Islington Council is planning ahead to make sure the borough's character and quality are maintained during a period of rapid population growth.<br><br>Over 23,000 more people are expected to be living in the borough by 2012 and Islington has developed a planning document called the Core Strategy - to make sure the growth will be sustainable and manageable. <br><br>Islington Council is seeking residents' views on the plan before 18 April 2007.<br><br>Islington's Core Strategy will influence all aspects of life in the borough from community safety, housing and construction to waste management, business support and the environment. For example, all major new developments will need to source at least 20 per cent of their energy needs from renewables like solar, wind or geothermal power. Better lit and cared for streets will help 'design out' crime and make people feel safer.<br><br>Cllr Terry Stacy, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Communities, Islington Council, said: "The Core Strategy will shape the future of the borough for years to come helping the council create a more sustainable Islington. <br><br>"The next five years will see one of the most important periods of population growth in the borough's history. This will directly affect our residents and businesses so it's vital that people have their say.<br><br>"We've listened carefully to Islington so we know people's priorities are clean, safe streets, decent homes and jobs for local people. People want convenience, value for money and reliable key services like refuse collection and public transport. <br><br>"I am determined that our planning guidelines do as much as possible to improve the quality of life for everyone and make Islington the best place in London to live, work and do business."<br><br>The council will also require half of homes built in new developments to be affordable and expects ten per cent of all new housing will be built to Wheelchair Homes Standards for disabled adaption and accessibility.<br><br>The Core Strategy has been developed following extensive input from the public. The present consultation is seeking any final comments before its submitted to the government for examination - a revised strategy will be adopted by the council later in 2007. <br><br>The document has four key themes: environmental sustainability, managing growth and change, quality of life and meeting people's needs. It describes the council's position on a range of key planning and regeneration issues as well as setting out local policies on housing numbers, affordable housing and building heights. <br><br>The final consultation on the strategy runs from 7 March to 18 April. To find out more see www.islington.gov.uk/consultation or call Sakiba Gurda on 020 7527 2402 or email: corestrategy@islington.gov.uk.<br><br>Ends<br><br><br>Notes to Editors<br><br>The Core Planning Strategy is a key part of the Local Development Framework and replaces the borough's Unitary Development Plan. <br><br>The Core Strategy covers:<br><br>Community safety<br>- The council will reduce crime and the fear of crime in Islington with:<br>*Better cared for streets with less graffiti and street clutter<br>*Designing out crime (examples available e.g. agreeing better lighting on buildings)<br><br>Housing<br>- Islington is already densely populated and facilities are stretched so the council will:<br>* Lobby the Greater London Assembly to maintain the lower target of 900 new homes per year<br>* Increase affordable housing to 50 per cent of any new development<br><br>Transport<br>- The council will help pedestrians and cyclists by:<br>* Encouraging safer walking routes to help children and older people feel safe walking<br>* Encourage local facilities to stay local and reduce the need for car journeys<br><br>Development<br>- The council will develop Islington for local people and businesses:<br>* Tall building applications restricted to special zones (e.g. King's Cross, Finsbury Park, City Fringe)<br>* New retail development targeted at existing shopping areas with good transport links meaning fewer car journeys<br>* Capitalise on new hotel development ahead of 2012 Olympics and gain maximum benefit for the borough from section 106 agreements<br><br>Quality of life<br>- The council will:<br>* Maintain the local character of neighbourhoods and reduce the likelihood of high street cloning<br>* Produce a design guide to ensure architecture and public spaces that local people are proud of<br><br>Waste<br>- Islington will contribute towards a less polluted planet:<br>* All new developments to include recycling facilities<br>* Council to move away from land-fill<br><br>Workspace and business<br>- The council will:<br>* protect local workspace that are being lost to luxury housing<br>* encourage local workspace development that means local jobs, a better work-life balance and less commuting<br> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009