Planning in Camden

Managing the impact of development

The Council will seek to protect the quality of life of occupiers and neighbours. We will grant permission for development unless this causes unacceptable harm to amenity. We will: a. seek to ensure that the amenity of communities, occupiers and neighbours is protected; b. seek to ensure development contributes towards strong and successful communities by balancing the needs of development with the needs and characteristics of local areas and communities; c. resist development that fails to adequately assess and address transport impacts affecting communities, occupiers, neighbours and the existing transport network; and d. require mitigation measures where necessary. The factors we will consider include: e. visual privacy, outlook; f. sunlight, daylight and overshadowing; g. artificial lighting levels; h. transport impacts, including the use of Transport Assessments, Travel Plans and Delivery and Servicing Management Plans; i. impacts of the construction phase, including the use of Construction Management Plans; j. noise and vibration levels; k. odour, fumes and dust; l. microclimate; m. contaminated land; and n. impact upon water and wastewater infrastructure.

Open space

The Council will protect, enhance and improve access to Camden's parks, open spaces and other green infrastructure. Protection of open spaces In order to protect the Council's open spaces, we will: a. protect all designated public and private open spaces as shown on the Policies Map and in the accompanying schedule unless equivalent or better provision of open space in terms of quality and quantity is provided within the local catchment area; b. safeguard open space on housing estates while allowing flexibility for the re-configuration of land uses. When assessing development proposals we will take the following into account: i. the effect of the proposed scheme on the size, siting and form of existing open space and the functions it performs; ii. whether the open space is replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality; and iii. whether the public value of retaining the open space is outweighed by the benefits of the development for existing estate residents and the wider community, such as improvements to the quality and access of the open space. c. resist development which would be detrimental to the setting of designated open spaces; d. exceptionally, and where it meets a demonstrable need, support small-scale development which is associated with the use of the land as open space and contributes to its use and enjoyment by the public; e. protect non-designated spaces with nature conservation, townscape and amenity value, including gardens, where possible; f. conserve and enhance the heritage value of designated open spaces and other elements of open space which make a significant contribution to the character and appearance of conservation areas or to the setting of heritage assets; g. give strong protection to maintaining the openness and character of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL); h. promote and encourage greater community participation in the management of open space and support communities seeking the designation of Local Green Spaces through the neighbourhood planning process; i. consider development for alternative sports and recreation provision, where the needs outweigh the loss and where this is supported by an up-to-date needs assessment; j. preserve and enhance Hampstead Heath through working with partners and by taking into account the impact on the Heath when considering relevant planning applications, including any impacts on views to and from the Heath; and k. work with partners to preserve and enhance the Regent's Canal, including its setting, and balance the differing demands on the Canal and its towpath. New and enhanced open space To secure new and enhanced open space and ensure that development does not put unacceptable pressure on the Borough's network of open spaces, the Council will: l. seek developer contributions for open space enhancements using Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Council will secure planning obligations to address the additional impact of proposed schemes on public open space taking into account the scale of the proposal, the number of future occupants and the land uses involved; m. apply a standard of 9 sqm per occupant for residential schemes and 0.74 sqm for commercial and higher education developments while taking into account any funding for open spaces through the Community Infrastructure Levy; n. give priority to securing new public open space on-site, with provision off-site near to the development only considered acceptable where provision on-site is not achievable. If there is no realistic means of direct provision, the Council may accept a financial contribution in lieu of provision; o. ensure developments seek opportunities for providing private amenity space; p. give priority to play facilities and the provision of amenity space which meet residents' needs where a development creates a need for different types of open space; q. seek opportunities to enhance

Health and wellbeing

The Council will improve and promote strong, vibrant and healthy communities through ensuring a high quality environment with local services to support health, social and cultural wellbeing and reduce inequalities. Measures that will help contribute to healthier communities and reduce health inequalities must be incorporated in a development where appropriate. The Council will require: a. development to positively contribute to creating high quality, active, safe and accessible places; and b. proposals for major development schemes to include a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). We will: c. contribute towards the health priorities of the Health and Wellbeing Board and partners to help reduce health inequalities across the borough; d. support the provision of new or improved health facilities, in line with Camden's Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England requirements; and e. protect existing health facilities in line with Policy C2 Community facilities.

Community facilities

The Council will work with its partners to ensure that community facilities and services are developed and modernised to meet the changing needs of our community and reflect new approaches to the delivery of services. The Council will: a. seek planning obligations to secure new and improved community facilities and services to mitigate the impact of developments. The Council may also fund improvements to community facilities using receipts from the Community Infrastructure Levy where this is identified on the Council's CIL funding list; b. expect a developer proposing additional floorspace in community use, or a new community facility, to reach agreement with the Council on its continuing maintenance and other future funding requirements; c. ensure that facilities provide access to a service on foot and by sustainable modes of travel; d. facilitate multi-purpose community facilities and the secure sharing or extended use of facilities that can be accessed by the wider community, except for facilities occupied by the emergency services due to their distinct operating needs; e. support the investment plans of educational, health, scientific and research bodies to expand and enhance their operations, taking into account the social and economic benefits they generate for Camden, London and the UK. In assessing proposals, the Council will also balance the impact proposals may have on residential amenity and transport infrastructure; f. seek the inclusion of measures which address the needs of community groups and foster community integration; g. ensure existing community facilities are retained recognising their benefit to the community, including protected groups, unless one of the following tests is met: i. a replacement facility of a similar nature is provided that meets the needs of the local population or its current, or intended, users; ii. the existing premises are no longer required or viable in their existing use and there is no alternative community use capable of meeting the needs of the local area. Where it has been demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction there is no reasonable prospect of a community use, then our preferred alternative will be the maximum viable amount of affordable housing; h. take into account listing or nomination of 'Assets of Community Value' as a material planning consideration and encourage communities to nominate Assets of Community Value.

Cultural and leisure facilities

Protection of cultural and leisure facilities The Council will seek to protect cultural and leisure facilities and manage the impact of adjoining uses where this is likely to impact their continued operation. Where there is a proposal involving the loss of a cultural or leisure facility, it must be demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction there is no longer a demand. When assessing such planning applications, we will take the following into account: a. whether the premises are able to support alternative cultural and leisure uses which would make a positive contribution to the range of cultural and leisure facilities in the borough; b. the size, layout and design of the existing facility; c. proposals for re-provision elsewhere; d. the impact of the proposal on the range of cultural and leisure facilities; and e. the mix of uses in the area. Exceptionally it may be practicable for a cultural or leisure facility to be re-provided on-site through redevelopment, or elsewhere in the Borough. The Council will take the following into account when determining the suitability of proposals: i. the impacts of the re-provision on the existing occupier and users of the facility; ii. changes in the mix of uses arising from the loss of the existing cultural/leisure facility; iii. the loss of cultural heritage; and iv. the affordability of the new facility. If a replacement facility is provided, it should be at the same or better standard than the facility which is lost and accessible to its existing users. New cultural and leisure facilities The Council will seek opportunities for new cultural and leisure facilities in major, mixed use developments and support the temporary use of vacant buildings for cultural and leisure activities. We will seek shared-use or extended access for the community in appropriate developments through developer agreements. We will expect the siting of new facilities, including the expansion of existing provision, to take into account its associated impacts. Large-scale facilities should be located where as many people as possible can enjoy their benefits and make use of public transport to get there. Central London and town centres will, therefore, be the most appropriate locations. Smaller facilities may, however, be appropriate anywhere in the Borough providing they do not have an adverse impact on the surrounding area or the local community.

