Mayor of London consults on taking over Old Oak Common planning powers

The MDC proposed in the consultation report (38-page / 519 KB PDF) would take over planning powers in the area from the surrounding local authorities.

Old Oak Common is the planned site for a new High Speed 2 and Crossrail station due to open in 2026. Along with neighbouring Park Royal, the area has been earmarked for regeneration in the London Plan, with the expected creation of up to 55,000 new jobs and 24,000 new homes.

The consultation seeks the views of local landowners, businesses and local authorities about whether the proposed MDC is the best way to promote regeneration; the boundaries of the area for which the MDC would be responsible, and whether the MDC should be granted powers to prepare local plans and determine large planning applications in the area.

Johnson outlined the proposed planning powers of the MDC in his foreword to the consultation report. "The corporation would become the new local planning authority for this area and would take on powers relating to infrastructure, regeneration, land acquisitions including Compulsory Purchase Orders, adopting streets, business and financial assistance", said the mayor.

"The corporation would take over planning powers from the London boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham," said Johnson. "The corporation would lead on preparing the local plans and determining large planning applications in this area".

The consultation also invites feedback on whether the MDC should have power to grant business rate relief for non-domestic rate payers, the structure of its planning committee and the proposed name, the 'Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation'.

The mayor intends for the MDC to be established by 1 April 2015, subject to approval by the London Assembly and the secretary of state.

The consultation is open until 24 September.