Planning policy

Local Development Framework (LDF)

Our Local Development Framework (LDF), which replaced our Unitary Development Plan (UDP) in November 2010, is a collection of planning documents that (in conjunction with national planning policy and the Mayor’s London Plan) sets out our strategy for managing growth and development in the borough, including where new homes, jobs and infrastructure will be located.

The information within this section will help you understand what key documents comprise our LDF and what supporting documentation also exists:

• Local Development Framework (LDF)

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

On 1 April 2012, The Mayor of London introduced the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help pay for Crossrail. In Camden, this will be a flat charge of £50 per m² of net increase in floorspace. We will collect the charge on behalf of the Mayor.

We are undertaking work to introduce the Camden Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). When adopted the Camden CIL will be payable in addition to the Mayor's CIL.

This section provides more information about the Mayoral and Camden Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Supplementary planning documents (SPDs)

Although they are not part of our statutory development plan, our Supplementary Planning Documents (such as planning frameworks and briefs and conservation area appraisal and management strategies) play an important role in our planning decisions.

The information within this section provides detailed guidance on how our planning strategy and policies will be implemented for specific topics, areas and sites:

• Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)

Neighbourhood planning

Through the Localism Act 2011, the Government has introduced a new tier of planning at the neighbourhood level. Local communities will be able to prepare a neighbourhood plan for their area which sets out specific planning policies.

This section provides more information on what we know about neighbourhood planning so far:

• Neighbourhood planning
• Neighbourhood planning - current applications

Consultation on permitted development rights for change of use from commercial to residential

The government has proposed changes to ‘permitted development’ rights which will mean that offices will be able to change into housing without the need for planning permission.   

Camden Council have applied for exemptions for the Camden's part of the Central Activies Zone, Camden Town and the Industry Area in Kentish Town. Application documents can be downloaded below.

• download: Camden's part of the Central Activities Zone (PDF 34KB)
• download: Camden Town (a) (PDF 35KB)
• download: Camden Town (b) (PDF 35KB)
• download: Kentish Town Industry Area (PDF 27KB)
• download: Map - Camden's part of the Central Activities Zone (PDF 4.54MB)
• download: Map - Camden Town (PDF 1.89MB)
• download: Map - Kentish Town Industry Area (PDF 1.01MB)

Unitary development plan (UDP)

Prior to being replaced by our Local Development Framework (LDF), our Unitary Development Plan set out our strategy for managing growth and development in the borough.

Only policy LU1 - Schedule of Land Use Proposals is still part of our development plan, the rest has been replaced by the LDF. The sites in LU1 have been 'saved' until the site allocations document is adopted:

• download: Unitary development plan 2006 (PDF, 3MB)