Public houses

The Council will seek to protect public houses which are of community, heritage or townscape value. The Council will not grant planning permission for proposals for the change of use, redevelopment and/or demolition of a public house unless it is demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction that: a. the proposal would not result in the loss of pubs which are valued by the community (including protected groups) unless there are equivalent premises available capable of meeting the community's needs served by the public house; or b. there is no interest in the continued use of the property or site as a public house and no reasonable prospect of a public house being able to trade from the premises over the medium term; Where a public house is converted to an alternative use, the Council will seek the retention of significant features of historic or character value. Applications involving the loss of pub floorspace, including facilities ancillary to the operation of the public house, will be resisted where this will adversely affect the operation of the public house. Where it has been demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction that a public house can no longer be retained, the suitability of the premises for alternative community uses for which there is a defined need in the locality should be assessed before other uses are considered. If the pub is a heritage asset, it should be conserved in a manner appropriate to its heritage significance. The Council will support the provision of new public houses in appropriate sites in growth areas, other highly accessible locations and town centres, subject to other policies in this Plan.

Safety and security

The Council will aim to make Camden a safer place. We will: a. work with our partners including the Camden Community Safety Partnership to tackle crime, fear of crime and antisocial behaviour; b. require developments to demonstrate that they have incorporated design principles which contribute to community safety and security, particularly in wards with relatively high levels of crime, such as Holborn and Covent Garden, Camden Town with Primrose Hill and Bloomsbury; c. require appropriate security and community safety measures in buildings, spaces and the transport system; d. promote safer streets and public areas; e. address the cumulative impact of food, drink and entertainment uses, particularly in Camden Town, Central London and other centres and ensure Camden's businesses and organisations providing food, drink and entertainment uses take responsibility for reducing the opportunities for crime through effective management and design; and f. promote the development of pedestrian friendly spaces. Where a development has been identified as being potentially vulnerable to terrorism, the Council will expect counter-terrorism measures to be incorporated into the design of buildings and associated public areas to increase security.

Access for all

The Council will seek to promote fair access and remove the barriers that prevent everyone from accessing facilities and opportunities. We will: a. expect all buildings and places to meet the highest practicable standards of accessible and inclusive design so they can be used safely, easily and with dignity by all; b. expect facilities to be located in the most accessible parts of the borough; c. expect spaces, routes and facilities between buildings to be designed to be fully accessible; d. encourage accessible public transport; and e. secure car parking for disabled people. The Council will seek to ensure that development meets the principles of lifetime neighbourhoods.

Design

The Council will seek to secure high quality design in development. The Council will require that development: a. respects local context and character; b. preserves or enhances the historic environment and heritage assets in accordance with Policy D2 Heritage; c. is sustainable in design and construction, incorporating best practice in resource management and climate change mitigation and adaptation; d. is of sustainable and durable construction and adaptable to different activities and land uses; e. comprises details and materials that are of high quality and complement the local character; f. integrates well with the surrounding streets and open spaces, improving movement through the site and wider area with direct, accessible and easily recognisable routes and contributes positively to the street frontage; g. is inclusive and accessible for all; h. promotes health; i. is secure and designed to minimise crime and antisocial behaviour; j. responds to natural features and preserves gardens and other open space; k. incorporates high quality landscape design (including public art, where appropriate) and maximises opportunities for greening for example through planting of trees and other soft landscaping, l. incorporates outdoor amenity space; m. preserves strategic and local views; n. for housing, provides a high standard of accommodation; and o. carefully integrates building services equipment. The Council will resist development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions. Tall buildings All of Camden is considered sensitive to the development of tall buildings. Tall buildings in Camden will be assessed against the design criteria set out above and we will also give particular attention to: p. how the building relates to its surroundings, both in terms of how the base of the building fits in with the streetscape and how the top of a tall building affects the skyline; q. the historic context of the building's surroundings; r. the relationship between the building and hills and views; s. the degree to which the building overshadows public spaces, especially open spaces and watercourses; and t. the contribution a building makes to pedestrian permeability and improved public accessibility. In addition to these design considerations tall buildings will be assessed against a range of other relevant policies concerning amenity, mixed use and sustainability. Public art The Council will only permit development for artworks, statues or memorials where they protect and enhance the local character and historic environment and contribute to a harmonious and balanced landscape design.

Shopfronts

The Council will expect a high standard of design in new and altered shopfronts, canopies, blinds, security measures and other features. When determining proposals for shopfront development the Council will consider: a. the design of the shopfront or feature, including its details and materials; b. the existing character, architectural and historic merit and design of the building and its shopfront; c. the relationship between the shopfront and the upper floors of the building and surrounding properties, including the relationship between the shopfront and any forecourt or lightwell; d. the general characteristics of shopfronts in the area; e. community safety and the contribution made by shopfronts to natural surveillance; and f. the degree of accessibility. The Council will resist the removal of shop windows without a suitable replacement and will ensure that where shop, service, food, drink and entertainment uses are lost, a shop window and visual display is maintained. Where an original shopfront of architectural or historic value survives, in whole or in substantial part, there will be a presumption in favour of its retention. Where a new shopfront forms part of a group where original shop fronts survive, its design should complement their quality and character.

Advertisements

The Council will require advertisements to preserve or enhance the character of their setting and host building. Advertisements must respect the form, fabric, design and scale of their setting and host building and be of the highest standard of design, material and detail. We will support advertisements that: a. preserve the character and amenity of the area; and b. preserve or enhance heritage assets and conservation areas. We will resist advertisements that: c. contribute to an unsightly proliferation of signage in the area; d. contribute to street clutter in the public realm; e. cause light pollution to nearby residential properties or wildlife habitats; f. have flashing illuminated elements; or g. impact upon public safety. The Council will resist advertisements on shopfronts that are above fascia level or ground floor level, except in exceptional circumstances. Shroud advertisements, banners, hoardings / billboards / large outdoor signboards are subject to further criteria as set out in supplementary planning document Camden Planning Guidance on advertisements.

Economic development

The Council will secure a successful and inclusive economy in Camden by creating the conditions for economic growth and harnessing the benefits for local residents and businesses. We will: a. support businesses of all sizes, in particular start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises; b. maintain a stock of premises that are suitable for a variety of business activities, for firms of differing sizes, and available on a range of terms and conditions for firms with differing resources; c. support local enterprise development, employment and training schemes for Camden residents; d. encourage the concentrations of professional and technical services, creative and cultural businesses and science growth sectors in the borough; e. support the development of Camden's health and education sectors and promote the development of the Knowledge Quarter around Euston and King's Cross while ensuring that any new facilities meet the other strategic objectives of this Local Plan; f. direct new office development to the growth areas, Central London, and the town centres in order to meet the forecast demand of 695,000sqm of office floorspace between 2014 and 2031; g. support Camden's industries by: i. safeguarding existing employment sites and premises in the borough that meet the needs of industry and other employers; ii. supporting proposals for the intensification of employment sites and premises where these provide additional employment and other benefits in line with Policy E2 Employment premises and sites; iii. safeguarding the Kentish Town Industry Area; iv. promoting and protecting the jewellery industry in Hatton Garden; h. expect the provision of high speed digital infrastructure in all employment developments; and i. recognise the importance of other employment generating uses, including retail, education, health, markets, leisure and tourism.

