Local Development Order to support LTGHN development to speed up the delivery process, the LDA are developing a District Heating Local Development Order (LDO). An LDO is an innovative "class-based" form of planning permission which will grant local permitted development rights for district heating network equipment.

The LDO is proposed to be adopted by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Havering, with a possible extension to cover Newham as well.

The form of the LDO is currently being assessed and developed by a working group formed of the participating authorities with support from the LDA and its consultants Arup. This work will be followed by a period of consultation and review, with adoption planned for early 2011.

The project has secured a grant of £15,000 from the Department for Communities and Local Government through a pilot study led by the Planning Advisory Service. The grant will support the development of additional guidance and publicity materials and assist local authorities to provide the necessary staff resources to complete the formal adoption process.