Crossrail levy should be applied more fairly’

BORIS Johnson’s plans to levy developers for cash for London’s super tube’ Crossrail project need to be spread out so it does not put off future building projects, the London Assembly urges. The levy should account for all areas being served by future Crossrail stations—not just the central zone, it says

BORIS Johnson’s plans to levy developers for cash for London’s super tube’ Crossrail project need to be spread out so it does not put off future building projects, the London Assembly urges.

The levy should account for all areas being served by future Crossrail stations—not just Canary Wharf and Central London, it says.

Developers between them are having to contribute �200 million from planning gain’ clauses on new office schemes, under a deal between the Government, Mayor, GLA and the City Corporation.

But the assembly’s planning committee is worried the levy in the current economic climate may affect the viability of some developments.

It is calling on the Mayor of London to rethink’ his approach, worried that levying only schemes at Canary Wharf and the City and West End is unfair.

Parts of central London won’t benefit as much from Crossrail as other major centres elsewhere along the planned route, it points out.

So the levy should be on a sliding’ scale according to how much an area is expected to benefit, it urges, to “alleviate the burden” and avoid deterring potential developers.

It would also reduce the impact on some boroughs like Tower Hamlets in East London facing possible reduction in planning gain’ money they would have to spend on local improvements, while neighbouring Hackney which is subject to the levy would get no benefit.