Employment premises and sites

The Council will encourage the provision of employment premises and sites in the borough. We will protect premises or sites that are suitable for continued business use, in particular premises for small businesses, businesses and services that provide employment for Camden residents and those that support the functioning of the Central Activities Zone (CAZ) or the local economy. We will resist development of business premises and sites for non-business use unless it is demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction: a. the site or building is no longer suitable for its existing business use; and b. that the possibility of retaining, reusing or redeveloping the site or building for similar or alternative type and size of business use has been fully explored over an appropriate period of time. We will consider higher intensity redevelopment of premises or sites that are suitable for continued business provided that: c. the level of employment floorspace is increased or at least maintained; d. the redevelopment retains existing businesses on the site as far as possible, and in particular industry, light industry, and warehouse/logistic uses that support the functioning of the CAZ or the local economy; e. it is demonstrated to the Council's satisfaction that any relocation of businesses supporting the CAZ or the local economy will not cause harm to CAZ functions or Camden's local economy and will be to a sustainable location; f. the proposed premises include floorspace suitable for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, such as managed affordable workspace where viable; g. the scheme would increase employment opportunities for local residents, including training and apprenticeships; h. the scheme includes other priority uses, such as housing, affordable housing and open space, where relevant, and where this would not prejudice the continued operation of businesses on the site; and i. for larger employment sites, any redevelopment is part of a comprehensive scheme. Hatton Garden The Council will seek to secure and retain premises suitable for use as jewellery workshops and related uses in Hatton Garden. We will also resist development of business premises and sites for a non-business use. Where the applicant can demonstrate criterion a. and b. above we will expect the proposals to provide a mix of uses that include premises suitable for use as jewellery workshops. We will consider redevelopment of premises or sites that are suitable for continued jewellery workshops provided that: j. the level of jewellery workshop space is increased or at least maintained; k. the redevelopment retains existing businesses on the site as far as possible; and l. the relocation of businesses will not cause harm to CAZ functions or Camden's local economy. Where proposals in Hatton Garden would increase total gross internal floorspace by more than 200sqm, we will seek 50% of the additional floorspace as affordable premises suitable for the jewellery sector.

Climate change mitigation

The Council will require all development to minimise the effects of climate change and encourage all developments to meet the highest feasible environmental standards that are financially viable during construction and occupation. We will: a. promote zero carbon development and require all development to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through following the steps in the energy hierarchy; b. require all major development to demonstrate how London Plan targets for carbon dioxide emissions have been met; c. ensure that the location of development and mix of land uses minimise the need to travel by car and help to support decentralised energy networks; d. support and encourage sensitive energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings; e. require all proposals that involve substantial demolition to demonstrate that it is not possible to retain and improve the existing building; and f. expect all developments to optimise resource efficiency. For decentralised energy networks, we will promote decentralised energy by: g. working with local organisations and developers to implement decentralised energy networks in the parts of Camden most likely to support them; h. protecting existing decentralised energy networks (e.g. at Gower Street, Bloomsbury, King's Cross, Gospel Oak and Somers Town) and safeguarding potential network routes; and i. requiring all major developments to assess the feasibility of connecting to an existing decentralised energy network, or where this is not possible establishing a new network. To ensure that the Council can monitor the effectiveness of renewable and low carbon technologies, major developments will be required to install appropriate monitoring equipment.

Adapting to climate change

The Council will require development to be resilient to climate change. All development should adopt appropriate climate change adaptation measures such as: a. the protection of existing green spaces and promoting new appropriate green infrastructure; b. not increasing, and wherever possible reducing, surface water run-off through increasing permeable surfaces and use of Sustainable Drainage Systems; c. incorporating bio-diverse roofs, combination green and blue roofs and green walls where appropriate; and d. measures to reduce the impact of urban and dwelling overheating, including application of the cooling hierarchy. Any development involving 5 or more residential units or 500 sqm or more of any additional floorspace is required to demonstrate the above in a Sustainability Statement. Sustainable design and construction measures The Council will promote and measure sustainable design and construction by: e. ensuring development schemes demonstrate how adaptation measures and sustainable development principles have been incorporated into the design and proposed implementation; f. encourage new build residential development to use the Home Quality Mark and Passivhaus design standards; g. encouraging conversions and extensions of 500 sqm of residential floorspace or above or five or more dwellings to achieve "excellent" in BREEAM domestic refurbishment; and h. expecting non-domestic developments of 500 sqm of floorspace or above to achieve "excellent" in BREEAM assessments and encouraging zero carbon in new development from 2019.

Resource efficiency in development

We will expect all developments, whether for refurbishment or redevelopment, to optimise resource efficiency by: reducing waste; reducing energy and water use during construction; minimising materials required; using materials with low embodied carbon content; and enabling low energy and water demands once the building is in use.

Decentralised energy - connection requirements

The Council will therefore require all new major developments to assess the feasibility of connecting to an existing decentralised energy network, or where this is not possible establishing a new network. Developments will be required to follow the steps below, in the order listed, to ensure that energy from an efficient source is used where possible: Connect immediately: where feasible, development will be required to connect immediately to existing networks; Connect in immediate future: where networks do not currently exist, developments will be required to assess feasibility of connecting to identified future decentralised energy network opportunities in the vicinity of the site, having regard to Map 5: Energy Networks on page 257, area specific feasibility studies, energy plans and site allocations. Where shown to be feasible, development proposals must provide on-site infrastructure for connection and agree a timescale for connection where possible; Provide a site wide low carbon network: all major developments that cannot immediately connect to an existing or planned network should evaluate the feasibility of a site wide network using low carbon energy sources such as CHP or other low carbon technologies and examine the feasibility of extending the system beyond the site boundary to other sites within a 500m radius, prioritising communally heated Council buildings.

Major developments and communal heat systems

All major developments should incorporate communal heat distribution systems to facilitate a single point of connection to decentralised energy networks unless it can be clearly demonstrated that it is not applicable due to local circumstances. Major developments that do not connect to a network and are located within areas identified (see Map 5: Energy Networks and supplementary planning document Camden Planning Guidance on sustainability) will be required to make a financial contribution towards Council-led decentralised energy feasibility and delivery within these areas. Developers in these areas may also be expected to collaborate with the Council in the production of such studies and install heating infrastructure in accordance with the study conclusions.

Monitoring of energy performance

The installation of monitoring equipment in all major developments will provide important information showing actual energy performance and will aid the Council's and developers' understanding of the effectiveness of measures implemented in the borough. Such data would also inform the Council as to whether policy requirements are being met. Monitoring shall include any renewable or low carbon technology that contributes to meeting London Plan Policy 5.2. A contribution will be sought towards monitoring.

New and enhanced open space

l. seek developer contributions for open space enhancements using Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Council will secure planning obligations to address the additional impact of proposed schemes on public open space taking into account the scale of the proposal, the number of future occupants and the land uses involved; m. apply a standard of 9 sqm per occupant for residential schemes and 0.74 sqm for commercial and higher education developments while taking into account any funding for open spaces through the Community Infrastructure Levy; n. give priority to securing new public open space on-site, with provision off-site near to the development only considered acceptable where provision on-site is not achievable. If there is no realistic means of direct provision, the Council may accept a financial contribution in lieu of provision; o. ensure developments seek opportunities for providing private amenity space; p. give priority to play facilities and the provision of amenity space which meet residents' needs where a development creates a need for different types of open space; q. seek opportunities to enhance links between open spaces recognising the multiple benefits this may bring; r. tackle deficiencies to open space through enhancement measures; and s. seek temporary provision of open space where opportunities arise.

Biodiversity

The Council will protect and enhance sites of nature conservation and biodiversity. We will: a. designate and protect nature conservation sites and safeguard protected and priority habitats and species; b. grant permission for development unless it would directly or indirectly result in the loss or harm to a designated nature conservation site or adversely affect the status or population of priority habitats and species; c. seek the protection of other features with nature conservation value, including gardens, wherever possible; d. assess developments against their ability to realise benefits for biodiversity through the layout, design and materials used in the built structure and landscaping elements of a proposed development, proportionate to the scale of development proposed; e. secure improvements to green corridors, particularly where a development scheme is adjacent to an existing corridor; f. seek to improve opportunities to experience nature, in particular where such opportunities are lacking; g. require the demolition and construction phase of development, including the movement of works vehicles, to be planned to avoid disturbance to habitats and species and ecologically sensitive areas, and the spread of invasive species; h. secure management plans, where appropriate, to ensure that nature conservation objectives are met; and i. work with The Royal Parks, The City of London Corporation, the London Wildlife Trust, friends of park groups and local nature conservation groups to protect and improve open spaces and nature conservation in Camden. Trees and vegetation The Council will protect, and seek to secure additional, trees and vegetation. We will: j. resist the loss of trees and vegetation of significant amenity, historic, cultural or ecological value including proposals which may threaten the continued wellbeing of such trees and vegetation; k. require trees and vegetation which are to be retained to be satisfactorily protected during the demolition and construction phase of development in line with BS5837:2012 'Trees in relation to Design, Demolition and Construction' and positively integrated as part of the site layout; l. expect replacement trees or vegetation to be provided where the loss of significant trees or vegetation or harm to the wellbeing of these trees and vegetation has been justified in the context of the proposed development; m. expect developments to incorporate additional trees and vegetation wherever possible.

