above 21m), would be perceived as a tall building.
  • Twenty areas can accommodate tall buildings above seven storeys, based on an assessment of existing heights, potential for development and sensitivity of the wider context.
  • The Newham Design Review Panel has been effective at challenging developers to improve the quality of design.

DESIGN

The design policies address what buildings and the spaces around them look and feel like, and how usable, accessible and pleasant they are.

The Plan proposes

  • New requirements to provide more public realm on larger sites, including child-friendly environments; qualitative standards for public realm, including the need to improve the quality of existing public realm beyond the site boundary; and requirements for a Management Plan to address maintenance and the activation of public spaces.
  • Newham-specific design policies and guidance, adapting available good practice guidance to Newham’s context.
  • 20 Tall Building Zones where buildings above seven storeys (21m) may be supported if they meet high quality design, sustainable practices and maximum height requirements. New tall buildings will generally be lower in height than the existing clusters.
  • To secure the quality of design through quality checks at various stages of the development process including: co-designed masterplanning, the Newham Design Review Panel and any potential Community Design Review panel, conditions and legal obligations, and post- occupancy surveys.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • The Public Realm Net Gain policy approach needs to promote child-friendly spaces and address the management and maintenance of the public realm.
  • Newham-specific design guidance, including residential design standards should better reflect the built, social and cultural diversity of Newham.
  • The quality and quantity of tall buildings is concerning.
  • There should be more consistency when applying standards to developments.
  • More resident involvement in design decisions is supported.

Our evidence, which says:

  • There is a range of good practice design guidance available at national and regional level that is relevant to Newham.
  • Newham’s neighbourhoods are each unique through their historic built character and social and cultural diversity. There are opportunities across all neighbourhoods for new development which should be designed to complement and enhance these unique characters.
  • In the majority of Newham, where most buildings are up to three storeys high and there are lots of terraced and semi-detached houses, seven or more storeys (above 21m), would be perceived as a tall building.
  • Twenty areas can accommodate tall buildings above seven storeys, based on an assessment of existing heights, potential for development and sensitivity of the wider context.
  • The Newham Design Review Panel has been effective at challenging developers to improve the quality of design.

HIGH STREETS

The high street policies address the location of shops and other town centre uses and how our high streets can thrive and support residents’ health and wellbeing.

The Plan proposes

  • To promote shops, cafes and restaurants, services, offices and workspaces within the Primary Shopping Areas of Town and Local Centres.
  • To support meanwhile uses, pop-ups/events and the multi-functional operation of buildings, promote affordable small commercial units, enhance and activate public realm, and protect existing markets and support the creation of new ones.
  • A new requirement for every home to be within 400m of a designated shopping area, or within 15min walking distance of at least two shopping areas. New Local Centre and Neighbourhood Parade designations to address gaps and further protect well-functioning high street frontages.
  • Support for the retention of established corner grocery shops in areas which are further away from protected shopping areas.
  • To promote evening and night-time uses in suitable locations, with the highest concentration allowed in the largest town centres.
  • Tightening of the concentration criteria for hot food takeaway and all types of gambling premises. Healthy eating catering standards promoted for all food-based businesses, and marketing standards to promote responsible operation of pawn shops, pay day loan shops and gambling premises (where no overconcentration).

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • Increase the variety of shops and facilities on Newham’s high streets.
  • The 15 minute neighbourhood concept should be carefully applied so that it does not result in less access to day-to-day goods and services.
  • A proactive approach should be taken toward enabling and managing the visitor, evening and night-time economy.
  • There are still too many betting shops and hot food takeaways, which needs to be addressed.
  • The public realm needs to be more attractive and enable social interaction and community development. Need more alfresco spaces and street markets.

Our evidence, which says:

  • Newham’s existing Town and Local Centres are serving local needs well, have lower vacancies than national average and are evolving in line with national trends.
  • There is a need to balance opportunities for increasing variety in our centres with the need to promote and protect retail and leisure in Primary Shopping Areas.
  • There are more parts of established high streets that could be protected. Alongside delivery of new Local Centres, these will help to address gaps in access to groceries and services in the existing protected network.
  • With the exception of Stratford, the visitor evening and night-time economy is not well established in Newham’s centres and many residents travel out of the borough to access leisure and culture activities.
  • Markets make a significant contribution to the success of Newham’s centres.
  • Two-thirds of adults and 43% of children in Year 6 are carrying excess weight. 1 in 3 children have tooth decay.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

The community facilities policies address the protection, location and design of all types of community facilities, including schools and education facilities.

