London is the stage for one of the problems that arises when encountered with a dearth of accommodations for housing and offices.
Elli Thomas explains the embarrassment of riches pressuring London: growing demand for housing is creating competition for the commercial and offices spaces that drive the city's economy.
While adding additional supply is critical to the affordability of the city, Thomas acknowledges, existing office space is critical for long-term economic growth. Calling on research by the Centre for Cities, Thomas picks a side in this contest, arguing that "as a result of specific national policies, the ability of cities to maintain an appropriate balance between residential and commercial space is under threat."
The policies in question relate to country's Permitted Development Rights (PDRs), which allows changes of use without full planning permission. "In May 2013," explains Thomas, "[PDRs were] extended to include the conversion of underused office space to residential..." Despite reassurances that the policy change wouldn't lead to a spike in planning applications, London's PDR applications shot up in 2014, and local authorities are having trouble resisting the loss of commercial space to new housing.
The problem, according to Thomas, is that the PDR policy will be beneficial to many parts of Britain, but now a fast-growing, high-demand city like London.
FULL STORY: Cities need the flexibility to decide between housing and office space
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.