Westminster City Plan Consolidated Version Nov 2016

Westminster City Plan
Consolidated with all changes since November 2013eNovember
Revision to Westminster's City Plan
November 2016

ThisNovember2016versionincorporatesallchangessinceNovember2013,includingthosemadeaspartoftheMixedUseRevision,
BasementsRevision,SpecialPolicyAreasRevisionandPoliciesMapRevision.
MapsreproducedfromOrdinanceSurveymappingwiththesanctionofHerMajestysStationeryOffice,CrownCopyright.Unauthorised
reproductionmayleadtoprosecutionorcivilproceedings.CityofWestminster2009LA100019597.
LandUsePieChartsforareasinPartIIIarebasedonpipelinedatafromWestminsterCityCouncilslandusemonitoring.
Photographicreferences:
Page12:Pumphouse,PimlicoDistrictHeatingUndertakingbyJodiSquirmelia
Page16:ImageofWestminsterbyWenzerHollerdated1647reproducedwithpermissionofWestminsterCityArchives
Page43:PhotographcourtesyofSavileRowBespoke
Page46:AliterarypartyatSirJoshuaReynolds
Page63:LegibleLondonphotographfromTransportforLondon
Page102:Carmine,MerchantSquare,Paddington,W2.Client:EuropeanLand&PropertyLtd.Architect:Mossessian&Partners
Page117:GapHouse,Bayswater,W2.Client:LukeTozer.Architect:PitmanTozer
Page137:HybridBusfromVolvo
Page143:WestminsterAcademy,HarrowRoad,W2.Client:WestminsterAcademy,WestminsterCityCouncil,DCSBandExilarch
Foundation.Architect:TimSoar/AlfordHallMonaghan.
Page146:Aerialphotofromwww.maps.live.com

Page154:CompositeimagefromCityWestHomes
Page158:OxfordStreetphotographfromTransportforLondontakenbyIanBell
Page160:UndergroundphotographfromTransportforLondon
FOREWORD
WelcometoWestminstersCityPlan
Westminsterisunique.Itisnotonlyhometoparliament,theMonarchyandRoyalParks,butalso
worldclasstouristattractions,LondonstwoInternationalshoppingcentres,thehighestnumberof
historicbuildingsinthecountry,over250,000residents,andmorebusinessesthantheCityand
CanaryWharfcombined.WestminsteraccommodatesthelivelyWestEnd,andareasdominatedby
officesandcommercialuses;bynationallyimportanttourismandculturaluses,andworldfamous
specialistuses;allsittingcheekbyjowlwithresidentialareasandessentiallocalcommunityfacilities.
WestminsterCityCounciliscommittedtoprovidinganexcellentservicetothiswideandvaried
community.Inthisplanwewillbuildonthethingswevalue:wewillimproveourneighbourhoods;
provideenhancedopportunitiesforourlocalcommunities;anddeliversustainableeconomic
growth.WewillmakeWestminstertheforemostworldclasscity,withexemplarysustainabledesign.
Wearemovingintoanewera,whereeveryonecanandshouldexpectthebest.WestminstersCity
Planwillrisetothechallengeofmanagingthisuniqueandcomplexenvironmentforthenext20
years.Itsetsoutavisionforthefutureofouruniquecity:afutureofopportunity,improvement,
andcarefullymanagedgrowthandchange.
WestminstersCityPlanhasbeenproducedinconjunctionwithkeystakeholders,partnersandthe
localcommunity,andisthespatialexpressionofourvisionofthefuture,includingprioritiesfor
deliveringabettercityandbetterlivesandthedeliveringtheSustainableCommunityStrategy.Ithas
beenwrittentoseeusthroughthenext20years,whatevertheymayhold:environmental
challenges:complexandchangingeconomiccircumstances:andoutstandinginternationalevents,to
furtherenhanceWestminstersandLondonsworldclasscitystatus:torecogniseitsglobal
importance:andincreaseitsinternationalcompetitiveness.
Iwouldliketothankallthoseinvolvedintheproductionofthisdocumentandinthedevelopment
ofWestminster.Wewillcontinuetoworkwithourpartners,stakeholders,businessesandresidents
todeliverourvision,andachieveacitythatwecanallbeproudof.

CouncillorRobertDavisMBEDL
DeputyLeaderofWestminsterCityCouncil
CabinetMemberfortheBuiltEnvironment