The Plan proposes

  • The introduction of a Social-Value Health Impact Assessment. This assessment tool helps fully consider the impact of any development that affects a community facility.
  • Larger facilities should be directed to designated town centres, where there is good transport connectivity, and where facilities can support the viability and vitality of Newham’s high streets. Smaller community facilities, in certain circumstances, can be located outside of town centres to support the network of 15 minute neighbourhoods.
  • Clear guidance on how new community spaces should be designed, including the need to meaningfully involve the community and organisations which use or will use the space through co-design.
  • The introduction of a standalone policy on the need to protect existing and to support the delivery of new cultural facilities.
  • Safeguarding land for the delivery of schools, childcare and health care facilities.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • Residents value their local community facilities.
  • There needs to be more flexibility on the current Town-Centre-First approach for new and intensified community facilities.
  • There is a need for affordable community spaces.
  • More facilities for children and young people are needed.
  • More leisure and sports facilities are needed.
  • Cultural facilities need to be protected and more are needed in the borough.
  • More GP surgeries, schools and childcare facilities need to be provided to support growth.

Our evidence, which says:

  • There is a strong case for locating community facilities and services within Town Centres as important places for social integration, transport connectivity, co-working and support the high street. However, the current Town-Centre-First approach is inflexible and does not recognise that many existing community facilities and opportunities for new community centres are outside of town centres.
  • Design constraints and the condition of community facilities can negatively affect the delivery of services.
  • Newham needs more sports / leisure facilities, in particular swimming pools.
  • There is a gap in sports / leisure provision in the Canning Town area.

INCLUSIVE ECONOMY

The inclusive economy policies address the protection and location of space for businesses and how developments should deliver community wealth building and an inclusive economy for Newham residents.

The Plan proposes

  • New requirement for development to sign up to the Community Wealth Building Business Pledges to support local residents into work, fund job training and secure higher quality and fairer economic outcomes (including the London Living Wage) for residents.
  • Developments to deliver a diverse range of workspaces which respond to the needs of local businesses and growth sectors.
  • To protect employment land and seek opportunities to intensify and make the most efficient use of land for businesses.
  • Employment spaces are a key element of 15 minute neighbourhoods and should be protected and provided across the borough.
  • Developments providing employment floorspace must support the green economy through improved design, energy efficiency and jobs and skill development in green industries.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • More local economic opportunities are needed, including job creation, skills and training opportunities.
  • New workspaces that meet business’s needs are required.
  • Employment land and local businesses should be protected.
  • A greener economy that promotes environmentally friendly businesses and operates from greener premises is supported.

Our evidence, which says:

  • Gross weekly earnings in Newham are 13% lower than the London average (4th lowest in London) and in 2021 unemployment was slightly higher than the London and UK average.
  • Around a third of jobs in Newham pay less than the London Living Wage.
  • The quality of employment has an impact on physical and mental health and well-being.
  • Newham has lost local ‘cost efficient’ office spaces in Town Centres and there is a need to protect important local business locations as part of the 15 minute network.
  • There is strong demand for industrial space in Newham and Newham’s industrial land is key in supporting sustainable economic growth in London.
  • A Green economy can be supported by providing workspaces close to where people live, modern industrial design, more sustainable design standards and supporting identified growth sectors such as green industries.

HOMES

The homes policies address how we will deliver the number and type of homes to meet Newham’s needs. This includes affordable and family homes and homes for older residents, disabled residents, students and gypsies and travellers.

The Plan proposes

  • A new housing target that seeks to deliver between 46,633 to 52,133 new homes by 2038.
  • A strategic target of 50% of new homes to be affordable, 65% of which will be social rent homes.
  • A target for 40% of new homes to be family-sized, with 3 or more bedrooms. On site allocations 5% of these homes should have 4 or more bedrooms.
  • Specialist housing policies, including for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, that support providing new accommodation that meets need and is in suitable locations.
  • A new housing design policy that aims to improve residents’ physical and mental health through high quality design.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • The new Local Plan needs to meet Newham’s housing target, but also needs to explore opportunities for retrofit and refurbishment of existing homes.
  • Delivering more affordable homes is supported.
  • There is a need for a mix of housing sizes, including family homes.
  • Improving the design of new housing is welcomed.
  • There is support for delivering more specialist housing, including homes for students, older people, homeless people and for people with learning difficulties.

Our evidence, which says:

  • Newham needs to deliver more homes to meet both the Borough’s and London’s housing needs.
  • There is a significant need for affordable housing, in particular social rent homes.
  • Newham Council is building more homes at social rent levels as part of the Affordable Homes for Newham Programme.
  • There is a high need for family-sized housing, particularly three bedroom homes.
  • There is a need for new pitches to meet the accommodation needs of Newham’s Gypsy and Traveller communities, which will need to be considered by the Council’s housing service.
  • Specialist and supported housing should be delivered to support local housing needs.