Water and flooding

The Council will seek to ensure that development does not increase flood risk and reduces the risk of flooding where possible. We will require development to: a. incorporate water efficiency measures; b. avoid harm to the water environment and improve water quality; c. consider the impact of development in areas at risk of flooding (including drainage); d. incorporate flood resilient measures in areas prone to flooding; e. utilise Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in line with the drainage hierarchy to achieve a greenfield run-off rate where feasible; and f. not locate vulnerable development in flood-prone areas. Where an assessment of flood risk is required, developments should consider surface water flooding in detail and groundwater flooding where applicable. The Council will protect the borough's existing drinking water and foul water infrastructure, including the reservoirs at Barrow Hill, Hampstead Heath, Highgate and Kidderpore.

Air quality

The Council will ensure that the impact of development on air quality is mitigated and ensure that exposure to poor air quality is reduced in the borough. The Council will take into account the impact of air quality when assessing development proposals, through the consideration of both the exposure of occupants to air pollution and the effect of the development on air quality. Consideration must be taken to the actions identified in the Council's Air Quality Action Plan. Air Quality Assessments (AQAs) are required where development is likely to expose residents to high levels of air pollution. Where the AQA shows that a development would cause harm to air quality, the Council will not grant planning permission unless measures are adopted to mitigate the impact. Similarly, developments that introduce sensitive receptors (i.e. housing, schools) in locations of poor air quality will not be acceptable unless designed to mitigate the impact. Development that involves significant demolition, construction or earthworks will also be required to assess the risk of dust and emissions impacts in an AQA and include appropriate mitigation measures to be secured in a Construction Management Plan.

Waste

The Council will seek to make Camden a low waste borough. We will: a. aim to reduce the amount of waste produced in the borough and increase recycling and the reuse of materials to meet the London Plan targets of 50% of household waste recycled/composted by 2020 and aspiring to achieve 60% by 2031; b. deal with North London's waste by working with our partner boroughs in North London to produce a Waste Plan, which will ensure that sufficient land is allocated to manage the amount of waste apportioned to the area in the London Plan; c. safeguard Camden's existing waste site at Regis Road unless a suitable compensatory waste site is provided that replaces the maximum throughput achievable at the existing site; and d. make sure that developments include facilities for the storage and collection of waste and recycling.

Heritage - Designated heritage assets

The Council will not permit harm to a designated heritage asset unless the public benefits of the proposal outweigh the harm. In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework the Council will only permit development resulting in substantial harm to or loss to a grade II listed building, park or garden in exceptional circumstances and will only permit development resulting in substantial harm to or loss to a grade I and II* listed building, grade I and II* registered park or garden in wholly exceptional circumstances. Where the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss, or all of the following apply: a. the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; b. no viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; c. conservation by grant-funding or some form of charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible; and d. the harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. The Council will not permit development that results in harm that is less than substantial to the significance of a designated heritage asset unless the public benefits of the proposal convincingly outweigh that harm.

Heritage

The Council will preserve and, where appropriate, enhance Camden's rich and diverse heritage assets and their settings, including conservation areas, listed buildings, archaeological remains, scheduled ancient monuments and historic parks and gardens and locally listed heritage assets. Designated heritage assets Designed heritage assets include conservation areas and listed buildings. The Council will not permit the loss of or substantial harm to a designated heritage asset, including conservation areas and Listed Buildings, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss, or all of the following apply: a. the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; b. no viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; c. conservation by grant-funding or some form of charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible; and d. the harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. The Council will not permit development that results in harm that is less than substantial to the significance of a designated heritage asset unless the public benefits of the proposal convincingly outweigh that harm. Conservation areas Conservation areas are designated heritage assets and this section should be read in conjunction with the section above headed 'designated heritage assets'. In order to maintain the character of Camden's conservation areas, the Council will take account of conservation area statements, appraisals and management strategies when assessing applications within conservation areas. The Council will: e. require that development within conservation areas preserves or, where possible, enhances the character or appearance of the area; f. resist the total or substantial demolition of an unlisted building that makes a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area;

Maximising housing supply

The Council will aim to secure a sufficient supply of homes to meet the needs of existing and future households by maximising the supply of housing and exceeding a target of 16,800 additional homes from 2016/17 - 2030/31, including 11,130 additional self-contained homes. We will seek to exceed the target for additional homes, particularly self-contained homes by: a. regarding self-contained housing as the priority land-use of the Local Plan; b. working to return vacant homes to use and ensure that new homes are occupied; c. resisting alternative development of sites identified for housing or self-contained housing through a current planning permission or a development plan document unless it is shown that the site is no longer developable for housing; and d. where sites are underused or vacant, expecting the maximum reasonable provision of housing that is compatible with any other uses needed on the site. We will monitor the delivery of additional housing against the housing target, and will seek to maintain supply at the rate necessary to exceed the target. In seeking to maintain the housing supply, the Council will adjust the type and mix of housing sought, having regard to the financial viability of development, the sales or capital value of different house types and tenures, and the needs of different groups.

Housing with shared facilities ('houses in multiple occupation')

The Council will aim to ensure that there is continued provision of housing with shared facilities to meet the needs of small households with limited incomes and modest space requirements. We will support development of housing with shared facilities (houses in multiple occupation) provided that the development: a. will not involve the loss of two or more self-contained homes; b. will not involve a site identified for self-contained housing through a current planning permission or a development plan document, unless it is shown that the site is no longer developable for self-contained housing; c. complies with any relevant standards for houses in multiple occupation; d. contributes to creating a mixed, inclusive and sustainable community; e. does not create a harmful concentration of such a use in the local area or cause harm to nearby residential amenity; and f. is secured as a long-term addition to the supply of low cost housing, or otherwise provides an appropriate amount of affordable housing, having regard to Policy H4 Maximising the supply of affordable housing. We will resist development that involves the net loss of housing with shared facilities (houses in multiple occupation) or the self-containment of any part of such a housing unless either: g. it can be demonstrated that the accommodation is incapable of meeting the relevant standards for houses in multiple occupation, or otherwise genuinely incapable of use as housing with shared facilities; or h. adequate replacement housing with shared facilities will be provided that satisfies criteria (a) to (f) above; or i. the development provides self-contained social-affordable rented homes. Where the Council is satisfied that a development involving the net loss of homes with shared facilities is justified, we will expect it to create an equivalent amount of floorspace for permanent self-contained housing (in Use Class C3), secured as a long-term addition to the supply of low cost housing, or otherwise providing an appropriate amount of affordable housing, having regard to Policy H4.

Accommodation for travellers

The Council will aim to secure a sufficient supply of pitches/ plots to meet the existing and future needs of Camden's established traveller community. We will protect existing lawful sites, plots and pitches for travellers. The redevelopment of such sites will not be permitted unless they are replaced by equivalent or improved sites, pitches and/or plots in suitable locations, or are demonstrably no longer needed. We will identify deliverable sites to meet or exceed Camden's projected need for seven additional pitches for the established traveller community by 2020/21 and seek to identify developable sites or broad locations to meet Camden's projected need for a further nine additional pitches by 2030/31. New sites, pitches and/or plots for travellers should: a. be accessible to public transport, services and facilities, and be capable of support by local social infrastructure; b. be capable of connection to energy, water and sewage infrastructure; c. provide safe access to and from the main road network; d. support the health and wellbeing of the occupiers; e. provide an appropriate layout and facilities; f. be attractive and of the highest design quality; and g. protect local amenity and the environment.