CONTENTS
Foreword.......................................................................................................................................2
Contents........................................................................................................................................3
PART I: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 1
WestminstersLocalDevelopmentFramework......................................................................................1
WestminstersCityPlan..........................................................................................................................3
Howtousethisdocument......................................................................................................................5
PART II: A UNIQUE CITY ...................................................................................................... 7
TheLocalContext..........................................................................................................................7
Westminsterattheheartofaglobalcity.....................................................................................7
Employmentandthelocaleconomy.............................................................................................8
WestminstersResidents...............................................................................................................9
Healthandwellbeing.................................................................................................................11
AnEnvironmentFitforaWorldCity...........................................................................................12
AUniqueCity..............................................................................................................................13
TheRegionalContext....................................................................................................................14
WestminstersIssuesandChallenges............................................................................................15
AccommodatingstrategiclanduseswithinauniqueCentralLondonmix.................................15
StrengthofWestminstersheritageassets.................................................................................16
Lackofavailableland,housing,andcompetinglanduses.........................................................17
Peoplepressure...........................................................................................................................18
Inequalitiesincludinghealthinequalities...................................................................................19
Adaptationtoandmitigatingclimatechange...........................................................................19
WestminstersSpatialStrategy.....................................................................................................21
WestminstersSpatialVision................................................................................................................21
WestminstersStrategicObjectives......................................................................................................21
WestminstersSpatialStrategy.............................................................................................................23
Employmentandtheeconomy...................................................................................................23
Housing.......................................................................................................................................24
Infrastructure..............................................................................................................................25
UrbanCharacteristics.................................................................................................................27
Tacklinginequalities...................................................................................................................28
PART III: LOCAL SPATIAL POLICIES ............................................................................... 30
TheCentralActivitiesZone...........................................................................................................30
MixedUsesintheCentralActivitiesZone...................................................................................32
SpecialPolicyAreas....................................................................................................................39
PaddingtonOpportunityArea...............................................................................................................49
VictoriaOpportunityArea.....................................................................................................................52
TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea............................................................................................55
CoreCentralActivitiesZone..................................................................................................................58
WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea............................................................................................62
MaryleboneandFitzrovia.....................................................................................................................66
Knightsbridge........................................................................................................................................68
Pimlico.................................................................................................................................................70
RoyalParks............................................................................................................................................72
NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea.........................................................................74
OutsidetheCAZandNWEDA........................................................................................................79
PART IV: CITY-WIDE SPATIAL POLICIES ......................................................................... 84
HousingProvision.........................................................................................................................84
OptimisingHousingDelivery.................................................................................................................86
MeetingHousingNeeds........................................................................................................................89
AffordableHousing.....................................................................................................................91
GypsiesandTravellers................................................................................................................96
BusinessandEmployment............................................................................................................98
Employment..............................................................................................................................101
OfficesandBusinessFloorspace.........................................................................................................102
Retail 105
Tourism,ArtsandCulture...................................................................................................................107
ArtsandCulture........................................................................................................................108
HotelsandConferenceFacilities...............................................................................................109
EntertainmentUses..................................................................................................................110
PART V: CREATING PLACES .......................................................................................... 113
Heritage......................................................................................................................................113
Views ...............................................................................................................................................115
UsesofNationalandInternationalImportance...........................................................................117
SustainableandInclusiveDesign.................................................................................................118
Health,SafetyandWellBeing.....................................................................................................130
FloodRisk............................................................................................................................................134
AirQuality...........................................................................................................................................136
NoisePollution....................................................................................................................................138
InfrastructureandDevelopmentImpacts....................................................................................140
SocialandCommunityInfrastructure.......................................................................................143
OpenSpaceandGreenInfrastructure......................................................................................145
OpenSpaceNetwork................................................................................................................145
SitesofImportanceforNatureConservation...........................................................................148
BlueRibbonNetwork................................................................................................................149
OtherGreenInfrastructure.......................................................................................................151
EnergyInfrastructure................................................................................................................153
HeatandPowerNetworks........................................................................................................153
RenewableEnergyGeneration.................................................................................................156
TransportandPublicRealmInfrastructure...............................................................................157
SustainableTransport...............................................................................................................157
Servicinganddeliveries.............................................................................................................159
Thetransportnetwork..............................................................................................................160
WasteInfrastructure.................................................................................................................163
FloodRelatedInfrastructure.....................................................................................................167
ThamesTunnel..........................................................................................................................167
PART VI: IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................... 169
ThePresumptioninFavourofSustainableDevelopment.........................................................169
Partnerships...............................................................................................................................174
PartnershipWorking.................................................................................................................174
NeighbourhoodPlanningandCommunityGovernance...........................................................174
WestminstersSustainableCommunityStrategy.....................................................................176
RiskandReview..........................................................................................................................176
MonitoringFramework.............................................................................................................179

SUPPORTING INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 182

Appendix1:ProposalsSites................................................................................................................182
Appendix2:RetailHierarchy..............................................................................................................190
Appendix3:KeyPartnerships.............................................................................................................196
Appendix4:HousingDelivery.............................................................................................................200
Appendix5:UnitaryDevelopmentPlanPoliciesReplacedbyWestminstersCityPlan.....................205
Glossary......................................................................................................................................207
References..................................................................................................................................228

TABLE OF POLICIES:
PolicyS1MixedUseInTheCentralActivitiesZone..............................................................................32
PolicyS2SpecialPolicyAreas................................................................................................................40
PolicyCM2.1:HarleyStreetSpecialPolicyArea...................................................................................40
PolicyCM2.2:PortlandPlaceSpecialPolicyArea.................................................................................42
PolicyCM2.3:SavileRowSpecialPolicyArea.......................................................................................42
PolicyCM2.4:StJamessSpecialPolicyArea........................................................................................44
PolicyCM2.5:MayfairSpecialPolicyArea............................................................................................46
PolicyS3PaddingtonOpportunityArea...............................................................................................50
PolicyS4VictoriaOpportunityArea......................................................................................................53
PolicyS5TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea.............................................................................56
PolicyS6CoreCentralActivitiesZone..................................................................................................60
PolicyS7WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea.......................................................................................63
PolicyS8MaryleboneAndFitzrovia......................................................................................................67
PolicyS9Knightsbridge.........................................................................................................................69
PolicyS10Pimlico.................................................................................................................................71
PolicyS11RoyalParks...........................................................................................................................73
PolicyS12NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea..............................................................76
PolicyS13OutsideTheCazAndNweda................................................................................................83
PolicyS14OptimisingHousingDelivery................................................................................................87
PolicyS15MeetingHousingNeeds.......................................................................................................90
PolicyS16AffordableHousing..............................................................................................................91
PolicyS17GypsiesAndTravellers.........................................................................................................96
PolicyS18CommercialDevelopment...................................................................................................99
PolicyS19InclusiveLocalEconomyAndEmployment.......................................................................101
PolicyS20OfficesAndOtherB1Floorspace.......................................................................................103
PolicyS21Retail..................................................................................................................................106
PolicyS22Tourism,ArtsAndCulture.................................................................................................108
PolicyS23HotelsAndConferenceFacilities.......................................................................................109
PolicyS24EntertainmentUses...........................................................................................................111
PolicyS25Heritage.............................................................................................................................114
PolicyS26Views..................................................................................................................................116
PolicyS27BuildingsAndUsesOfInternationalAndNationalImportance........................................117
PolicyS28Design................................................................................................................................120
PolicyCM28.1BasementDevelopment..............................................................................................121
PolicyS29Health,SafetyAndWellBeing...........................................................................................131
PolicyS30FloodRisk...........................................................................................................................135
PolicyS31AirQuality..........................................................................................................................137
PolicyS32Noise..................................................................................................................................139
PolicyS33DeliveringInfrastructureAndPlanningObligations..........................................................141
PolicyS34SocialAndCommunityInfrastructure...............................................................................144
PolicyS35OpenSpace........................................................................................................................147
PolicyS36SitesOfImportanceForNatureConservation..................................................................149
PolicyS37WestminstersBlueRibbonNetwork................................................................................150
PolicyS38BiodiversityAndGreenInfrastructure...............................................................................152
PolicyS39DecentralisedEnergyNetworks........................................................................................155
PolicyS40RenewableEnergy.............................................................................................................156
PolicyS41PedestrianMovementAndSustainableTransport............................................................158
PolicyS42ServicingAndDeliveries.....................................................................................................159
PolicyS43MajorTransportInfrastructure.........................................................................................162
Figure54WasteManagementFacilities.............................................................................................165