GREEN AND WATER SPACES

The green and water space policies address the protection of Newham’s green and water spaces and how to improve residents’ access to them and their quality. They also consider how to improve biodiversity, greening and play space in the borough.

The Plan proposes

  • All development to consider and maximise opportunities to provide open space and improve biodiversity.
  • Loss of open space will not be allowed if it will create or increase levels of open space deficiency. Some loss may be allowed if it delivers facilities that will improve the way people can use and enjoy a green space, such as a café or public toilets. Any such additions should not have a negative impact on wildlife and biodiversity.
  • Clear requirements for the design of open space.
  • Requiring development to provide or help to deliver a network of improved, high-quality water spaces and improving access to allow people to enjoy Newham’s water spaces.
  • Maximising the delivery of ‘living building’ elements. This means features like green roofs (while prioritising solar panels), green walls, bird nest bricks, bat roost bricks, boundaries which allow hedgehogs to move freely and nature-based Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
  • Introducing a standalone policy on the protection and delivery of more trees and hedgerows in Newham.
  • Protecting existing play facilities and maximising opportunities to deliver new and improved play spaces.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • There is need for more open space and improvements to biodiversity.
  • Newham’s green and water spaces require better maintenance and management.
  • Existing and new open spaces need to feel safe and have facilities such as cafes, public toilets, and outdoor gyms.
  • Waterways need to have better access.
  • Neighbourhoods should be greener.
  • Trees should be better protected and more should be planted.
  • More play space is needed.

Our evidence, which says:

  • Newham has a low publicly accessible open space rate, with just 0.71 hectares per 1,000 residents. This is lower than neighbouring boroughs.
  • The borough also experiences shortfalls in access to nature, areas for community growing and play space.
  • Open space is unevenly distributed across the borough and residents can have very different experiences when trying to access open space where they live. Beckton, for example, is relatively well served with publicly accessible green space, with a rate of 2.23 hectares per 1,000 residents, significantly above the Borough average. In contrast, Canning Town South has a rate of just 0.21, well below the Borough average.
  • Over the next 25 years, Newham’s population will increase by 27%. With this population growth, there will be need for increased provision of green infrastructure to meet demand.
  • A Green and Water Spaces Strategy is currently underway, which will support the Local Plan and the work of the Parks department.

CLIMATE EMERGENCY

The climate emergency policies address how development can occur in Newham without adversely affecting, and in many cases improving, the health of residents in the borough, the local environment, and the climate.

The Plan proposes

  • A new approach to zero carbon homes with all new buildings to use ultra-low amounts of energy, not use gas boilers for heating and generate their own energy using solar panels.
  • New buildings have to demonstrate they are meeting our targets, using certifications like Passivhaus, and will be monitored after completion.
  • New requirements for embodied carbon and overheating to be considered earlier in design.
  • Encouraging the retrofit of existing buildings, ensuring that the highest standards are met.
  • Development should mitigate or improve Newham’s poor air quality.
  • Measures to reduce new developments to the risks of all types of flooding, with guidance around the benefits of more sustainable measures to reduce water entering the sewer network.
  • Support the Thames Estuary Plan for managing flood risk in the Thames, including any updates to reflect climate change.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • Addressing the climate emergency is important to you.
  • The Local Plan can help in tackling the climate emergency through requiring solar panels, addressing pollution, retrofitting buildings, encouraging sustainable transport and the provision of parks.
  • There are issues with the harsh environment in many parts of the borough, including poor air quality, noise and light pollution.
  • Localised flooding is a significant concern for residents.
  • Investment and upgrades to flood defences are needed.

Our evidence, which says:

  • New zero carbon homes, which save power and energy and should generate renewable electricity with solar panels are deliverable.
  • New industrial buildings can generate substantial amounts of renewable electricity using solar panels.
  • Overheating of new buildings can be mitigated through good design.
  • Newham has poor levels of air quality across the borough.
  • Existing buildings can be retrofitted, with guidance to enable more high quality retrofit to take place in the borough.
  • Without new water management solutions including sustainable drainage, new developments in areas of significant growth will increase stress on regional water resources.

TRANSPORT

The transport policies address all forms of transportation in Newham – walking, cycling, public transport, cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles, boats and planes and consider how high quality, sustainable and active travel can be encouraged.

