London's second neighbourhood plan approved in referendum

The document, which was approved last week, sets out a "strategic and long term plan" of the area between 2015 and 2031.  The plan covers the council wards of Fortune Green and West Hampstead, with the exception of Cricklewood Broadway and Kilburn High Road.

When preparing the document, consultations showed that local residents welcomed specific planning guidance for the area with a better organised system for planning decisions, stronger rules on enforcement and greater protection for conservation areas.  Local residents also wanted more communication with developers.

One of the main concerns was the height and materials used for buildings. This is addressed in the Design and Character section of the plan. The neighbourhood plan promotes "high quality design, which complements and enhances the distinct local character and identity" of the wards; with specific reference to preserving the character of conservation areas. 

The policy on housing takes into account a range of type, size and affordability aspects. Residential developments will provide a range of new homes with different unit sizes, including three and four bedroom homes for families. Additionally, 50% of units will be allocated to affordable housing as per the target set by Camden Core Strategy. Homes for the elderly and disabled will also be provided, with the appropriate accessibility.  The policy also refers to improved regulation of houses in multiple occupation.

The neighbourhood plan specifically refers to the West Hampstead growth area which is a key space for redevelopment.  The area is promoted for a mix of development uses, including new homes, office space, employment space, community facilities, improvements to public transport, open space, pedestrian and cycle routes. Where viable, any development will need to be in keeping with the character of the wider area, according to the plan.

The neighbourhood plan also includes policies for development in relation to transport, public and community facilities, economy and natural environment.

The plan was worked up by the Fortune Green and West Hampstead neighbourhood Development Form (NDF) which was established in 2012. It was approved for referendum by an examiner in January earlier this year, subject to a number of modifications.

Camden Council will formally adopt the neighbourhood plan as part of its local planning policies in September.

Chair of the NDF, James Early said: "we hope the plan will have a positive impact on future development in [the] area and that it will give [the] community a powerful voice in planning decisions."

The plan is the second neighbourhood plan to be approved in the capital. The Norland neighbourhood area plan in Kensington and Chelsea was the first one in the capital, this focused on conservation areas.

Planning expert Alexis Coleman of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com, said: "The Fortune Green and West Hampstead neighbourhood plan presents as a professional and well prepared document to guide development in the area.  Whilst it will be only the second neighbourhood plan to be adopted in London, the pace with which neighbourhood plans are being prepared and brought forward is increasing in the capital, and we can expect to see many more over the next 12 months.  Whilst neighbourhood plans are part of the government’s localism agenda, the 14% voting turnout for this Camden neighbourhood plan confirms our initial view that they will, at least to start with, be driven by an active minority, with most of the community being seemingly ambivalent."