PolicyS44SustainableWasteManagement.......................................................................................165
PolicyS45FloodRelatedInfrastructure.............................................................................................167
PolicyS46ThamesTunnel...................................................................................................................168
PolicyS47ThePresumptionInFavourOfSustainableDevelopment................................................169
PolicyCM47.1LandUseSwapsAndPackages....................................................................................170
PolicyCM47.2Credits.........................................................................................................................171

TABLE OF FIGURES:
Figure1WestminstersPolicyFramework.............................................................................................1
Figure2Spatial,TemporalandSensoryDiagram...................................................................................3
Figure4ProportionofLondonsJobswithineachBorough(Boroughswithover130,000jobsshown)
2014 ...................................................................................................................................................8
Figure5ComparisonofeconomicsectorsforWestminsterandCityofLondon,2010.........................9
Figure6PercentageofWestminstersHouseholdsinDifferentEthnicGroups,2009...........................9
Figure7DeprivationandLifeExpectancyforWestminstersWards,2007.........................................10
Figure8HouseholdTenure(2011)andIncome(2006)........................................................................10
Figure9MainCausesofDeathforWestminstersResidents,2006.....................................................11
Figure10LondonPlanKeyDiagram2011............................................................................................14
Figure11ShoppingCentreGrowthProjectionandCapacity...............................................................24
Figure12Crossrailline1routethroughLondon..................................................................................26
Figure13theCentralActivitiesZone....................................................................................................30
Figure14PublicBuildings(sqm)acrosstheCentralActivitiesZone2003...........................................31
Figure15SpecialPolicyAreas...............................................................................................................39
Figure16PaddingtonOpportunityArea...............................................................................................49
Figure17VictoriaOpportunityArea.....................................................................................................52
Figure18TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea............................................................................55
Figure19CoreCentralActivitiesZone..................................................................................................58
Figure20CoreCAZLandUseBreakdown(2014).................................................................................59
Figure21WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea......................................................................................62
Figure22MaryleboneandFitzrovia.....................................................................................................66
Figure23MaryleboneandfitzroviaLandUseBreakdown...................................................................67
Figure24Knightsbridge........................................................................................................................68
Figure25KnightsbridgeLandUseBreakdown.....................................................................................69
Figure26Pimlico...................................................................................................................................70
Figure27PimlicoLandUseBreakdown................................................................................................71
Figure28RoyalParksinWestminster..................................................................................................72
Figure29NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea...............................................................74
Figure30NorthWestminsterEDALandUseBreakdown(excludingPaddingtonOA).........................75
Figure31OutsidetheCAZandNWEDA................................................................................................79
Figure32OutsideDesignatedAreasLandUseBreakdown..................................................................79
Figure33StJohnsWoodandMaidaVale...........................................................................................80
Figure34Bayswater,QueenswayandWestbourneGrove..................................................................81
Figure35Belgravia................................................................................................................................82
Figure36515YearHousingLandSupply2012/132026/27.............................................................85
Figure37WestminstersHousingtrajectory........................................................................................88
Figure38BusinessandEconomy..........................................................................................................98
Figure39WestminstersShoppingCentres........................................................................................105
Figure40TourismrelatedEmploymentasaProportionofAllJobs2007.........................................107
Figure41DensityofIncidentsofViolenceAgainstthePerson2007/08............................................111
Figure43WiderdeterminantsofHealth............................................................................................130
Figure44FloodZone3andAreasmostatriskofrapidinundation...................................................134
Figure452010ModelledAnnualAveragePollutionExceedancesforNitrogenDioxide(left)and
Particulates(right)..............................................................................................................................136
Figure46OpenSpaceNetwork..........................................................................................................146
Figure47AreasofDeficiencyinPublicOpenSpaceandAccessibleActivePlaySpace.....................147
Figure48BlueRibbonNetworkincludingThamesPolicyArea..........................................................150
Figure49AreasofWildlifeDeficiency................................................................................................152
Figure50ExtentofPimlicoDistrictHeatUndertaking2008..............................................................154
Page1

Figure51WestminstersConnections................................................................................................161
Figure52PublicTransportAccessibilityLevels2008..........................................................................163
Figure53BoroughLevelProjections..................................................................................................164
Figure55RiskAssessment..................................................................................................................177
Figure56MonitoringFramework.......................................................................................................179
Figure57ProjectedHousingSupplyfromallsources2016/172036/37........................................201
Figure58Residentialschemeswith1to9additionalresidentialunits.............................................202
Figure59HousingDeliveryagainstTargets19992026/27................................................................204
Page2
PartIIntroduction
PART I: INTRODUCTION
W ESTMINSTER S L OCAL D EVELOPMENT F RAMEWORK
1.1 WestminstersLocalDevelopmentFrameworkisaportfolioofdocumentswhich
togetherprovideacomprehensivelocalpolicyframeworkforthecity.Themaindocumentis
thislocalplan,WestminstersCityPlan.Thiswillincludebothstrategicandmoredetailed
policiestomanagethecityanddeliverWestminstersfuturesustainabledevelopment.
However,themoredetailedpolicieswillbeaddedbyafurtherrevisiontothisdocument,
andhavebeendevelopedseparatelyasaCityManagementPlan.Thisplanappliesacross
thewholeofthecity,althoughitalsohasareaspecificpolicies.
SUPPLEMENTARY
PLANNING
DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENTS
Westminsters Topicbased Statementof