The Plan proposes

  • New development will be car free, with high quality cycle parking (including charging for e-bikes and mobility scooters).
  • New public transport infrastructure to unlock development sites, such as the DLR extension to Beckton Riverside.
  • Delivering new cycle lanes, low traffic neighbourhoods and new school streets.
  • Ensuring that Electric Vehicle Charging Points are located across the borough, while discouraging car use by encouraging public transport, walking and cycling.
  • Improving the borough with cycle hire, Legible London signage and high quality public realm.
  • Supporting behaviour change with travel plans.
  • Deliveries, including those from Newham based businesses, to take place using cargo bikes, zero emission vehicles or other sustainable means.
  • A new airport policy which supports London City Airport to meet their environmental targets while ensuring that any changes at the airport do not negatively impact the growing neighbourhoods around it.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • Efforts to reduce car use, encourage walking and cycling and improve public transport are supported.
  • There are concerns about car dependency and how the Local Plan can help overcome this.
  • Some of you wanted more support for electric vehicles and charging points, while others disagreed with this as you felt it would further encourage car use.
  • Better cycling facilities, including more cycle lanes and cycle parking are needed.
  • Impact of the Silvertown Tunnel and London City Airport are areas of concern.

Our evidence, which says:

  • Newham has a low car ownership rate, good public transport accessibility and levels of use, but poor levels of cycling.
  • A Sustainable Transport Strategy is currently underway, which will support the Local Plan as well as help to deliver wider Council objectives including increasing active travel and improving air quality.
  • It will include strategies for improving walking, cycling, electric vehicle charging and cycle hire.
  • It will also include recommendations for public transport improvements.

WASTE AND UTILITIES

The waste and utilities policies address sustainable waste disposal, collection and management as well as the provision of utilities (water, heat, power) and digital infrastructure to support growth in the borough.

The Plan proposes

  • A requirement for well-designed waste storage spaces in new housing developments to provide enough accessible space to store recycling, food waste and general waste for collection.
  • A new requirement for the Borough’s largest housing developments to provide dedicated reuse rooms, where residents can leave items for other residents to collect and reuse or use as a space for tool sharing.
  • To protect existing waste management sites in the Borough unless the same amount of capacity is provided elsewhere within London.
  • To minimise environmental impacts from waste facilities and utilities infrastructure, including smells and noise, through design of facilities and odour impact assessments.
  • New developments must demonstrate that there is sufficient utilities infrastructure capacity, including digital capacity, to meet the needs of futures users of the development. Early discussions with infrastructure providers must be undertaken to identify if enhancements are needed.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • Improving waste reduction, re-use and recycling rates is supported.
  • Better designed waste storage facilities are needed in new developments to allow for ease of recycling.
  • Waste sites in Newham should be safeguarded to help manage waste across London.
  • Environmental impacts of utilities are an issue, particularly smells.
  • The Council should plan proactively for digital infrastructure delivery.

Our evidence, which says:

  • We have sufficient capacity across east London to manage different types of waste.
  • Newham has some of the lowest recycling rates in the UK.
  • Utilities, including digital infrastructure, are critical to support future growth in Newham

NEIGHBORHOODS

The neighbourhood chapter includes 16 Neighbourhood Policies that set out how each of Newham’s neighbourhoods will grow and change over the next 15 years. Each neighbourhood policy contains a neighbourhood profile, vision, policy and site allocations which provide further details on how that site will develop.  

The Plan proposes

  • 16 Neighbourhood Policies that set out the vision for how each of Newham’s neighbourhoods will grow and change over the next 15 years.
  • Significant growth in the Royal Docks and Beckton Riverside Opportunity Area, alongside the River Lea, in Stratford and Maryland, as well as incremental change in West Ham, Plaistow, Green Street, East Ham, East Ham South, Manor Park and Little Ilford, Beckton and Forest Gate through the enhancement of their character.
  • Policies which address design and heritage, public realm, employment, town centres, the environment, community facilities, green and blue spaces, and public and active transport.
  • 44 site allocations informed by resident engagement, the need for homes, employment space and infrastructure, and landowner aspirations.

Allocations include:

  • Development principles which outline the types of development required on each site.
  • Design principles which set parameters for building heights, layout and key routes.
  • Infrastructure requirements which set out the requirements for schools, health centres, open space, childcare facilities, leisure centres, public transport and bridges.
  • Phasing and implementation which indicates when sites are expected to be developed in the next 15 years.

These proposals have been informed by: 

The feedback you provided during our Issues and Options engagement in 2021, where you said:

  • You support the 15 minute neighbourhood concept but consideration should be given to how it considers employment uses.
  • Newham’s neighbourhoods should be safer, greener, better connected, enable active travel, have more community facilities, shops and better public realm and public spaces.
  • Policy designations, such as tall buildings, flood risk, safeguarded wharves, town centres and Metropolitan Open Land should be reviewed and used to inform new site allocations.
  • The design-led approach to site allocations should reflect the challenges of developing large sites.

