The Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy sets out Councils’ planning policy and conforms to wider regional and national policy guidance. It is the blueprint that boroughs use to set out their plans to improve their areas as places to live, play, learn and work. They must provide the right balance of development, infrastructure and services.

Core Strategies show where and how development should take place in a borough. This document bring stogether the content of exhibition panels on show at the NLA and provides a snapshot of current strategies; as the new London Plan by Sadiq Khan evolves then these local strategies will need to adapt.

Our work has been supported by, and brought us into close contact with, other organisations seeking to encourage partnership working. This has included our partner in the APS – the British Property Federation – and of course the NLA. We have also always sought to ensure both sides of the story are heard so sensible conclusions can be reached and effective decisions made. Our APS seminars have variously included speakers from: London boroughs (including Lambeth, Haringey, Croydon and Camden); the GLA (including senior offices and the Deputy Mayor for Housing); and the Department for Communities and Local Government, including the Chief Planner for England.

Of course, as well as determining planning applications (and setting planning policy), London’s boroughs have a vital role to play in encouraging investment and ensuring this investment benefits their local communities. When the constraints on the public purse started in 2010, many commentators warned that local government would cease to become an effective force. However, we have all seen that rather than fade, London boroughs – along with local authorities across the country – have responded by becoming more innovative and more entrepreneurial. This has resulted in a much more positive environment for investment. As the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit result and its impact on local government funding continues, it is clear that this approach will become even more important to London in the future. 

Foreword
By Peter Murray, NLA Curator-in-chief

Introduction
By Nick Jones, Head of Strategic Communications, GL Hearn

Borough analysis
From Barking & Dagenham to Wandsworth

Published June 2016
37 Pages