Update from Leonie Cooper, Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth

Leonie Cooper, Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth, provided any update on the work of the London Assembly. The role of Assembly is primarily to hold the Mayor of London to account. There are 25 Assembly Members, 14 geographical, 11 from a top-up list. At the moment five parties are represented Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, UKIP and Green parties.

There are a series of cross party committees. Leonie is currently Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, and Chair of Economy Committee. The committees look at range of projects for example single use plastics, which resulted in roll out of water fountains; biodiversity and housing, which has been integrated into new London Plan. The Economy Committee looked at high streets, which included evidence from Love Wimbledon

The final version of the London Plan is currently with the Secretary of State for approval. The plan includes requirements for net-biodiversity improvement on developments and for urban green space.

Currently the Mayors proposed budget is under scrutiny. The Mayor has a budget of £18bn covering Transport for London; the Metropolitan Police; London Fire Brigade; a number of develop corporations; and specific projects like the night-time economy, and London is Open.

A resident asked if we are likely to see zero emission developments like Bed Zed repeated elsewhere. Leonie said that Bed Zed was developed by Peabody Trust and is an interesting scheme. Since it was built, the process for developing housing has changed, moving from government grants to Housing Associations too funding having to be borrowed or be matched from sales on the same scheme. This change makes innovation harder. The new London Plan will push stricter environmental standards and zero carbon emissions.

A resident said they felt roadworks and traffic calming schemes were increasing pollution. Leonie replied that in Waltham Forest the mini-Holland scheme changed priorities in favour of buses, cycling, walking and closed roads to cars. Initially the scheme was unpopular but behaviour has changed with huge reduction in car use resulting in improved air quality. Data released by the Mayor has shown that the ULEZ and Low Bus Emission Zones have already had a significant impact on reducing air pollution. The ULEZ will extend to the South Circular in 2021 but Leonie would like to see extended further south.

A resident said that pollution still high in Mitcham. Leonie responded that there is still more work to do; the priorities to date have been the worst places for air quality but everywhere will improve as bus fleet changes and ULEZ expands.

A resident was concerned about the cost of replacing old vehicles. Leonie said the Mayor of London scrappage scheme is aimed at small/medium businesses and charities; and with the ULEZ extension still 18 months away, there is time to take advantage of it. There is also a separate scheme for the public on low incomes. We need to take those decisions because of the benefits to health from improving air quality.

A resident asked about the relative power of the London Plan. Leonie explained that at the

Top of the planning framework is the National Planning Policy Framework, then comes the London Plan, then borough Local Plan’s. Merton’s plan will need be into conformity with the London Plan but the London Plan needs to reflect the NPPF. There is some difference between London Plan and NPPF over fracking and greenbelt development which may be why the Secretary of State is reviewing the policy. Under the Mayor’s planning powers they can call-in some larger schemes, above the borough responsibility.

A resident asked about enforcing 20MPH speed limits, especially for buses. A 20MPH limit is being introduced on all Transport for London roads from April, but enforcement powers will still be with the Police.

A resident asked about the proposals to develop Benedict Wharf. Leonie said that the Mayor had written to Merton with a number of objections to the current scheme, including that this is currently strategic industrial land so Merton needs to find alternative equivalent land; and there is also insufficient affordable housing. The Mayor will scrutinise any new plans.