Our evidence, which says:

  • The Characterisation Study, informed by public engagement, has identified 16 neighbourhoods which form part of Newham’s network of 15 minute neighbourhoods.
  • Parts of Newham should be conserved, enhanced or transformed and have varying opportunities for growth and intensification.
  • Newham needs to deliver more homes and employment spaces to meet both the Borough and London’s housing and industrial needs.
  • Newham needs more infrastructure, including parks, health centres, schools, leisure facilities and childcare facilities.
  • A range of sites across Newham are suitable, available and achievable for development in the next 15 years.
  • Design-led capacity testing has identified suitable building heights and other key design principles for each site allocation.

GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS

This section provides an explanation of key terms and technical words in the Plan. In the interactive document, these terms are highlighted with a dotted underline. Hover your mouse over the word for a pop-up definition. 

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Do you have any general feedback about this document?
0 replies
Suggestion
Comment here
0 replies
I think this resource should be taken into consideration: link
0 replies
How about adding the word "livable" to this list?
0 replies
in reply to Aja's comment
Answer
Reply
0 replies
in reply to Linda's comment
Answer
Yes, they are included in the 2024 budget. Thank you
0 replies
Question
Is there currently a budget that is accounting for these improvements?
1 reply
Suggestion
If financial viability reports are produced by Local community Trusts for a limit on development of housing on its sites then it should be taken into consideration and local communities should not be treated with the same level of expectations as mega developers.
1 reply
Feedback
Developers should also pay towards the inter-linked road connections between its site , including walk/water ways.
0 replies
Feedback
The wording of the masterplanning requirement under Draft Policy BFN2 (Co-designed masterplanning) is currently inflexible taking into consideration the eventual delivery process of development sites. In many cases, the Council’s identification of the strategic allocations do not take into account that there are often multiple landowners who would be required to input into the masterplanning process. Where this is the case, it is not unusual for timings for delivery to be impacted by matters such as the site’s suitability, achievability and viability, which would render bringing individual sites within an allocation forward at the same time impossible. In this regard, the wording of policy BFN2 should be flexible to not prejudice the delivery of much-needed homes on sites which are ready to come forward for development before others. The masterplanning process should not slow down site delivery, specifically where matters can be dealt with in the decision-making process of a planning application. Greater clarity should also be given to the weight to be attached to this exercise in the decision-making process. Development within such a location would need to be mindful of the wider context in any circumstances where there are cumulative technical and design considerations. In our opinion, an indicative masterplan would hold only limited weight in the overall determination of a planning application. We have been proactively engaging with Design Review Panels for the Site to ensure the development is well-guided by urban design and townscape grounds. The Site will contribute to achieving the Council’s Vision to deliver Good Growth with exceptional social infrastructure, incubator job facilities and an attractive environment and landscape.
0 replies
Feedback
Important that people understand what 15 minute neighborhoods really are - and not to listen to the conspiracy theories! These are essential to help reduce car dependency and improve connectivity.
0 replies
Feedback
reducing the dominance of the borough’s road infrastructure to improve air quality and to enable better walking and cycling." Is essential
0 replies
Feedback
Primary schools in the South-West of the Royal Docks (West Silvertown area) are already oversubscribed - with a waiting list of 90 local children for the 2 existing primary schools (Britannia Village Primary school and Royal Wharf Primary school). Currently people living 0.27 miles or more from Royal Wharf Primary school can't get in to the school, as there are so many families moving into the area. It is encouraging to see 3 new schools are planned, but these will need to be a significant size to educate all the local children. It also creates a meanwhile issue - these schools aren't planned for phase 1 of developments so where will the first residents go to school? West Silvertown Foundation and Britannia Education Trust are embedded in the local community and are prepared to think of creative ways to address this issue, but will need support from Newham council in doing this. Other amenities are also overstretched or non-existent: we need more GP surgeries, and we are yet to have a medium or large supermarket in the area, which is desperately needed.
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in reply to Maxie's comment
Feedback
West Ham Park nursery site should be preserved as green space. It currently is being sold by the Corporation of the City of London to a residential property developer. Either this should be stopped and the land returned to the park (where it belonged originally ), or the development should be considered a site and guidelines be imposed to benefit the area (such as creating a cafe, children centre and community space in West Ham Park... and also the style of buildings, afforable housing etc.). The fact that the nursery of west ham park is being shown on the map as a "derelict" area that's outside West Ham park is misleading and should be corrected please - it is inside the park boundary.
0 replies
Suggestion