CityPlan SPDs Community
Involvement
LondonPlan
Any Planning Authoritys

Neighbourhood BriefSPDs Monitoring
Plan(s) Report
Conservation Local
AreaAudit Development
CILCharging SPDs Scheme
Schedule
WESTMINSTERS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

F IGURE 1 W ESTMINSTER S P OLICY F RAMEWORK
1.2 NeighbourhoodPlanscanalsobepreparedatalocallevelbycommunities.Those
plansonlyapplytotheareawhichthelocalgrouprepresents,butwithinthoseareas,the
neighbourhoodlevelpolicieshavethesamestatutoryweightasotherpoliciesinthisplan
andtheLondonPlan.MoreinformationaboutneighbourhoodplanningcanbefoundinPart
VI.
Page1
WestminstersCityPlanNov16
1.3 TheportfoliowillalsoincludeanumberofSupplementaryPlanningDocuments.
Thesedocumentsgivefurtherguidanceonhowthecouncilexpectsthepoliciesinthisplan
(includingCityManagementpoliciesoncetheseareincluded)tobeimplemented.They
includePlanningBriefs,ConservationAreaAudits,designguidanceandothertopicbased
guidance.
1.4 AnychangestoWestminstersCityPlanwillbepreparedinaccordancewitha
timetablesetoutinaLocalDevelopmentScheme.Consultationforanylocalplanchanges
orSupplementaryPlanningDocumentswillbeinaccordancewiththeStatementof
CommunityInvolvement.Thesetwodocumentsalsoformpartoftheportfolioof
documents:theLocalDevelopmentFramework.
1.5 Thecouncilalsomonitorstheoutcomesofitspoliciesannually,andpublishesthis
informationintheAuthoritysMonitoringReport.Thisreportalsomonitorshowthecouncil
isprogressinginpreparingitspolicydocuments.TheAuthoritysMonitoringReportforms
partoftheLocalDevelopmentFrameworkandisacrucialpartofimplementingand
reviewingWestminstersCityPlanoverthenext1520years,andupdatingthelistof
availablelandfordevelopment.
1.6 Finally,WestminstersLocalDevelopmentFrameworkwillincludeacharging
scheduleinthefuture,settingoutrequiredCommunityInfrastructureLevycontributionsin
ordertodelivertheinfrastructureneededtosupportthatdevelopment.
1.7 TheLDFtakestheNationalPlanningPolicyFrameworkintoaccount,andis
Westminsterslocalstrategicframeworkfordeliveringsustainabledevelopment,including
the12coreplanningprinciples.Itisastrategyforthefuture:proactivelydrivingand
supportingsustainableeconomicgrowthbydeliveringthehomes,workplaces,
infrastructureandthrivinglocalplacesneeded.Indoingthis,italsotakesthecitycouncils
ownstrategiesandalsootheragenciesplansandproposalsintoaccount,givingthem
spatialexpression,andhelptodeliverthem.Aswellasembracingthisspatialplanning
approach,theLDFrecognisesthetemporalandsensoryaspectsofthewaythecity
functionsaswellasthewaythecityisexperiencedbyindividuals.Westminsterisacomplex
environment;itisacitywithmultipledimensions.Thisisfundamentaltounderstandingthe
wayWestminsterisnowandhowitshoulddevelopintothefuture.
Page2
PartIIntroduction

F IGURE 2 S PATIAL , T EMPORALAND S ENSORY D IAGRAM
W ESTMINSTER S C ITY P LAN
1.8 WestminstersCityPlanisthelocalplanforWestminster.Itsetsoutthevisionfor
theCityofWestminsteruptoandbeyond2026/27,andputsinplaceapolicyframeworkto
deliverthatvision.Takenasawhole,itisthelocalexpressionofsustainabledevelopment.It
balancescompetingrequirementsanddemandstodeliveragainsteconomic,socialand
environmentalobjectives.Lookingtothefuture,itwilldeliversustainableeconomic
developmentincludinghomes,businesspremisesandinfrastructureinawaythatenhances
thosekeyattributesthatmakeWestminsteragreatplacetolive,workandinvestand
createsthrivingsustainablecommunities.Thisplanincludesthestrategicpoliciesforthe
boroughandissubjecttoanumberofrevisionswhichaddmoredetailedpolicies.However
itisnot,initself,acomprehensivepolicyframeworkforWestminster.Itneedstoberevised
furthertoincludefurtherdetailedCityManagementpolicies,previouslydevelopedasa
separateDevelopmentPlanDocument.Furtherrevisionstothisdocumentareunderway.
ReferenceshavebeenmadewithinthisdocumenthighlightingwherefurtherCity
Managementpolicyisnecessarytoprovidedetail.Oncetheprogrammeofrevisionsare
adopted,theywillreplacealloftheremainingsavedpoliciesinWestminstersUnitary
DevelopmentPlannotreferredtoinAppendix5.
Page3
1.9 ThislocalplanbeendevelopedbyWestminsterCityCouncil,workingwithkey
stakeholdersandthewideandvariedcommunitiesacrosstheborough.Itisthespatial
expressionoftheSustainableCommunityStrategy.ItwillbeusedbyWestminsterskey
stakeholdersindeliveringtheirservicesacrossthecity.
1.10 WestminstersCityPlanisaDevelopmentPlanDocument.TogetherwiththeLondon
PlanandanyNeighbourhoodPlan(s)orNeighbourhoodDevelopmentOrders,these
documentsmakeupthestatutorydevelopmentplanforthecity:
Planningapplicationsmustbedeterminedinaccordancewiththedevelopmentplan
unlessmaterialconsiderationsindicateotherwise1.
CrossreferencetoPartIITheRegionalContext,PartVINeighbourhoodPlanningand
CommunityGovernance.
1
PlanningandCompulsoryPurchaseAct2004,Section38(6)
Page4
PartIIntroduction
H OWTOUSETHISDOCUMENT
1.11 Thisdocumentismadeupofsixinterrelatedparts:
PARTI: WhatWestminstersCityPlan isandhowtouseit.

