The High Density Living SPD provides supplementary guidance on the design of high density residential and mixed use development as set out in the new Local Plan to 2031 (adopted January 2020), in particular policy S.DH1- Delivering High Quality Design and policy D.DH7 - Density. Furthermore, the SPD seeks to help to deliver the Mayor’s manifesto pledges to improve the quality and fairness of housing and make development work for local people.
The High Density Living SPD has been through an extensive preparation process that includes project scoping (April 2018-July 2018); evidence gathering -including a large resident survey, workshops and interviews with residents, Council services and other stakeholders- (from August 2018-January 2019); preparation of draft document (February 2019-July 2019); option testing (September-December 2019) and public consultation (February 2020-June 2020). A wide range of community groups, residents, developers and other stakeholders made formal responses to the High Density Living SPD as part of the consultation process.
It is now necessary to adopt the High Density Living SPD to further enable clear and robust guidance to inform and be implemented in development proposals which will ensure the quality of life of residents in high-density developments is delivered and in accordance with corporate and Council objectives and the development Plan (Local Plan and London Plan).