There is no protection of West Ham Park as the city of London are being allowed to convert their land which is part of West Ham Park from agricultural use to flats. Why not preserve the history of that part of West Ham Park and heritage to Henry the 8th. Why not secure the land for a cultural history community hub, with growing plots for local residents and local schools to learn, educate, plant, harvest and sell produce. Nature trails and rare plant horticulture could flourish here too. In addition to provision of a community hub to enable local sustainability groups to educate and nurture hearts and minds. Bringing people of all ages, genders and nationalities together to learn and grow would be super. Selling off and building on parkland should be forbidden as this is such a site of special community interest.
1 reply
Feedback
Entertainment & culture facilities are needed in the east/southeast of the borough where currently there are none or very few (especially since closure of Showcase cinema which was poorly located away from where people wanted to go).
0 replies
Suggestion
Renewable energy should also be included as a land use option in industrial, utilities and commercial areas - wind turbines & solar - alongside factories, warehouses, commercial retail parks, large open car park and the Beckton Sewage.
0 replies
Feedback
We support Draft Policy BFN1 (Spatial strategy) that directs significant levels of growth to the Royal Docks and Beckton Riverside Opportunity, which have the potential to deliver 30,000 new homes, along with its support for tall buildings while conserving the borough’s heritage assets and their settings. The River Christian Centre site will make significant contributions to the Council’s housing delivery, including the reprovision to meet various housing needs of local residents. The redevelopment will enhance the Heritage Significance of this site while sensitively refurbishing the Grade II listed Chapel of St George and St Helena, providing modern facilities for community use, and improving inclusive access to this Heritage Asset. It will also revitalise the overall Site through design to enable RCC to meet residents’ future needs better and thereby achieves RCC’s charitable objectives. We also agree with the concept of 15-minute neighbourhoods in Draft Policy BFN1. The River Christian Centre site is located in the centre of the wider regeneration area, which already benefits from excellent public transport links and town centre facilities seen in Canning Town. Its redevelopment would enhance the area in meeting the objectives of the “15-minute
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Feedback
We support the identification of the site’s area as one of the “Transform Areas” on Page 21 of the draft plan, which is further explained in the Newham Characterisation Study 2022 as areas being capable to “substantially increase developments by introducing new building types with scope to creating a new street pattern/ frontage.” After 125 years of providing local support, the River Christian Centre site is considered an anchor to residents within the neighbourhood. The redevelopment offers a unique opportunity to modernise the existing Site to revive its historic community impact and save its future as a vibrant community heart, supporting the wider estate regeneration area.
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Suggestion
Connectivity improvements needed between North Woolwich and Silvertown/Canning Town and North Woolwich and Beckton Riverside, especially for pedestrians and cycle users - notably Factory Road and an alternative to Sir Steve Redgrave Bridge (or rather an alternative to the Bascule Bridge section on the approach to SSR Bridge which has narrow pavements and no cycle provision, with double solid white lines on the road which drivers ignore overtaking cyclists on the corner)
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Suggestion
For the sake of prioritizing families you are making more vulnerable lower income individuals seeking for a high standard room accommodation within a HMO (C4). Students and professionals cannot find accommodations which in turn increases prices. I have tried through multiple agencies to find families for 8 months at reduced renting prices and we could not find any family. I then tried to sell the house to families and again: we could not find any buyer. The only calls we received were for professional sharers or students. The borough needs to allow HMO for sharers.
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Question
I am very vexed that the public right of way through Stratford Centre isn't being respected. Cutting off access at night makes it dangerous for residents who have to walk round the block to access West ham Lane etc. It appears that the interests of residents are second to those of businesses in this respect. What other justification is there for taking away this right of public access??
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Feedback
An inclusive economy to support people in these hard times.
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Suggestion
Need for community forums to represent local people.
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Feedback
Areas such as Beckton Riverside/Gallions Reach and other areas that are post-industrial or currently industrial or with infrastructure uses (eg sewage works) should also be designated a suitable for renewable energy generation alongside existing/other uses - and this be included as part of the vision. There are already some wind turbines along the Thames Gateway in industrial areas - these could be developed to increase the numbers of units and generation capacity-currently on-shore renewable energy generation is difficult to get approval for if it is not in the local plan.
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West Ham Park is a very important green space Stratford. It came into its own as a place of safety and solace during the Pandemic. There is a plan that the Nursery Site at West Ham Park will sold off for flats, further reducing our ability to increase tree cover. I trust Newham Council will refuse this planning permission, and allow the Nursery Site at West Ham park to become Public Open Space.
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Feedback
Draft Plan identifies the delivery of community facilities as a key challenge across the borough. We agree with the Council’s evidence base documents, Community Facilities Needs Assessment 2022 and Built Leisure Needs Assessment 2022, that there is a lack of community facilities within Town Centres and sports/leisure provision in the Canning Town area.