Introduction
Westminstersprofileanditsissuesandchallenges.
PARTII: Avision,objectivesandaspatialstrategytoaddress
AUniqueCity thesechallengesoverthenext1520years.
Buildingonthespatialstrategy,thesepoliciessetout
PARTIII:
theapproachandprioritiesforWestminstersvaried
LocalSpatialPolicies
localareas.
Landusepoliciestodirectactivitiestoappropriate
PARTIV:
locations,andadvisehowtheseshouldbedelivered
CityWideSpatialPolicies
tomeetWestminstersneeds.
Westminsterwidepoliciestodeliversustainable
PARTV:
development,includingtheinfrastructureneededto
CreatingPlaces
supportdevelopment.
PARTVI: Mechanismsforachievingthespatialstrategyand
Implementation minimisingrisktoitsachievement.
1.12 Allplanpoliciesareinterrelatedandshouldnotbeviewedinisolation.Toenable
greatereaseofuse,therearecrossreferencestootherdirectlyrelatedpolicies.However,
theseboxesshouldnotbeusedasthesolemeansforcomprehensivelyassessingwhich
policiesapplytoadevelopmentproposal.Developmentproposalswillbeassessedonhow
welltheymeetallrelevantpolicieswithinthedevelopmentplan,includingbothstrategic
anddetailedpolicies,theLondonPlanandtheNationalPlanningPolicyFramework.The
adoptedPoliciesMapillustratesthepoliciesgeographically.AllpoliciesinPartIIoftheplan
relateddirectlytodesignatedareasonthePoliciesMap.Manyoftheotherpoliciesinthe
planalsohavereferencetodesignationsonthePoliciesMap,andreferencetothese
designationsisnecessarytoapplythepolicy.AllPoliciesMapdesignationsarereferredtoin
theGlossary.
1.13 PlanpoliciesdonotrepeatnationalorLondonPlanpolicies,andshouldberead
alongsidetheLondonPlan.
Page5
1.14 ManyofthepolicieswithinWestminstersCityPlanrefertowherethecouncil
considersorissatisfiedthatsomethingisthecase.However,incircumstanceswherethe
councilisnotthefinaldecisionmaker,forexample,appealsorcalledinapplications.Insuch
cases,thereferencetothecouncilisintendedtoapplytoanydecisionmakere.g.a
PlanningInspectorortheSecretaryofState.ThisappliestoPoliciesS1,S2,S4,S5,S6,S7,S8,
S12,S13,S14,S16,S21,S34,S39,S40,S42andS44
Page6
PART II: A UNIQUE CITY

THELOCALCONTEXT
WESTMINSTERATTHEHEARTOFAGLOBALCITY
2.1Westminsterisoneofthemostrecognised,celebratedandexcitingplacesintheworld.
ItisattheheartofLondon,whichisoneoftheleadingworldcities.Westminsteristheseat
ofgovernmentandtheMonarchy,thrivingbusinessclusters,afocusforcultureand
entertainment,acentreoflearningand
researchandahubforcommerceand
retailing.Itishometomanygovernment
departments,lawcourts,placesof
worshipofinternationalimportance,
embassiesanddiplomaticinstitutionsand
otherfunctionsofthestate.Thisactivity
iscentredontheWestEnd,amajor
nationalandinternationalasset.Itisthe
largestandmostdiverseconcentrationof
jobsintheUK.Accommodatingover600,000employeesitisalsooneofthedensest
employmenthubsintheworld.ManyofWestminstersattractionsandfunctions,bothin
theWestEndandbeyond,areemblematicofLondonitself.
2.2 Theresidentialpopulationofapproximately230,000iswellstoover1millionevery
day,duetotheinfluxofworkers,visitorsandtourists.Thispressureisintense,attimes
overwhelming,andiscentraltoboththe
cityscharacterandmanyofits
challenges.Thislevelofmovementand
activitymeansthatWestminstersmore
tranquilplaces;itsparks,squaresand
residentialenclavesareparticularly
valued.Italsomeansthattheresidential
environmentofferedisverydifferent
fromthatfoundinmostotherpartsof
London,withhousingandcommercial
activityinverycloseproximity.
F IGURE 3 W ESTMINSTERINTHE H EARTOF G REATER L ONDON
Page7
2.3 However,Westminsterisalsocharacterisedbyareasofaverydifferentnature.
Therearelargelyresidentialareasinthenorthandsouthoftheboroughwhichdonothave
significantcommercialactivityoutsidedesignatedtowncentres,andwhosetowncentres
providemorelocaloffer.Evenwithinmorecentralcommercialpartsofthecity,thereare
significantareasofquieterresidentialstreets,andotherareasofrelativequietthatprovide
respitefromtheactivity.TheRoyalParksaccountfor24%ofthecityandprovideopen
landscapeamidstaheavilybuiltupcity.
EMPLOYMENTANDTHELOCALECONOMY
2.4 Westminsterfunctionsasanationalandinternationalcentreforbusiness,shopping,
artsandculture,andentertainment.Itaccommodatesover700,000jobs,13%ofallof
Londonsjobs,andmorethananyotherLondonlocalauthorityii.Westminsterseconomy
generated around56 billion GrossValueAdded(GVA)in2014/15,16% ofLondonsGVA,
and3.5% fortheUKiii.
Westminster
City
Camden
13% TowerHamlets
32% 9% Southwark
Islington
7% Hillingdon
5% Lambeth
3%
3% 5% Hounslow
3% 3% 4%
3% 3% 3% 4% Barnet
Ealing
Hammersmith&Fulham
Kensington&Chelsea
Wandsworth
19otherboroughs

