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People first, not planning
The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) have called for the new mayor to adopt a ‘people first' agenda for planning in London, to secure more human scale homes and development in good quality local environments.
TCPA chief executive Gideon Amos said: "The welcome increase in the number of homes in London has too often been achieved at a price.
“Worsening living environments for existing residents, a loss of urban green space and a shortage of family homes with gardens have now become widespread.
“While the housing recession bites there is time to reassess schemes, prioritise quality as well as quantity of homes to be built and focus on better environments for existing as well as new residents.
“Planning and development in London needs to put the interests of people and their local environments first.
“We believe there are some excellent opportunities to use planning in London to improve provide the quality of life for Londoners in our world class city.
“While the TCPA is in favour of higher densities where public transport supports it, a home on the ground with a garden remains both a very green and sustainable option but also the clear aspiration of the majority.
“Super density developments fly in the face of peoples' aspirations, have led to an oversupply of cramped and undesirable units and mean a deteriorating neighbourhood around them for many others,” added Mr Amos.
The government has recently legislated following pressure from the TCPA amongst others to protect front gardens for development, however rear gardens remain unprotected.
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