Local developments

Merton's Draft Local Plan

In July 2021, the London Borough of Merton published its Draft Local Plan (DLP) for review and comment by the public. The various chapters and appendices of Merton’s DLP can be read or downloaded from Merton’s website at:

https://www.merton.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/planning/local-plan/newlocalplan

Once adopted, the Local Plan will form the basis upon which future planning applications will be judged by Merton’s Planning Committee and Department.

The RPWBRA committee therefore made its own submission to Merton, comprising various comments, observations and recommendations.

A significant part of our area lies in a flood plain, as borne out by the flash flooding during the several heavy rain storms we’ve experience in the last two years, most recently in July 2021.

In our comments to Merton we therefore stressed that we expect Merton’s Local Plan to robustly promote and defend the following urban planning principles:

Preservation of green spaces,
Use of sustainable urban drainage,
Proper maintenance of existing drainage, water courses and infrastructure,
Preventing the loss of porous ground surfaces caused by all forms of development, across the complete spectrum, from minor private works to major developments.
Control of storm water run-off,
Protection of the natural environment,
Encouraging the planting of trees and vegetation,
The drive to Net-Zero Carbon.

Once Merton has finished preparing and consulting on a local plan, it must be submitted to the Secretary of State who will appoint a Planning Inspector to carry out an independent examination.

The Inspector will consider the evidence provided by Merton to support the plan and any representations which have been put forward by local people and other interested parties. Usually, the examination will include hearing sessions which are held in public.

At the end of the examination the Inspector will send a report to Merton recommending whether or not they can adopt the plan. In most cases the report will recommend some changes that are necessary to allow the plan to be adopted..