The Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

Section 2A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c.8) (inserted by section 31 of the Greater London Authority Act 2007 (c.8)) gives the Mayor of London power to direct that applications for planning permission of potential strategic importance (“PSI applications”) must be determined by him in place of the local planning authority. Section 74(1B) of the 1990 Act (inserted by section 344 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c.29)) enables provision to be made in a development order for enabling the Mayor to direct the local planning authority to refuse such an application.

This Order defines “PSI application” and sets out categories of development in Parts 1 to 4 of the Schedule. The Order also sets out the circumstances in which the Mayor's powers to give directions may be exercised and deals with procedural matters connected with the exercise of those powers.

Article 2 and the Schedule set out definitions, including the definition of PSI application. Article 3 prescribes the areas to which section 2A of the 1990 Act does not apply.

Articles 4 and 5 provide for the notification of applications to the Mayor and for the determination of such applications.

Article 6 specifies the circumstances in which the Mayor may direct an authority to refuse permission and sets out connected procedural matters.

Article 7 specifies the circumstances in which the Mayor may give a direction under section 2A of the 1990 Act and sets out connected procedural matters.

Article 8 requires the local planning authority to provide further information where the Mayor has given a direction.

Article 9 applies Part 5A of the Local Government Act 1972, as modified, to the Mayor's conduct of representation hearings, as provided for in section 2F of the 1990 Act (inserted by section 35 of the Greater London Authority Act 2007).

Article 10 revokes the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/1493) other than for applications made before 6th April 2008.

An impact assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Planning Division, Government Office for London, Riverwalk House, 157-161 Millbank, London SW1P 4RR. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.