The Local Development Framework is the new set of policies which will regulate development in the London Borough of Merton from 2009. Consultations are taking place on this document between 11th June and 23rd July 2007. LBMerton are looking for feedback on their preferred policy options for a new LDF Core Strategy, Development Control Policies and Proposals Map. Unfortunately this time the consultation can only legally be six weeks and these are long, fairly dense documents. We're looking to advertise the consultations in advance as much as possible so that people and organisations will be aware of what's going on.

Links to the key documents are here:http://www.merton.gov.uk/living/planning/planningpolicy/ldf.htm

When firm dates are set for the meetings in Wimbledon we will post them here.

Below is a copy of WCF response to the LDF consultation in January 2007.
__________________________________________________

Policy and Information Team 
London Borough of Merton 
Civic Centre, London Road, 
Morden SM4 5DX
15 January 2007

Wimbledon Civic Forum Response to Merton's Spatial Policy Options Consultation
These views summarise the themes highlighted in public consultations held over the past few years by the Civic Forum.  They concentrate on the area of Wimbledon, the northern part of LB Merton.

1.  A sense of place.  Wimbledon is an internationally known town whose international image is that of tennis in a country garden.  The reality of Wimbledon, particularly the town centre does not live up to this.  WCF would like to see a much higher quality of urban townscape:
- removing clutter
- using high quality materials in paving, signage and furniture in the town centre.
- Encouraging a diverse and prosperous town centre including small shops and pedestrianised urban spaces such as St. Mark’s Place.
- Maximising planting and greenness of open spaces.

2.  The Olympic challenge:  2012 is only five years away. We should think now about any urban improvements to accommodate the international visitors.

3.  Densification.  People accept the need to densify around transport hubs and in city centres.  Wherever possible this should involve building upwards rather than outwards: a town centre of approximately 6-8 stories, with well appointed public space is preferable to a town centre of 4-6 stories offering poor quantity and quality of public space.  Similarly suburban streets of three stories are preferable to a proliferation of single storey extensions taking up gardens pace and eroding gaps between existing buildings.  

4.  Parks and Open Land.  WCF oppose any erosion of metropolitan open space, playing fields or school sports grounds.

5.  Quality of public buildings and schemes on sites owned by the  council owned land.  Merton should practice what it preaches by maintaining its existing buildings and ensuring new schemes on land own by the council following the highest principles of sustainability, place-making, and sustainability.  Otherwise we cannot really expect private property owners to raise their aspirations for projects within the borough.

6.  Sustainability.  WCF applauds Merton in striving for high standards of economic, social and environmental sustainability within the borough.  The ‘Merton Rule’ asking for 10% renewable energy in larger new developments is welcomed, however it would be better to encourage a 20% reduction in energy consumption, perhaps through energy targets expressed in Kwatts per square metre.

7.  Merton Priory.  The Merton Priory site - a Scheduled Ancient Monument and major historic site - has been subject to inappropriate development over several decades, resulting in the erosion of its character as a place.  Merton should enthusiastically support the scheme to develop the Chapter House site as a visitor and education centre, since this is the heart of the borough, historically, and its renewal will strengthen the borough's sense of identity.

8.  Community Engagement.  WCF welcomes the Council’s efforts to engage with local communities in developing plans for the area, and suggest that the Area Forum format is extended to include discussion of current planning applications in the area, perhaps available electronically through the planning portal, so that residents can discuss applications as a group.

Marcus Beale MA RIBA
Chair Urban Design Task Force
Wimbledon Civic Forum
http://www.wimbledoncivicforum.org.uk
tel. 020 8946 4141
fax 020 8946 2299
Tuition House, 27-37 St. George's Road, London SW19 4EU