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Feedback
I know homelessness isn't just a Newham problem or a London problem - but much more work needs to happen to get people in homes. It's so awful, and the government doesn't help.
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Suggestion
Mention the multi ethnic groups ie the racial profile indigenous to Newham in particular in a positive way.
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Suggestion
I would like more details of how the Council can utilise promoting Health and well being across all age groups. Promote classes to teach healthy eating.
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Suggestion
Policy D4 (Tall buildings) notes that “Tall buildings will only be acceptable, subject to detailed design and masterplanning considerations, in areas marked on the Policies Map as ‘Tall Building Zones’. The height of tall buildings in any ‘Tall Buildings Zone’ should not exceed the respective limits set in Table 1” of the draft Local Plan. The Newham Characterisation Study Chapter 8: 5 Canning Town and Custom House (p199) states in the Transform Areas (where the site is located) that ‘additional taller elements up to 50m and in some places 60m, could be integrated into future development...these elements should be positioned carefully to aid wayfinding and mark special locations’. Given the potential introduction of the new east-west route through the Site (wayfinding) and the significant uses on the site (both historically and present) we consider that the Site should be considered a ‘special location’ with clear marking of the long-term community uses on the site making a positive contribution to the townscape, as well as the heritage of the area. We consider Policy D4 to be unduly restrictive and not in general conformity with the more recent interpretation of London Plan Policy D9 (Tall Buildings) established from the Master Brewer (2021) judgment of the High Court ([2021] EWHC 3387 (Admin)). The High Court decision establishes that Policy D9 should be interpreted with flexibility and sites outside of the designated locations for tall buildings as per Policy D9 should not automatically be considered inappropriate, with considerations given to potential impacts as per Part C of Policy D9. For these reasons, we consider the proposed blanket height restriction for buildings outside of identified Tall Buildings Zone will be inconsistent with the London Plan and irrespective of a design-led process and the wider regeneration benefits (such as sustainable community offerings and housing delivery). The existing Policy SP4 allows the exceedance of height ranges where added value can be demonstrated. We consider such flexibility should be retained to allow for other matters such as potential add value, viability, and the emerging clusters of tall buildings already achieved through Policy SP4 and envisioned in the draft Policy D4. For the reasons set out above, we recommend the draft Policy D4 be updated to flexibly reflect the outcome of the Master Brewer case.
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in reply to Doeseph Johnson's comment
Suggestion
The updated GWS2 policy is good, but it would be a great opportunity and of great benefit to include a joined up policy framework for the whole of Newham's water spaces. For example, a mini water space framework plan for Bow Creek, where heritage wharves which can be reactivated with moorings opportunities. Zoned areas along the creek where either industrial and small commercial water based enterprises could be based and residential mooring zones could be, with mixed use zones in between, along with biodiversity improvement goals and zones. As a starting point to be included in this updated water spaces plan, we believe the historic Pacific Wharf along the Channelsea River and the confluence of Abbey Creek and Channelsea River by the Greenway Bridge, would be a perfect example of a water space that could be a designated zone for residential moorings reactivation. Ideally the water space policies for Bow Creek would be drawn up in conjunction with LBTH as both sides of the river are jointly in the respective boroughs, which could easily lead to incompatible plans, if not done in consultation. We would welcome a comprehensive policy on Newham's water spaces and have done some preliminary research on the opportunities and improvements that could be made. This is in our soon to be released updated Bow Creek Vision Document. We have looked at this ourselves, and worked with planning consultants to draw up some rough ideas, but have limited funding to be able to spend the time to fully flesh out our thoughts and proposals yet. As a key stakeholder on Bow Creek and the Channelsea River / Abbey Creek, with a keen interest to reactivate the water space, we would be happy to be consulted further to help create a more comprehensive water space plan.
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Suggestion
An added protection which would be highly beneficial to the bats which feed along and over waterways would be to regulate the levels of artificial lighting cast over and around waterbodies as well as the type of lighting used. The use of low-level lighting instead of upward light and glare which cause disturbance to bat movements and which also maintain dark buffer zones should be used as standard along watercourses. LED lighting with warmer colour temperatures with peak wavelengths greater than 550nm (~3000°K) should be used as these have been shown to cause less impacts on bats.
1 reply
Feedback
The sharp corner on Ron Leighton Way just past the rear of Primark and adjacent to HolmeRoad has had half a dzen car accidents over the last 6 years I have lived in Newham with the metal barriers mangled out of shape many times, broken through the barriers and brick walls and on one occasion into the front yard of an adjacent property. SInce the public walkway through Oakwood Court was closed between Outram Road and Bendish Way there are many more pedestrians walking along this paved area to access the High Street, buses and East Ham Underground. I would suggest that a) the road is redesigned to limit the fast corner, the pathway is widend to allow more pedestrian access OR b) somehow use traffic management and cameras with fixed penalty notice. Either way I would also suggest the public right of way between Outram Road and Bendish Way through Oakwood Court be reopened to the public between 07.00 and 20.00 with an electronic timelock to automate this. This would reduce the volume of pedestrians walking through.
