The London Assembly has called on the Mayor to introduce a ‘one hour bus ticket’ to be available on ‘Pay As You Go’ Oyster Card. The proposal would enable passengers to use more than one bus during a 60-minute period without paying more than £1.00, would be more affordable and convenient for Londoners using public transport. You can already switch from tube to tube on the same ticket, and one hour bus tickets already operate successfully in Paris, Rome and Brussels, so it makes sense to allow people to do the same with buses. One hour bus tickets would also make bus travel very attractive to a lot of people who often don’t use the bus at present. One hour tickets could even lead to a shift away from people using their cars for short trips and help to reduce congestion across London.
In 2005 Pimlico Flats sought Planning Permission to build affordable housing in Westminster, SW1. The Planning Permission was a hard fought battle requiring the employment of a Planning Consultant to challenge Westminster City Council’s refusal and finally gain an approval on appeal. In spite of London’s dire need of more affordable housing, the planning process seems to expect the need to be met in the neighbouring boroughs, and the convoluted approval added costs to what was supposed to be cheap affordable renting stock. Nevertheless an approval was gained and work began.
By skillful reduction in the circulation space the architects were able to redesign the proposal, and make internal layout changes which greatly enhanced the quality of the accommodation. Unfortunately the Planning Department wouldn’t allow internal layout changes without a new submission to Planning and so at their request we prepared and submitted a completely new scheme, including roof terraces for 5 of the properties.
Ex Minister and Conservative Party leader Michael Howard led the objections of neighbours, with the argument that the roof terraces represented an unacceptable increase in overlooking and noise and disturbance of the existing roof terraces of the neighbouring owner-occupiers. The key issue is whether tenants represent a greater threat to peace and quiet than owners, and thus whether they should be deprived of the use of outdoor amenities that their richer neighbours are allowed.
Unfortunately Westminster City Council agreed with the objections, however on appeal to the Inspectorate we were able to gain permission and win the argument against discrimination. We are proceeding with our development and hope to be finished in October.
Does anyone else find London Transport Fare publications difficult to work out? I think this is all anyone needs to know for travelling on London Tube or Bus. It certainly puts forward the argument for living in Zone 1 …… did I mention that Pimlico is in Zone 1?
Bus fares in 2009
Adult
Single journey (on 1 bus or tram) paid using Oyster card (at all times)
£1.00
Single journey (on 1 bus or tram) paid by cash
£2.00
Oyster daily price cap (if using buses/trams only, paying using Oyster card)
