London - Strategic Design

The 'Market led Dispersal' Option (relaxation of planning constraints)

The aim of this option is to reduce the cost of living and industrial production costs by achieving a better balance between the supply and demand for dwellings. Note that the overall numbers of dwellings and employment remain the same as the trend to allow direct comparison with the other options, (whereas in reality a relaxation of planning constraints may result in an increase in the rate of house building).

Land use: The total employment and dwellings would be allocated in the region such that the new development is located according to the level of demand. This option aims to simulate the patterns of development that would occur if planning constraints were relaxed. Areas of outstanding natural beauty and sites of special scientific or historic/cultural interest would continue to be protected. There is some reallocation of exogenous jobs to areas with high house prices and strong economic growth where the extra allocation of dwellings would reduce labour costs, and a corresponding reduction in employment within London.

Transport: The total equivalent transport investment from 2016 to 2031 for the ‘trend’ would be focussed on highways improvements, combined with RUC.