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Part of the objective advocates that a local approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (‘BNG’) could be justified including a higher percentage BNG and requiring any off-site delivery to be in West Oxfordshire. The Council should not set a higher BNG requirement for development than 10% that is set out in the Environment Act 2021. Requiring BNG above 10% does not meet the tests set out in paragraph 57 of the NPPF and in particular a greater than 10% requirement is not necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms. A 10% requirement should also be maintained in order to ensure that the requirement is ‘fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development’ (para 57, NPPF). Although we recognise that the 10% is a minimum requirement, it should be for the developer to decide whether to go beyond this not the Council. It is important to remember that it is impossible to know what the cost of delivering net gain is until the base level of biodiversity on a site is known and consequently what is required to achieve a 10% net gain. On some sites this may be achievable on site with no reduction in developable area, for others it may require a large proportion of it to be addressed offsite or a significant reduction in the developable area – a far more expensive option that could render a site unviable without a reduction in other policy requirements. The Council should therefore not require a BNG of greater than the 10% and should amend the policy accordingly. In addition, the Council should not set out that any off-site delivery has to be in West Oxfordshire. The Council should note that section 7.4 of the Natural England Biodiversity Metric 4.0 user guide (‘the Metric’), March 2023 identifies a spatial risk multiplier that ‘reflects the relationship between the location of on-site biodiversity loss and the location of off-site habitat compensation’ (para 7.4.2). Para 7.4.2 confirms that: ‘It affects the number of biodiversity units provided to a project by penalising proposals where off-site habitat is located at distance from the impact site’. Table 7.1 of the Metric then identifies the spatial risk score to be used for each habitat group depending on the location of the compensation site in comparison to the development site. For example, within the Local Planning Authority (LPA) Area or National Character Area (NCA) of the impact site the spatial risk score would be 1, if the compensation is outside LPA or NCA of impact site, but in neighbouring LPA or NCA the spatial risk score is 0.75. The Metric therefore already accommodates the distance away from the development site that the off-site BNG is proposed, with more BNG units being required the further away the compensation site is from the development site. The large cost of BNG is becoming more apparent with the government publishing their ‘credit’ prices and the plan should not add to this financial burden without correctly accounting for any additional financial cost within a viability study.
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I don't think that's correct, it was the Towards a Better Newham strategy until 2023
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Question
Where can I find more information about this?
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in reply to Lynn's comment
Answer
Registered users will be giving the opportunity to receive an email notification when a reply is made on their comment. Non-registered users can come back in to view all comments if comments are made visible on the document.
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in reply to admin's comment
Question
I know homelessness isn't just a Newham problem or a London problem - but much more work needs to happen to get people in homes. How will this plan impact the homeless population?
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in reply to admin's comment
Suggestion
Overall a good beginning document. I would like more mention in planning , more attention to providing the building of specified social housing due the housing crisis instead of the vague way building houses is mentioned. That it's a priority.
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in reply to Lynn's comment
Official Response
The Climate Energy section starting on page 232 details specific steps in the coming 10 years that the city will engage in to meet this goal.
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Question
90% emissions reduction is impressive, but is it attainable?
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in reply to admin's comment
Feedback
I appreciate the summary on this document. It helps to maneuver through this long complicated document.
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Use this space to share your thoughts on how this plan will shape the future of our community.
3 replies
in reply to Sarah's comment
Question
Why is there nothing about cleanliness or litter on our high streets? East Ham is filthy, with chewing gum, flytipping and waste on the street. How can we encourage people to not shop online if the experience is miserable?
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in reply to Sarah's comment
This could also make it more interesting to explore our city.
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Question
How can we encourage more independent shops, not just things you can order online anyway? We can save high streets by making them unique and special
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Question
Why is there no museum in Newham?
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Suggestion
Schools in Newham are good, we are very happy - things for children to do at the weekend are less good, need better parks, libraries, playgrounds etc
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