Boroughs should not set affordable rent targets in LDF, says Mayor of London

The alterations state that "boroughs should not attempt to set targets for affordable rented housing in their local development frameworks as this is likely to impede maximisation of affordable housing provision Londonwide," the consultation document said.

The consultation seeks to give recognition to the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and clarify the status of the plan following publication of the Framework, to amend the definition of "affordable housing" and include the new "affordable rent" model, and to provide guidance on development proposals potentially affected by hazardous installations, among other things.

In applying London Plan policies regard will need to be had for the extent to which those policies differ from any published NPPF, and for the legal status of the London Plan and the NPPF, the consultation said.

As drafted, the "Mayor considers this Plan reflects the intent of the draft NPPF and, in particular, the presumption in favour of sustainable development".

In relation to affordable rent, the amendments include reference to the "affordable rent product" and state that affordable rent "is subject to rent controls that require a rent of no more than 80% of the local market rent".

The proposed amendments include a paragraph that prevents boroughs from setting affordable rent targets in their Local Development Framework, because it is considered that this would "impede maximisation of affordable housing provision."

The Mayor will instead "provide indicative rent guidelines for affordable rent guidelines for affordable rented housing developed to ensure maximisation of provision and delivery", the consultation said.

Affordable housing should always be delivered on-site and the Mayor has amended the plan to say that only in "exceptional cases where it can be demonstrated that it is not appropriate in terms of the policies in this Plan, may it be provided off-site”, the consultation said.

The Mayor has not amended the response to climate change chapter, but has indicated that "he will consider publishing supplementary guidance to support the policy."

The Mayor has also indicated that he is considering providing supplementary guidance on the "EU Directive on the prevention of major accidents involving hazardous substances".

The consultation has been published by the Greater London Authority and is open for comment until 5 pm on Friday 21 March.