Maximising the supply of self-contained housing from mixed-use schemes

To support the aims of Policy H1, where non-residential development is proposed the Council will promote the inclusion of self-contained homes as part of a mix of uses. • In all parts of the borough the Council will encourage the inclusion of self-contained homes in non-residential development. • In the Central London Area and the town centres of Camden Town, Finchley Road/ Swiss Cottage and Kilburn High Road, where development involves additional floorspace of more than 200sqm (GIA), we will require 50% of all additional floorspace to be self-contained housing, subject to the following considerations. In the specified areas, the Council will consider whether self-contained housing is required as part of a mix of uses taking into account: a. the character of the development, the site and the area; b. site size, and any constraints on developing the site for a mix of uses; c. the priority the Local Plan gives to the jewellery sector in the Hatton Garden area; d. whether self-contained housing would be compatible with the character and operational requirements of the proposed non-residential use and other nearby uses; and e. whether the development is publicly funded or serves a public purpose. Where housing is required as part of a mix of uses, we will require self-contained housing to be provided on site, particularly where 1,000sqm (GIA) of additional floorspace or more is proposed. Where the Council is satisfied that providing on-site housing is not practical or housing would more appropriately be provided off-site, we will seek provision of housing on an alternative site nearby, or exceptionally a payment-in-lieu. In considering whether housing should be provided on site and the most appropriate mix of housing and other uses, the Council will take into account criteria (a) to (e) and the following additional criteria: f. the need to add to community safety by providing an active street frontage and natural surveillance; g. the extent of any additional floorspace needed for an existing user; h. the impact of a mix of uses on the efficiency and overall quantum of development; i. the economics and financial viability of the development including any particular costs associated with it, having regard to any distinctive viability characteristics of particular sectors such as build-to-let housing; and j. whether an alternative approach could better meet the objectives of this policy and the Local Plan. In the Central London Area and the town centres listed in this policy, where provision of self-contained housing is required but the development's provision of housing falls significantly short of the Council's 50% target due to financial viability, and there is a prospect of viability improving prior to completion, the Council will seek a deferred contingent contribution. The deferred contribution will be based on the initial shortfall and an updated assessment of viability when costs and receipts are known as far as possible.

Resisting loss of homes

a. Developments that involve a net loss of homes or residential floorspace in care homes, nursing homes and hospitals must be replaced with equivalent or better standard accommodation; b. Net loss of one home is acceptable when two dwellings are being combined into a single dwelling; c. A net loss of homes is acceptable when three or more dwellings are being combined to create an additional large dwelling (3 or more bedrooms) in the following four wards with a low proportion of large dwellings – Bloomsbury, King's Cross, Holborn and Covent Garden and Kilburn; d. We may permit proposals to combine three or more dwellings to create a large affordable home (3 or more bedrooms); e. We may permit proposals to combine three or more dwellings where the existing dwellings are 20% or more below residential space standards, provided the loss of dwellings is no greater than needed to meet the standards; f. For the purposes of this Policy we will treat small houses in multiple occupation (Use Class C4) in the same way as self-contained homes (Use Class C3), and will resist the loss of two or more small houses in multiple occupation; g. A permanent change of residential floorspace from long-term accommodation to short-term visitor accommodation let for periods of less than 90 days will be resisted; h. The Council may support the loss of residential floorspace for expansion of health premises provided that the need for expansion is demonstrated, and the loss of floorspace is no greater than is necessary.

Maximising the supply of affordable housing

The Council will aim to maximise the supply of affordable housing and exceed a borough wide strategic target of 5,300 additional affordable homes from 2016/17 - 2030/31, and aim for an appropriate mix of affordable housing types to meet the needs of households unable to access market housing. We will expect a contribution to affordable housing from all developments that provide one or more additional homes and involve a total addition to residential floorspace of 100sqm GIA or more. The Council will seek to negotiate the maximum reasonable amount of affordable housing on the following basis: a. the guideline mix of affordable housing types is 60% social-affordable rented housing and 40% intermediate housing; b. targets are based on an assessment of development capacity whereby 100sqm (GIA) of housing floorspace is generally considered to create capacity for one home; c. targets are applied to additional housing floorspace proposed, not to existing housing floorspace or replacement floorspace; d. a sliding scale target applies to developments that provide one or more additional homes and have capacity for fewer than 25 additional homes, starting at 2% for one home and increasing by 2% of for each home added to capacity; e. an affordable housing target of 50% applies to developments with capacity for 25 or more additional dwellings; f. for developments with capacity for 25 or more additional homes, the Council may seek affordable housing for older people or vulnerable people as part or all of the affordable housing contribution; g. where developments have capacity for fewer than 10 additional dwellings, the Council will accept a payment-in-lieu of affordable housing; h. for developments with capacity for 10 or more additional dwellings, the affordable housing should be provided on site; and i. where affordable housing cannot practically be provided on site, or off-site provision would create a better contribution (in terms quantity and/or quality), the Council may accept provision of affordable housing off-site in the same area, or exceptionally a payment-in-lieu. We will seek to ensure that where development sites are split or separate proposals are brought forward for closely related sites, the appropriate affordable housing contribution is comprehensively assessed for all the sites together. The Council will seek to use planning obligations to ensure that all parts or phases of split or related sites make an appropriate affordable housing contribution. In considering whether affordable housing provision should be sought, whether provision should be made on site, and the scale and nature of the provision that would be appropriate, the Council will also take into account: j. the character of the development, the site and the area; k. site size and any constraints on developing the site for a mix of housing including market and affordable housing, and the particular types of affordable provision sought; l. access to public transport, workplaces, shops, services and community facilities; m. the impact on creation of mixed, inclusive and sustainable communities; n. the impact of the mix of housing types sought on the efficiency and overall quantum of development; o. the economics and financial viability of the development including any particular costs associated with it, having regard to any distinctive viability characteristics of particular sectors such as build-to-let housing; and p. whether an alternative approach could better meet the objectives of this policy and the Local Plan. Where the development's contribution to affordable housing falls significantly short of the Council's targets due to financial viability, and there is a prospect of viability improving prior to completion, the Council will seek a deferred contingent contribution, based on the initial shortfall and an updated assessment of viability when costs and receipts are known as far as possible.

Protecting and improving affordable housing

The Council will aim to secure sufficient high quality affordable homes of different types and sizes to meet the needs of existing and future Camden households who are unable to access market housing and create mixed, inclusive and sustainable communities by: a. regenerating existing estates and providing more and better affordable homes at an appropriate density through the Community Investment Programme and Better Homes Programme; and b. protecting existing affordable housing floorspace of all types.

