1. Overall context and details of the exercise
The London Plan is a key strategic document through which the Mayor of London aims to shape development in the metropolitan area. The latest iteration of the Plan has recently been adopted after a process of consultation, during which various stakeholders commented on Sadiq Khan’s vision of ‘Good Growth’, and the Planning Inspectors made certain criticisms and asked for changes. Like his predecessors, Mayor Khan seeks to address London’s pressing local issues while preserving its status as a ‘global city’.
The Plan covers a broad range of issues – we invite you to explore one of two
policy themes which relate closely to topics we have covered in this course. Once you are familiar with the London-based issues, you will then compare these policies with similar policies and issues in another city of your choice. We encourage you to think ‘outside the box’ and compare London with a city you would expect to be quite different – but how a very similar city takes a very different approach would also be fascinating. The selected city should be outside of the UK – if not, please seek permission from a course teacher.
2. Purpose of the exercise
The purpose of this exercise is twofold.
The first is to reflect on the benefits and challenges of comparison for a more global urban studies. You will thus have to present a short rationale or justification for comparing London with your other case study.
The second aim is to think comparatively about the selected urban policy. This will involve analysing policy in its various forms – both actual city plans, where available, and a wider ‘grey literature’ produced by a variety of stakeholders.
In doing so, you will aim to put the policy in context, looking at the problems it seeks to address and why certain solutions are being proposed. While we do not expect you to become a policy expert in a single exercise, you are encouraged to think critically about why certain policy ideas are drawn on (e.g. what constitutes ‘best practice’, and how and why policy ideas circulate or are adopted in particular localities). We expect you to think about how London might benefit from learning from elsewhere.
3. Putting the report together
Your report should include the following elements:
• Clarify which theme you are focussing on and provide a context for it.
• Review the relevant policies within the London Plan and highlight the ‘sources of inspiration’ when these can be identified. What sources or examples did the London Plan draw on for its policy? Are these ‘references’ explicit or implicit?
• Raise some concerns about the sufficiency of this approach. Does it do justice to the issues London faces?
• Introduce your comparative city to emphasise that we can learn from elsewhere and review the approach in this city vis a vis that taken in London. Identify at least 2 main points of convergence or departure where the comparative city has tackled the issues differently, or with different outcomes.
• Provide some lessons for what London can learn from this analysis.
