Policy E1
Achieving inclusive growth and optimising use of land
All development proposals must demonstrate how they will deliver the optimum capacity of a site.
Development proposals must demonstrate:
a) within the town centres and those regeneration areas in high Public Transport Access Level locations (PTAL 4 and above) intensification through commercial-led and mixed-use development to provide significant growth;
b) a design led approach;
c) how the proposal responds to accessibility, referring to the latest PTAL maps (published by TfL), and also assessing opportunities for walking and cycling, including those that could be delivered by the development itself;
d) consideration of the types of uses proposed; and
e) that the infrastructure is available to support the development.
The approach to industrial intensification should follow that set out in the London Plan and related guidance.
6.0 National Planning policy (NPPF 2025) set outs ambitious expectations for housing growth and economic development. It expects that significant development should be focused on locations which are, or can be made sustainable through limiting the need to travel and offering a genuine choice of transport modes. For local plan-making this means that planning policies should support an appropriate mix of uses and minimise the number and length of journeys needed for employment, shopping, leisure, education and other activities;
The NPPF is supported by updated planning practice guidance (PPG 'Supporting more effective use of land' 2025) which identifies how planning for higher density development could be achieved, and sets out tools for identifying and measuring densities.
6.1 The London Plan sets out growth targets for housing and jobs. Its 'Good Growth' policies set out objectives for inclusive and sustainable growth including for 'Making the best use of land' which is in scarce supply in London. In providing for future needs, it expects development to make the best use of land as efficiently as possible.
6.2 Hammersmith and Fulham is a highly built-up borough where developable land is a scarce resource. In providing for future needs, it is necessary to make the best use of land as efficiently as possible. This means making the most efficient use of land while protecting and respecting the residential amenity, historic character, townscape, and the natural environment.
6.3 Intensification supports the sustainability of the built environment by optimising the use of existing infrastructure. To ensure that the right forms of intensification occur at the right locations, new and higher density development should be focussed within and around well-connected locations such as town centres and other high PTAL locations (PTAL 4 and above).
6.4 Main town centre uses including in mixed use residential schemes can deliver high density sustainable growth in the most accessible locations and will be expected to be delivered as car-free developments. Intensification of office use will be measured through an increase in worker to floorspace ratio, taking account of potential for flexible working. Conversely, land uses that require lower plot ratio, job densities or generate vehicle movements are not appropriate in parts of the borough which are highly accessible by public transport. The London Plan provides detailed locational criteria for non-designated industrial land for industry storage logistics warehousing and related uses. The intensification of industrial uses on non-designated industrial sites could be achieved through introduction of small units, development of multi-storey schemes, addition of basements or more efficient use of land through higher plot ratios.
6.5 Where necessary and justified, the council will use conditions and/or planning obligations to limit uses consented within Class E in order to achieve the objectives of this policy.
6.6 The council's forthcoming capacity evidence will provide further detail on capacity and tall buildings.