Housing choice and mix

The Council will aim to minimise social polarisation and create mixed, inclusive and sustainable communities by seeking high quality accessible homes and by seeking a variety of housing suitable for Camden's existing and future households, having regard to household type, size, income and any particular housing needs. We will seek to secure high quality accessible homes in all developments that include housing. We will: a. encourage design of all housing to provide functional, adaptable and accessible spaces; b. expect all self-contained homes to meet the nationally described space standard; c. require 90% of new-build self-contained homes in each development to be accessible and adaptable in accordance with Building Regulation M4(2); and d. require 10% of new-build self-contained homes in each development to be suitable for occupation by a wheelchair user or easily adapted for occupation by a wheelchair user in accordance with Building Regulation M4(3). We will seek to secure a variety of housing suitable for existing and future households overall across development in the borough. When considering future site allocations and negotiating the types of housing included in each development, we will: e. seek a diverse range of housing products in the market and affordable sectors to meet the needs across the spectrum of household incomes; f. promote Starter Homes in accordance with government requirements; g. support the development of private rented homes where this will assist the creation of mixed, inclusive and sustainable communities; h. seek provision suitable for families with children, older people, people with disabilities, service families, people wishing to build their own homes and Camden's traveller community; and i. require a range of dwelling sizes in accordance with Policy H7 Large and small homes. Where housing is proposed as part of development with a site area of 0.5 ha or greater, we will expect the development to make provision for particular housing needs. For such sites, the Council will particularly seek to address the need for serviced plots available to people wishing to build their own homes but may also support the inclusion of housing for older people or vulnerable people, student housing, or other housing with shared facilities. In considering the scale and nature of provision for particular housing needs that would be appropriate, the Council will take into account: j. criteria in Policies H8, H9, and H10 where applicable; k. the character of the development, the site and the area; l. site size, and any constraints on developing the site for a mix of housing including provision for particular housing needs; m. the impact on creation of mixed, inclusive and sustainable communities; n. the impact of provision for particular housing needs on the efficiency and overall quantum of development; o. the economics and financial viability of the development including any particular costs associated with it, having regard to any distinctive viability characteristics of particular sectors such as build-to-let housing; and p. whether an alternative approach could better meet the objectives of this policy and the Local Plan.

Large and small homes

The Council will aim to secure a range of homes of different sizes that will contribute to creation of mixed, inclusive and sustainable communities and reduce mismatches between housing needs and existing supply. We will seek to ensure that all housing development, including conversion of existing homes and non-residential properties: a. contributes to meeting the priorities set out in the Dwelling Size Priorities Table; and b. includes a mix of large and small homes. We will take a flexible approach to assessing the mix of dwelling sizes proposed in each development having regard to: c. the different dwelling size priorities for social-affordable rented, intermediate and market homes; d. any evidence of local needs that differ from borough wide priorities; e. the character of the development, the site and the area, including the impact of the mix on child density; f. site size, and any constraints on developing the site for a mix of homes of different sizes; g. the economics and financial viability of the development including any particular costs associated with it, having regard to any distinctive viability characteristics of particular sectors such as build-to-let housing; and h. the extent to which flexibility around the mix of market homes could secure the delivery of additional affordable housing.

Housing for older people, homeless people and vulnerable people

The Council will aim to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of appropriate housing available for older people, homeless people and vulnerable people to live as independently as possible. We will support development of a variety of housing aimed at meeting the specific needs of older people and vulnerable people provided that the development: a. is needed to meet a demonstrable need within the borough and will be targeted at borough residents; b. will be suitable for the intended occupiers in terms of the standard of facilities, the level of independence, and the provision of support and/or care; c. will be accessible to public transport, shops, services, community facilities and social networks appropriate to the needs of the intended occupiers; d. contributes to creating a mixed, inclusive and sustainable community; and e. does not cause harm to nearby residential amenity. In accordance with Policy H4 Maximising the supply of affordable housing, the Council may seek affordable housing for older people or vulnerable people as part or all of the affordable housing contribution from developments that include housing and have capacity for 25 or more additional homes. In accordance with Policy H6 Housing choice and mix, we may also support the inclusion of housing for older people or vulnerable people where housing is proposed as part of a development with a site area of 0.5 ha or greater. In the case of any market-led development aimed at older people, homeless people or vulnerable people, particularly where the development contains self-contained homes, the Council will expect the development to make a contribution to the supply of affordable housing in accordance with Policy H4. We will also support development that adapts or replaces existing provision for older people, homeless people or vulnerable people with housing better able to foster independent living and accommodate any changes in their support and care needs. We will resist development that involves the net loss of housing floorspace for older people, homeless people and vulnerable people unless either: f. the existing housing is shown to be surplus to needs within the borough; or g. it can be demonstrated that the existing homes are incapable of meeting contemporary standards for the support and/or care of the intended occupiers; or h. adequate replacement accommodation will be provided that satisfies criteria (a) to (e) above; or i. the loss of floorspace is necessary to enable the development of housing for the same intended occupiers that satisfies criteria (a) to (e) above and is better able to foster independent living and meet any changes in their support and care needs; or j. the development will otherwise enable the provision of an alternative form of housing or support that better meets the objectives of this policy and the Local Plan. Where the Council is satisfied that a development involving the loss of housing for older people, homeless people or vulnerable people is justified, we will expect it to create an equivalent amount of floorspace for an alternative form of supported housing, or for permanent self-contained housing for people with support needs or for general needs (in Use Class C3), including an appropriate amount of affordable housing, having regard to Policy H4.

Student housing

The Council expects the provision of purpose-built student housing in Camden to grow in line with the growth of full-time student numbers across London, and expects the share of London's full-time 18+ students living in Camden to remain at around the same percentage. The Council's minimum requirement for additional student housing over the Plan period is 160 places per year, or 2,400 places in total. The Council supports development to meet or exceed this target. The Council will resist proposals for student housing which involve redeveloping two or more self-contained homes, or the development of a site allocated for self-contained homes in the Camden Site Allocations document. The Council will also resist proposals involving the development of a site that has an existing consent for self-contained housing where the consented scheme would better meet Camden's housing needs and there is a reasonable prospect of the consent being implemented. The Council will resist proposals for student housing that would prejudice the ability to meet the annual target for additional self-contained homes, having regard to their impact on the supply of land for self-contained housing, whether the cumulative target for additional self-contained homes over the Plan period is being met, and whether the sites involved have particular characteristics and constraints that make them more suitable for student housing or self-contained homes. The Council may seek a mix of student housing and self-contained homes on the same site. The Council will resist proposals for student housing that fail to comply with minimum standards for houses in multiple occupation set out in accordance with the Housing Act 2004. Where new student housing is proposed the Council will negotiate planning obligations to ensure that the term-time occupiers are students at one or more recognised institutions, which will generally be institutions supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The Council will generally expect student housing developments to serve institutions that are within walking or cycling distance, or to be accessible to them by public transport with existing or committed capacity to meet the demand arising from the development. The Council will expect student housing developments to include a range of flat layouts including clustered study-bedrooms with some shared facilities wherever this is practical and appropriate. The Council will prevent lease or sale of the accommodation as general market housing. The Council will wherever possible expect undertakings with one or more education institutions to tie occupation to students attending the specified education institutions or, where undertakings are not in place with specific institutions, subject to viability expect student housing developments to include an element of student accommodation that is affordable in the context of average student incomes and rents for comparable accommodation provided by Camden based Universities. The Council will seek housing suitable for people with disabilities, and will expect a proportion of accommodation in student housing developments to be suitable for occupation by students who are wheelchair users, having regard to the proportion of wheelchair users among the student body and the wider population.

Delivery and monitoring

The Council will deliver the vision, objectives and policies of the Local Plan by: a. working with a range of partners to ensure that opportunities for creating the conditions for growth and harnessing its benefits for the borough are fully explored; b. working with relevant providers to ensure that necessary infrastructure is secured to support Camden's growth and provide the facilities needed for the borough's communities. Information on key infrastructure programmes and projects in the borough up to 2031 are set out in Appendix 1; c. working proactively in its actions as a landowner and by facilitating land assembly where considered appropriate; d. using planning contributions where appropriate to; i. support sustainable development; ii. secure the infrastructure, facilities and services to meet the needs generated by development; iii. mitigate the impact of development; e. secure appropriate scheme implementation (including multi-site developments) and control phasing where necessary; f. working with neighbouring boroughs to coordinate delivery across boundaries; and g. monitoring the implementation of the Local Plan policies and infrastructure provision on a regular basis.