F IGURE 4 P ROPORTIONOF L ONDON S J OBSWITHINEACH B OROUGH (B OROUGHSWITHOVER 130,000

iv
JOBSSHOWN ) 2014
2.5 Westminsters43,000businesseshaveadiverseandbalancedemploymentoffer,
particularlywhencomparedtootherareasofthecapitalsuchastheCityofLondonv.This
reflectsitsmixedcharacterandcontributestoitseconomicresilience.Corebusinessactivity
isfocussedintheWestEnd,togetherwithPaddingtontothenorthwestandVictoriatothe
south.Theseareashostfinancial,commercialandprofessionalservices,creative,retail,
leisure,tourism,eating,entertainmentandculturalsectors.Aboutseventypercentof
Page8
Westminstersbusinessesaresmallbusinessesemployinglessthanfivepeople,and83%
employlessthantenpeoplevi.ThisissimilartoaveragesforLondonandEnglandasawhole.
Professional,BusinessAdmin,Finance
PublicAdmin,Health,Education
Accommodation,FoodServices
Retail
IT&Communications
Arts,Entertainment,Recreation
Wholesale,Transport,Storage
Propertyservices CityofWestminster CityofLondon
Manufacturing,Construction,Utilities
F IGURE 5 C OMPARISONOFECONOMICSECTORSFOR W ESTMINSTERAND C ITYOF L ONDON , 2010 vii
WESTMINSTERSRESIDENTS
2.6 Westminsterhasaresidentpopulationof253,000,andhasthesecondhighest
proportionofresidentsbornoutsidetheUK(54%for2010,comparedto12%forEnglandas
awhole)viii.Approximately31%ofWestminstersresidentsarefromaBlack,Asian,Arabicor
otherminorityethnicgroups.Theoverallproportionisnotexpectedtochangesignificantly
inthefuture,althoughincreasesareexpectedfromChinese,Indian,OtherAsianandother
groups,anddecreasesinBlackAfrican,BangladeshiandBlackCaribbeangroups.
WhiteBritish
4%
3% WhiteOther
4% 5%
4% AsianorAsianBritish
Indian
5% AsianorAsianBritish
Other
6% 55% Chinese
BlackorBlackBritish
14% African
BlackorBlackBritish
Other
Mixed
Other

F IGURE 6 P ERCENTAGEOF W ESTMINSTER S H OUSEHOLDSIN D IFFERENT E THNIC G ROUPS , 2009 ix
2.7 Duringtheperiod20012006,Westminsteralsohadthehighestlevelofinternational
migrationper1,000populationforEnglandandWales.Inparticular,VictoriaCoachStation
isoneofthemainpointsofarrivalintotheUKfromEurope,andatitspeakhadan
Page9
estimated2,000migrantsarrivingfromthe
continenteveryweekx.
2.8 Westminsterisaplaceofcontrast,with
thepoorestresidentsoftenlivingcheekbyjowl
withitsrichest.Therearesignificantdifferences
inlifeexpectancyandmortalitybetweenand
withinelectoralwardsinWestminster.
Deprivationismuchmoreconcentratedinthe
northwestandsouthofthecityxi.However,
significantprogresshasbeenmade.Since2004,
thelevelofmultipledeprivationintheworst
affectedwardshasdecreased,however
Westminsterstillcontainssomeofthemost
deprivedareasinLondonxii.
F IGURE 7 D EPRIVATIONAND L IFE E XPECTANCYFOR
2.9 Westminstershousingsectoralso W ESTMINSTER S W ARDS , 2007
differsmarkedlyfromotherareas.Average
housepricesinWestminsterarethesecondhighestinthecountry.Thecityhasasignificant,
growingprivaterentedsector,comprisinganestimated43%(thehighestinLondon)of
households,comparedto26%forLondonandonly18%forEnglandasawhole.Ithasa
lowerowneroccupiersectoratonly31%,comparedtoLondon(50%)andEngland(64%)xiii.
ThehousingsectorreflectsWestminstersroleatthecentreofaworldcity.
Tenure HouseholdIncome
Owneroccupier(no (notsharedownership)
mortgage)
Owneroccupier 0.8%
80000k
(withmortgage)
17.7% 70000k
Counciltenant 42.8%
12.9% 60000k
RegisteredSocial 50000k
11.9%
Landlordtenant 40000k
14.0%
Privaterented 30000k
20000k
SharedOwnership
10000k
00k

F IGURE 8 H OUSEHOLD T ENURE (2011) AND I NCOME (2006) xv

xiv
Page10
HEALTHANDWELLBEING
2.10 Westminstergenerallyperformswellonhealthindicators.However,patternsof
healthinequalitymirrorthepatternsofsocialandeconomicdeprivationandtherearea
numberofkeyareaswherethecityperformslesswellorwheretherearespecificissues
thatarisebecauseofthecharacteristicsofthecity.
2.11 TheIndicesofDeprivationincludesameasurefortheoutdoorlivingenvironment,
andmeasuresairqualityandroadtrafficaccidents.AllofWestminsterfallswithintheworst
20%ofareasacrosstheUKforthismeasure.

