|
London Thames Gateway Development Corporation has been established as a special purpose vehicle to deliver jobs and housing as part of the Government's Sustainable Communities Plan. The statutory objective and powers of the Development Corporation are set out in s.134 and 135 of the Local Government Planning & Land Act 1980.
It is a public body, funded by the Department for Communities and Local Governments ("DCLG") and governed by an independent board of directors, appointed by the Secretary of State.
Statutory Purpose
The purpose of the Development Corporation is to secure the regeneration of its area.
This is to be achieved through:
- bringing land and buildings into effective use;
- encouraging the development of existing new industry and commerce;
- creating an attractive environment;
- ensuring that housing and social facilities are available to encourage people to live and work in the area.
Powers
For the purpose of achieving regeneration of its area, the Development Corporation will:
- acquire, hold, manage, reclaim and dispose of land and other property;
- carry out building and other operations;
- seek to ensure the provision of water, electricity, gas, sewerage and other services;
- provide funding to organisations whose activities meet our operational objectives, and,
- undertake any appropriate activity which may underpin the regeneration of the London Thames Gateway area.
Planning Powers
An Order giving the Corporation substantial development control powers within its territory (with the exception of Stratford City and the Olympic zone), has been in effect since 31/10/05.
It establishes the Corporation as the local planning authority for key strategic applications relevant to its purpose (householder and minor applications will remain with the relevant Boroughs). The threshold at which the Corporation does assume authority for development control decisions has yet to be determined but initial discussions have taken place with the London Boroughs concerned.
Plan making powers will stay with the local authorities but the Development Corporation will produce its own Regeneration Frameworks which will take into account local plans and the Mayor's London Plan. The transfer of planning powers to the Corporation will not affect the Mayor's planning powers.
Lifespan
The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation is a limited life body. This requires it to focus on achievement within a clear timescale rather than having an open ended remit.
Owing to the complexities of planning issues in London, DCLG is proposing that the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation has an indicative lifespan of 10 years, with a full review after 5 years.
|