Noise and vibration

The Council will seek to ensure that noise and vibration is controlled and managed. Development should have regard to Camden's Noise and Vibration Thresholds (Appendix 3). We will not grant planning permission for: a. development likely to generate unacceptable noise and vibration impacts; or b. development sensitive to noise in locations which experience high levels of noise, unless appropriate attenuation measures can be provided and will not harm the continued operation of existing uses. We will only grant permission for noise generating development, including any plant and machinery, if it can be operated without causing harm to amenity. We will also seek to minimise the impact on local amenity from deliveries and from the demolition and construction phases of development.

Basements

The Council will only permit basement development where it is demonstrated to its satisfaction that the proposal would not cause harm to: a. neighbouring properties; b. the structural, ground, or water conditions of the area; c. the character and amenity of the area; d. the architectural character of the building; and e. the significance of heritage assets. In determining proposals for basements and other underground development, the Council will require an assessment of the scheme's impact on drainage, flooding, groundwater conditions and structural stability in the form of a Basement Impact Assessment and where appropriate, a Basement Construction Plan. The siting, location, scale and design of basements must have minimal impact on, and be subordinate to, the host building and property. Basement development should: f. not comprise of more than one storey; g. not be built under an existing basement; h. not exceed 50% of each garden within the property; i. be less than 1.5 times the footprint of the host building in area; j. extend into the garden no further than 50% of the depth of the host building measured from the principal rear elevation; k. not extend into or underneath the garden further than 50% of the depth of the garden; l. be set back from neighbouring property boundaries where it extends beyond the footprint of the host building; and m. avoid the loss of garden space or trees of townscape or amenity value. Exceptions to f. to k. above may be made on large comprehensively planned sites. The Council will require applicants to demonstrate that proposals for basements: n. do not harm neighbouring properties, including requiring the provision of a Basement Impact Assessment which shows that the scheme poses a risk of damage to neighbouring properties no higher than Burland Scale 1 'very slight'; o. avoid adversely affecting drainage and run-off or causing other damage to the water environment; p. avoid cumulative impacts; q. do not harm the amenity of neighbours; r. provide satisfactory landscaping, including adequate soil depth; s. do not harm the appearance or setting of the property or the established character of the surrounding area; t. protect important archaeological remains; and u. do not prejudice the ability of the garden to support trees where they are part of the character of the area. The Council will not permit basement schemes which include habitable rooms and other sensitive uses in areas prone to flooding. We will generally require a Construction Management Plan for basement developments. Given the complex nature of basement development, the Council encourages developers to offer security for expenses for basement development to adjoining neighbours.

Delivery and location of growth

The Council will create the conditions for growth to deliver the homes, jobs, infrastructure and facilities to meet Camden's identified needs and harness the benefits for those who live and work in the borough. Delivery of growth The Council will deliver growth by securing high quality development and promoting the most efficient use of land and buildings in Camden by: a. supporting development that makes best use of its site, taking into account quality of design, its surroundings, sustainability, amenity, heritage, transport accessibility and any other considerations relevant to the site; b. resisting development that makes inefficient use of Camden's limited land; c. expecting the provision of a mix of uses where appropriate, in particular in the most accessible parts of the borough, including an element of self-contained housing where possible; and d. supporting a mix of uses either on site or across multiple sites as part of an agreed coordinated development approach, where it can be demonstrated that this contributes towards achieving the strategic objectives and delivers the greatest benefit to the key priorities of the Plan. Growth in Camden will be expected to help contribute towards achieving the strategic objectives of the Local Plan and help deliver the Council's priorities set out in supporting text below. This Plan seeks to meet Camden's objectively assessed needs to 2031 for: • 16,800 additional homes (see Policy H1 Maximising housing supply); • 695,000sqm of office floorspace (see Policy E1 Economic development); and • c30,000sqm of retail floorspace (see Policy TC1 Quantity and location of retail development). Location of growth Development will take place throughout the borough with the most significant growth expected to be delivered through: e. a concentration of development in the growth areas of, King's Cross, Euston, Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, West Hampstead Interchange and Kentish Town Regis Road; f. development at other highly accessible locations, in particular Central London and the town centres of Camden Town, Finchley Road / Swiss Cottage, Kentish Town, Kilburn High Road and West Hampstead; and g. the Council's Community Investment Programme (CIP). The Council identifies and provides guidance on the main development opportunity sites in the borough through our Camden Site Allocations and Area Action Plans. The Council will require development in the growth areas, other highly accessible and CIP areas to be consistent with the area priorities and principles set out below.

Tourism

The Council recognises the importance of the visitor economy in Camden and will support tourism development and visitor accommodation. We will: a. expect new, large-scale tourism development and visitor accommodation to be located in Central London, particularly the growth areas of King's Cross, Euston, Tottenham Court Road and Holborn; b. allow smaller-scale visitor accommodation in the town centres of Camden Town, Kilburn, West Hampstead, Kentish Town and Finchley Road/Swiss Cottage; c. consider tourism development outside of the areas listed above where it would have a local or specialist focus and would attract limited numbers of visitors from outside the borough; d. encourage large-scale tourism development and visitor accommodation to provide training and employ Camden residents; e. protect existing visitor accommodation in appropriate locations. All tourism development and visitor accommodation must: f. be easily reached by public transport; g. provide any necessary pickup and set down points for private hire cars and coaches and provide taxi ranks and coach parking where necessary; h. not harm the balance and mix of uses in the area, local character, residential amenity, services for the local community, the environment or transport systems; and i. not lead to the loss of permanent residential accommodation.

Quantity and location of retail development

The Council will focus new shopping and related uses in Camden's designated growth areas and existing centres, having regard to the level of capacity available in these locations. Distribution of retail across Camden The Council will promote the following distribution of retail and other town centre uses across the borough: Growth Areas: • significant development in the King's Cross / St Pancras Growth Area, with approximately 30,000 sqm net additional retail (A1 to A5 use classes) floorspace anticipated; • significant development in the Euston Growth Area, with approximately 16,450 sqm of net additional retail (A1 to A5 use classes) floorspace anticipated; • additional provision as part of redevelopment schemes in the growth areas of Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and West Hampstead Interchange; and • limited additional provision as part of redevelopment of the Kentish Town Growth Area. Town Centres: • significant additional provision in the Camden Town Town Centre; and • additional provision in the other town centres. Central London Frontages: • significant provision in the Tottenham Court Road Central London Frontage; and • additional provision in the other central London frontages. Neighbourhood centres, specialist shopping areas, and small shops outside of centres: • appropriate provision in Neighbourhood Centres; • appropriate provision in Camden's Specialist Shopping Areas; and • limited provision of small shops outside centres to meet local needs. This retail floorspace is expected to be supported by a range of other town centre uses, including food, drink and entertainment uses. Sequential Approach The Council will apply a sequential approach to retail and other town centre uses outside of the areas listed above to support Camden's network of centres. Retail and other town centre uses should be located in designated centres. Only if suitable sites cannot be found within designated centres will the Council consider edge of centre locations or if no edge of centre locations are available, out of centre locations. The Council will require a retail impact assessment for large retail development proposals (of 2,500 sqm or more) that are not in accordance with the above.