F IGURE 9 M AIN C AUSESOF D EATHFOR W ESTMINSTER S R ESIDENTS , 2006 xvi
2.12 RoadsafetyisasignificantissuewithinWestminster.Approximately300peopledie
orareseriouslyinjuredontheroadsofWestminstereachyear:approximatelythreetimes
theLondonaveragexvii.Thisadverselyaffectsresidents,accountingforasignificant
proportionofaccidentaldeathsandofprematuredeathsfromallcausesxviii.Roadsafety
alsoaffectsworkersandvisitorswithinWestminster,andasignificantnumberoffatalities
arepedestriansxix.
2.13 Crimeandthefearofcrimecanhaveconsiderablenegativeimpactsonhealth,
includingincreasedlevelsofstressandanxiety,includingafearofgoingoutalone,
thereforeimpactingonlevelsofphysicalactivity,andlossofconfidence.Creatingacity
wherepeoplefeelsafeandstaysafeisapriorityforWestminsterxx.Crimelevelsarestrongly
affectedbytheonemillionpeopleenteringthecityeveryday,andbytheunique
circumstancesoftheWestEnd,OxfordStreetandtheGovernmentalandrelatedfunctions
inandaroundWhitehall,givingrisetoadditionalsecurityconcernsandchallengesincluding
thoserelatingtoterrorismxxi.ThethousandsofpeopleattractedtotheWestEndfromall
overLondonforitspubs,clubsandbarsleadstoantisocialbehaviour,includingvandalism,
Page11
graffitianddrunk,rowdyandintimidatingbehaviour,aswellasactingasamagnetfor
crimexxii.OverhalfofrecordedcrimewithinWestminsteriscommittedwithintheWestEnd
andStJamesswardsandeventhisisconcentratedwithinspecificpartsofthosewardsxxiii.
2.14 Inmanyways,fearofcrimecanhaveasprofoundaneffectasdirectexperienceof
crime,withsimilareffectsonpeoplesmentalandphysicalhealth.Thereisamuchstronger
correlationbetweendeprivationandthefearofcrimeasopposedtoactualcrimestatistics,
withresidentsinWestbourne,QueensParkandHarrowRoadfeelingtheleastsafexxiv.
ANENVIRONMENTFITFORAWORLDCITY
2.15 Westminstersfamousgreenspacesandparks,theThamesfrontageandpublic
transportlinkshavehelpedthecitydevelopasaworldleader,andsupportLondoninbeing
oneofthegreenestcapitalcitiesintheworld.Asapioneeringauthorityinthe1950s,the
CityofWestminstersawthedevelopmentofoneofthefirstEuropeanDistrictHeating
Networksinthesouthofthecity.PimlicoDistrictHeatingUndertakingnotonlydelivered
improvedlocalairquality(inresponsetotheLondon
smog),butalsoenergyefficiencyandsecurityfor
residentsandbusinesses.Morerecently,Westminster
wasthefirstcitytodevelopanairqualityactionplan
andintroduceonstreetelectricrechargingpointsfor
electricvehicles.Inthefuture,largeurbanareas
acrosstheglobewillallexperiencethechallengesand
exposurestoachangingclimate,ofteninmore
extremewaysthansmallertownsandthecountryside.
Beyonddirectclimatechangeimpacts,suchashealth
problemsduetoheatordamagetobuildingsand
infrastructureduetoflooding,theindirectimpactson
citiescanbemuchbroader.Climatechangewillaffect
airtemperatureandquality,biodiversity,andthelocal
microclimate,exacerbatingsomeandlessening
othersxxv.Failuretomanagethischangeandadaptasa
citywillplaceWestminstersandLondonsglobalstatusatrisk,anddevelopmentwithinthe
citymustrespondtotheseenvironmentalrisks.InlinewiththeNationalPlanningPolicy
Framework,Westminsteralsoneedstoplayitspartinsecuringtheradicalreductionin
greenhousegasemissionsnecessarytomovetoalowcarbonfuture.WestminstersCity
Planwillhelpthedevelopmentindustryandbuiltenvironmentadapttothesechallenges
andensureappropriatepoliciesareinplaceforthecitysfutureresidentsandvisitors.
Page12
AUNIQUECITY
2.16 TheCityofWestminsteristhereforeuniqueandrequiresabespokeplanning
frameworktorespondtotheopportunitiesandchallengesoverthenext20years.Looking
towards2036,WestminsterwillcontinuetoplayakeyroleattheheartofLondon:the
profileofLondonasoneoftheworldsgreatglobalcitiesshouldcontinuetobringlongterm
benefitsthroughvisitors,businessandinvestment;weneedtomakeourcontributionto
tacklingclimatechange;risetothechallengeofneweconomiccircumstances,changing
marketsandemploymentsectors;andchangesinthecompositionofhouseholdsand
families,andthewaypeoplecarryouttheirdailylives.Thisplanningframeworkmustretain
thoseuniquecharacteristicsthatmakeWestminsterwhatitistoday:itsheritage,vibrancy,
andmixofactivitiesandplaces.Thefollowingchapterssetoutthisplanningframeworkto
deliverWestminstersspatialvisionforthefuture.
i
ONSPopulationMidYearEstimates2014
ii
ONSRegionalLabourMarket:LI01LocalIndicatorsforCounties,LocalandUnitaryAuthoritiesApril2015
iii
ONS,CEBRAnalysis2014
iv
ONSRegionalLabourMarket:LI01LocalIndicatorsforCounties,LocalandUnitaryAuthoritiesApril2015
v
BusinessRegisterandEmploymentSurvey201011
vi
BusinessRegisterandEmploymentSurvey2013/14
vii
ONSAnnualPopulationSurvey2010
viii
ONSAnnualPopulationSurvey2010
ix
ONSPopulationMidYearEstimates2009
x
EstimatebasedonOfficeofNationalStatistics2006data,inliaisonwithVictoriabusstationmanagementand
corecoachstationcompanies
xi
IndexofDeprivation2007BriefingNoteWestminsterCityCouncil(accessiblethroughWestminsterCity
CouncilsCOWSTATsystem)
xii
WestminsterCityPlan20062016
xiii
Census2011
xiv
Census2011
xv
HousingNeedsAssessment,2006
xvi
ONSVitalStatistics2006citedinPublicHealthAnnualReport2006/2007
xvii
LondonAccidentAnalysisUnit,LondonRoadSafetyUnit,TransportforLondonStreetManagement,2008
xviii
PublicHealthAnnualReport2006/2007Figure2.4andFigure2.8.Itisnotedthatmortalitystatistics
relatingtoroadsafetyshowninthesefiguresdonotnecessarilymeanthatthiswasaresultofanaccident
withinWestminster.However,theotherstatisticsrelatetoinjuriesonWestminstersroads.
xix
Towardstheyear2010:monitoringcasualtiesinGreaterLondon;Issue8,August2008
xx
xxi
CrimeandDisorderReductionStrategy200508Prioritiesreflectthis,includingthoserelatingtostreet
crime,drugandsubstancemisuse,alcoholrelatedviolenceandbegging.
xxii
WestminsterCityPlan20062016,page28
xxiii
MetropolitanPoliceCrimeMappinghttp://bit.ly/KV3CIH,allrecordedcrimes,forperiodMarch2012
xxiv
PublicHealthAnnualReport2006/2007
xxv
UrbanadaptationtoclimatechangeinEurope,EEAReport2012
Page13
THEREGIONALCONTEXT
2.17 LondonhasbeengovernedataregionallevelbyadirectlyelectedMayorsince2000.
TheMayorisresponsibleforthestrategicplanningofLondon,includingthepreparationof
theLondonPlan.WestminstersCityPlanmustbeingeneralconformitywiththeLondon
Planandshouldnotrepeattheregionalguidancecontainedwithinit.TheLondonPlan
formspartofthestatutorydevelopmentplanforWestminster,andmanyofitspolicies
includeaplanningdecisionssectionthatcanbeuseddirectlyfordeterminingplanning
applications.
2.18 KeyaspectsoftheLondonPlanthatrelatetoWestminsterare:
housing
waste
strategicviews
theCentralActivitiesZone
thePaddington,Victoriaand
TottenhamCourtRoad
OpportunityAreas
theretailhierarchy
thehighcarbonemissionsfrom
Westminsterrelatingtoenergy
consumption
theBlueRibbonNetworkand
MetropolitanOpenLand(theRoyal F IGURE 10 L ONDON P LAN K EY D IAGRAM 2011
Parks)
theWestEndSpecialRetailPolicyAreaandThamesPolicyArea.
2.19 TheMayorsetstheannualbudgetsforthewiderGreaterLondonAuthorityfamily
madeupoftheGreaterLondonAuthority,MetropolitanPolice,TransportforLondon,and
theLondonFireBrigade.TheMayoralsohasresponsibilityforaffordablehousingfunding.

