Residents in Hackbridge are to be given new powers to shape the area they live in under a pioneering new trial.
The powers will allow people to determine everything from the locations of shops, offices and schools to setting standards of design for new housing.
Through the Neighbourhood Development Order, they will also be able to rule on what types of development are given automatic planning permission.
Hackbridge is one of just 17 communities – a mix of cities, urban and rural areas nationwide – picked to pilot the government’s Neighbourhood Planning Front Runner scheme, which is being introduced through the Localism Bill.
Cllr Jayne McCoy, Sutton Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Economic Development and Housing, said: “We’re delighted that Hackbridge has been chosen to be one of the first areas to be covered by the new scheme. There’s a long history of strong community involvement in the area, and we look forward to working with the whole community on this exciting project.
“It’s also a real opportunity for the council to be part of a major new initiative that could shape the future of planning across the country. Sutton is one of only two councils in London in the first wave and we look forward to leading the way with this exciting new project.”
Hackbridge was chosen after a successful bid by the council, working with Hackbridge Community Forum, which detailed efforts to grow the area as a “sustainable suburb”.
The Department for Communities and Local Government was impressed by the community’s involvement in the scheme, which includes the development of more than 1,000 new homes, a new district shopping centre along with new schooling and healthcare facilities.
A new transport infrastructure is also proposed with better access to the rail station, local roads and pedestrian and cycle networks.
The plans must comply with national planning policy, law and local strategy.
The pilot areas will get £20,000 to draft plans. They will not be able to put their draft plans into effect immediately, but the government says they will be ready to go once the legislation goes through.
Posted on Wednesday 6th April 2011