Camden's centres and other shopping areas

The Council will promote successful and vibrant centres throughout the borough to serve the needs of residents, workers and visitors. We will: a. seek to protect and enhance the role and unique character of each of Camden's centres, ensuring that new development is of an appropriate scale and character for the centre in which it is located; b. provide for and maintain, a range of shops including independent shops, services, food, drink and entertainment and other suitable uses to provide variety, vibrancy and choice; c. make sure that food, drink, entertainment and other town centre uses do not have a harmful impact on residents and the local area and focusing such uses in King's Cross and Euston Growth areas, Central London Frontages, and Town Centres (Refer to Policy TC4 Town centre uses); d. support and protect Camden's Neighbourhood Centres, markets and areas of specialist shopping, local shops; and e. pursue the individual planning objectives for each centre, as set out in supplementary planning document Camden Planning Guidance on town centres and retail, and through the delivery of environmental, design, transport and public safety measures. The Council has designated primary and secondary frontages in its centres, which are shown on the Local Plan Policies Map. We will: f. protect the primary frontages as locations with a high proportion of shops (A1) in order to maintain the retail function of the centre; and g. protect the secondary frontages as locations for shops (A1) together with a broader range of other town centre uses to create centres with a range of shops, services, and food, drink and entertainment uses which support the viability and vitality of the centre. The Council's expectations for the mix and balance of uses within frontages for each designated centre are set out in Appendix 4. Housing above and below shops The Council supports the development of housing within centres and Central London including above and below shops where this does not prejudice the town centre function and particularly the ability of the ground floor to be used for town centre uses. Housing in protected frontages In order to protect the retail and town centre function of our centres the Council will only permit conversion of retail and other town centre uses to residential use on the protected frontages where it does not harm the role and character of the centre, including maintaining the supply of shop premises in centres across the borough. Neighbourhood Centres The Council will seek to retain convenience shopping for local residents in Camden's Neighbourhood Centres and will ensure that development in them does not harm the function, character or success of that centre. Design of new retail spaces New retail spaces should be of high quality, provide generous storey heights and incorporate room for signage.

Shops outside of centres

The Council will seek to protect shops outside centres. The Council will only grant planning permission for loss of a shop outside designated centres provided: a. alternative provision is available within 5-10 minutes' walking distance; b. there is clear evidence that the current use is not viable; and c. within the Central London Area, the development positively contributes to local character, function, viability and amenity.

Town centre uses

The Council will ensure that the development of shopping, services, food, drink, entertainment and other town centre uses does not cause harm to the character, function, vitality and viability of a centre, the local area or the amenity of neighbours. We will consider: a. the effect of development on shopping provision and the character of the centre in which it is located; b. the cumulative impact of food, drink and entertainment uses, taking into account the number and distribution of existing uses and non-implemented planning permissions and any record of harm caused by such uses; c. the Council's expectations for the mix and balance of uses within frontages for each centre are set out in Appendix 4; d. the individual planning objectives for each centre, as set out in the supplementary planning document Camden Planning Guidance on town centres and retail; e. impacts on small and independent shops and impacts on markets; f. the health impacts of development; g. the impact of the development on nearby residential uses and amenity and any prejudice to future residential development; h. parking, stopping and servicing and the effect of the development on ease of movement on the footpath; i. noise and vibration generated either inside or outside of the site; j. fumes likely to be generated and the potential for effective and unobtrusive ventilation; and k. the potential for crime and antisocial behaviour, including littering. To manage potential harm to amenity or the local area, we will, in appropriate cases, use planning conditions and obligations to address the following issues: l. hours of operation; m. noise/vibration, fumes and the siting of plant and machinery; n. the storage and disposal of refuse and customer litter; o. tables and chairs outside of premises; p. community safety; q. the expansion of the customer area into ancillary areas such as basements; r. the ability to change the use of premises from one food and drink use or one entertainment use to another (within Use Classes A3, A4, A5 and D2); and s. the use of local management agreements to ensure that the vicinity of premises are managed responsibly to minimise impact on the surrounding area. Contributions to schemes to manage the off-site effects of a development, including for town centre management, will be sought in appropriate cases.

Small and independent shops

The Council will promote the provision of small shop premises suitable for small and independent businesses. We will: a. expect large retail developments to include a proportion of smaller units; b. attach conditions to planning permissions for retail developments to remove their ability to combine units into larger premises, where appropriate; and c. encourage the occupation of shops by independent businesses and the provision of affordable premises.

Markets

The Council will promote and protect markets in Camden. We will: a. resist the permanent loss of market uses unless comparable replacement provision is made or there is no demand for continued market use; b. take into account the character of the existing market when assessing proposals for the refurbishment and redevelopment of markets; c. support new markets that will not cause individual or cumulative harm to the local area. When assessing planning applications for new markets, the Council will consider: d. their effect on local residents and environmental conditions; e. their impact on transport and pedestrian movement, including the effect on access and circulation, highways, parking and servicing; f. their effect on local centres and shopping provision; g. the storage and disposal of litter and refuse; h. community safety and noise; and i. toilet provision.

Prioritising walking, cycling and public transport

The Council will promote sustainable transport by prioritising walking, cycling and public transport in the borough. Walking In order to promote walking in the borough and improve the pedestrian environment, we will seek to ensure that developments: a. improve the pedestrian environment by supporting high quality public realm improvement works; b. make improvements to the pedestrian environment including the provision of high quality safe road crossings where needed, seating, signage and landscaping; c. are easy and safe to walk through ('permeable'); d. are adequately lit; e. provide high quality footpaths and pavements that are wide enough for the number of people expected to use them. Features should also be included to assist vulnerable road users where appropriate; and f. contribute towards bridges and water crossings where appropriate. Cycling In order to promote cycling in the borough and ensure a safe and accessible environment for cyclists, the Council will seek to ensure that development: g. provides for and makes contributions towards connected, high quality, convenient and safe cycle routes, in line or exceeding London Cycle Design Standards, including the implementation of the Central London Grid, Quietways Network, Cycle Super Highways and; h. provides for accessible, secure cycle parking facilities exceeding minimum standards outlined within the London Plan (Table 6.3) and design requirements outlined within our supplementary planning document Camden Planning Guidance on transport. Higher levels of provision may also be required in areas well served by cycle route infrastructure, taking into account the size and location of the development; i. makes provision for high quality facilities that promote cycle usage including changing rooms, showers, dryers and lockers; j. is easy and safe to cycle through ('permeable'); and k. contribute towards bridges and water crossings suitable for cycle use where appropriate. Public Transport In order to safeguard and promote the provision of public transport in the borough we will seek to ensure that development contributes towards improvements to bus network infrastructure including access to bus stops, shelters, passenger seating, waiting areas, signage and timetable information. Contributions will be sought where the demand for bus services generated by the development is likely to exceed existing capacity. Contributions may also be sought towards the improvement of other forms of public transport in major developments where appropriate. Where appropriate, development will also be required to provide for interchanging between different modes of transport including facilities to make interchange easy and convenient for all users and maintain passenger comfort.

Parking and car-free development

The Council will limit the availability of parking and require all new developments in the borough to be car-free. We will: a. not issue on-street or on-site parking permits in connection with new developments and use legal agreements to ensure that future occupants are aware that they are not entitled to on-street parking permits; b. limit on-site parking to: i. spaces designated for disabled people where necessary, and/or ii. essential operational or servicing needs; c. support the redevelopment of existing car parks for alternative uses; and d. resist the development of boundary treatments and gardens to provide vehicle crossovers and on-site parking.

Transport infrastructure

The Council will seek improvements to transport infrastructure in the borough. We will: a. not grant planning permission for proposals which are contrary to the safeguarding of strategic infrastructure improvement projects; and b. protect existing and proposed transport infrastructure, particularly routes and facilities for walking, cycling and public transport, from removal or severance;

Sustainable movement of goods and materials

The Council will promote the sustainable movement of goods and materials and seek to minimise the movement of goods and materials by road. We will: a. encourage the movement of goods and materials by canal, rail and bicycle where possible; b. protect existing facilities for waterborne and rail freight traffic and; c. promote the provision and use of freight consolidation facilities. Developments of over 2,500 sqm likely to generate significant movement of goods or materials by road (both during construction and operation) will be expected to: d. minimise the impact of freight movement via road by prioritising use of the Transport for London Road Network or other major roads; e. accommodate goods vehicles on site; and f. provide Construction Management Plans, Delivery and Servicing Management Plans and Transport Assessments where appropriate.