PLANNING FOR PEOPLE: HOW CAN WE MAKE THE PLANNING SYSTEM WORK IN SOUTHWARK?

Southwark lies at the centre of one of the world’s richest cities with high land values and great potential for development. How can Green councillors influence how land is used in the borough for the benefit of Southwark residents, many of whom suffer from poor and insecure housing and high levels of poverty and unemployment?

Our speaker is Cllr Kath Whittam, one of our new councillors who has recently defected from Labour. Drawing on her 8 years’ experience on Southwark’s planning committee, Kath will take us through the planning process. She will explain how councillors can shape and improve plans submitted by developers and the obstacles that will need to be overcome in order to maximise the benefits for Southwark residents. How can we really ensure that new developments contain at least 50% of affordable housing? How can we ensure that we retain and increase jobs and facilities for local people and protect the borough from gentrification?