Isle of Dogs, South Poplar & Leaside LAEP case study
London's first Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) for a low carbon neighbourhood published in April 2023. Jointly funded by the Mayor of London's Infrastructure Coordination Service and London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH).
LAEP in London Borough of Tower Hamlets
LAEP sets out a road map for achieving LBTH’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2045 whilst supporting growth.
The LAEP aims to:
- Decarbonise the local energy system and built environment.
- Ensure energy infrastructure is provided to support delivery of 50,000 new homes and 110,000 new jobs.
- Deliver social benefits including helping residents tackle the cost-of-living crisis and creating new green jobs.
Local Area
Isle of Dogs & South Popular area is one of the largest of London's 47 Opportunity Areas identified in the London Plan.
It will accommodate 50,000 new homes and 110,000 new jobs by 2041, placing significant pressure on infrastructure.
London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Local Area Energy Plan (page 44)
Lessons Learnt
- Start scoping early, have a clear vision and objectives developed in collaboration with all stakeholders.
- Confirm the options assessment criteria up front to guide the project and provide a golden thread leading from the vision/objectives to recommended interventions.
- Consider end-stage outputs; formats of data outputs and interfaces with other forms of energy planning – e.g. DFES.
- Start thinking early about how it will be delivered, what resource is required and who will coordinate stakeholders for delivery.
Low Carbon Technologies
Impacts and Benefits
Whilst the LAEP is still being finalised, we hope it will:
- Support the development of the new Local Plan’s policies to guide delivery of decarbonised development.
- Identify opportunities to create a resilient and decarbonised energy system for the future.
- Supports timely delivery of new housing and commercial development.
- Deliver social benefits for local residents and respond to their energy needs.
Top tips and hints
Local authorities need to:
- Play an active rather than passive role – own LAEP delivery.
- Become ‘intelligent clients’ to be able to understand the system for delivery.
- Provide intelligence on the political dynamic/priorities the plan must be tailored to maximise the likelihood of delivery.
- Set the wider vision for what the LAEP is going to achieve and how this will tie in with the Local Plan.
Key points of contact
Jonathan Morris
Growth & Infrastructure Planning Manager, LBTH
