London Docklands is not a discrete area with a single unified identity. It is large and extremely complex. The development context varies considerably across the 22 sq. km. which make up the UDA. The fine urban grain based on medieval development focused in the areas of London Bridge City, the Bermondsey Riverside and Wapping and Limehouse contrast dramatically with the vast areas of land and water which make up the Royal Docks. Keen to create a development of interest and diversity based around the concept of city districts, the planning policies of the LDDC have sought to build on the intrinsic character of each development area and so avoid the anonymity that would result from the creation of a single uniform development across the whole area. In addition by focusing on the development of a series of discrete districts based where possible on the existing communities the LDDC was able to propose policies which recognised the particular concerns of the locality. In 1985, once the broad strategy for regeneration had been established local LDDC offices were set up to forge closer links with residents, community groups and businesses as specific development proposals were brought forward for consideration and implementation.

In the last 16 years Docklands has been transformed. It is accessible and provides a range of housing and employment opportunities at least as wide as any other part of London. However, the dramatic pace of change that has occurred since 1981 has inevitably had its impact on the lives of the people of Docklands and the concerns that some have expressed about the new developments are understandable. It is probably too early to reach any final conclusions as to the success of the LDDC's work as the completion of the area's renaissance will take another decade. Docklands needs to mature and adjust to accommodate the evolving needs of the people that now live and work there.