Roadmap towards inclusiv(c)ity

Abstract

Due to its global economic attractive power, London is growing as never before. And although the divided and global city strives to develop towards more inclusivity in the city, the growth, revitalisation, redevelopment and renewal in London currently takes forms of exclusive urban development, better known as gentrification. This gentrification is initiated and facilitated by the private developer and the local authority and causes indirect displaces of the original residents out of their neighbourhood and out of the city. In order to cope with displacement, this research aims towards more inclusivity in London and explores how this inclusive urban development can be supported in the London urban planning system. The research leaves the complex and solid planning system of the UK intact and adapts on the existing system by implementing the strategy towards inclusive urban development in the form of policies via one of the actors; the civil society. Since the introduction of the Localism Act of 2011, the civil society has the ability to gain more power and influence in the urban planning process thanks to Neighbourhood Planning. This Neighbourhood Planning approach is explored as tool to implement inclusive urban development in the London planning system resulting in an inclusive derivative of the Neighbourhood Plan; the Inclusive Neighbourhood Plan. The Inclusive Neighbourhood Plan stimulate and encourage inclusive urban development in areas with high risk of gentrification and comes with a an ‘Inclusive Pattern’ toolbox and a clear and understandable ‘step-by-step roadmap’ to make a faster and stronger Inclusive Neighbourhood Plan (see booklet B). This Inclusive Plan will contribute to a city where both new and original residents will benefit from the urban development in the global city and will lead towards a more inclusive city; an inclusiv(c)ity