Assuch,theMayorisakeystrategicpartnerinthedeliveryofservicesandinfrastructure
withinWestminster,andthereforeWestminstersCityPlanasawhole.
Page14
WESTMINSTERSISSUESAND
CHALLENGES
ACCOMMODATINGSTRATEGICLANDUSESWITHINAUNIQUECENTRALLONDONMIX
2.20 Westminsterisanationallyandinternationallyimportantlocationforoffices,retail,
mediaandcreativeindustries,artsandculture,highereducationinstitutions,entertainment
andtourism,whichitaccommodatestogetherwiththefunctionsofgovernmentandthe
state.ThelocationsofthesestrategiclandusesoverlapandallconvergeintheWestEnd.
TheWestEndboaststhebusiestshoppingdistrictintheworldcentredaroundOxford,
RegentandBondStreets.WestminstersupportsLondons22billionvisitoreconomy,
rangingfromtheAbbeyRoadpedestriancrossingto8ofthe20topLondonvisitor
attractions.ItisalsotheheartofLondonseveningandnighttimeeconomy,including39
Michelinstarredrestaurants.ThehomeoftheatreinTheatrelandandcinemacentred
aroundLeicesterSquarearewithintheWestEnd,andWestminsterhasathirdofLondons
music,visualandperformingartsemploymentandathirdofLondonstelevisionandradio
employment.
2.21 Westminsterscentralarea,designated
theCentralActivitiesZone(CAZ)within
WestminstersCityPlan,containsamixofuses
andactivitiesthatisuniquebothinLondonand
theworld.Thecomplexmosaicoflanduses
givesWestminsteritsvitality,characterand
rolewithinLondonasaworldcity.The
apparentrandomnessofthemixistheproduct
oftheareaslonghistoryofchangingpatterns
oflanduseand,sincethe1970s,ofcarefulcontrolthroughplanningpoliciesand
negotiations.Thisapproachhasprovedasuccess:Soho,Mayfairandothercentralareas
haveretainedtheirprestigeasadesirablelocationforbusinessesandvitalityandattraction,
andthepolicyapproachensuresthatnooneusedominates.Thismixnotonlymakes
WestminstersCentralActivitiesZoneunique,butalsohelpsgivesitahumanscale,
significantlyenhancingtheexperienceofthecityfromstreetlevel.Thisapproach
successfullyretainedtheproportionofofficefloorspaceintheCoreCAZatbetween48%
and51%sincetheearly1980s.However,significantofficelosseswereseenfrom2010/11
until2015/16duetoachangeinmarketdrivers.Thepolicyapproachwasmodifiedto
ensurethatthislossdidnotcontinueandtheCAZcouldcontinuetofulfilitsstrategic
functionasaninternationallyimportantcommercialagglomeration.
Page15
2.22 Provisionofhousingwithintheseareasisalsointrinsictoitsuniquenessandsuccess.
FromflatsinSohotolargeresidentialneighbourhoodssuchasPimlico,thisresidential
elementplaysamajorroleindefiningthecharacterofdifferentpartsoftheCAZ.Themixof
usesmustbecarefullymanagedtoensurethattheresidentialuseispartoftheoverallmix
ofuses,supportingthestrategicfunctionoftheCAZasaplacetoworkandvisit.Where
homesareappropriateahealthyandsaferesidentialenvironmentmustbeabletobe
providedwithoutcompromisingbusinessactivity,acknowledgingthatmorecommercial
partsoftheCAZhaveabuzzandlevelofactivitygreaterthanprimarilyresidentialareas..
2.23 Maintainingsuchacomplexenvironmentwillrequireasimilarlyrigorousapproach
overthelifetimeoftheplan,soastoensurethatincrementalchangesthroughsitebysite
redevelopmentdonoterodethemixeitherataverylocalleveloracrossthewiderarea.
Policiestoaddressthisissuearesetoutat:S1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S2
SpecialPolicyAreas;S3PaddingtonOpportunityArea;S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;S5
TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea;S6CoreCentralActivitiesZone;S7WestEnd
SpecialRetailPolicyArea;S8MaryleboneandFitzrovia;S9Knightsbridge;S12North
WestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea;S14OptimisingHousingDelivery;S18
CommercialDevelopment;S20OfficesandOtherB1Floorspace;S21Retail;S22Tourism,
ArtsandCulture;S23HotelsandConferenceFacilities;S24EntertainmentUses;S27
BuildingsandUsesofInternationalandNationalImportance;S29Health,SafetyandWell
Being;S31AirQuality;S32Noise;S33PlanningObligationsandDeliveringInfrastructure;
S42ServicingandDeliveries;S43MajorTransportInfrastructure.
STRENGTHOFWESTMINSTERSHERITAGEASSETS
2.24 Westminsterhasinexcessof11,000listedbuildings(morethananyotherlocal
authorityinthecountry),and75%ofitslandareaiscoveredbyconservationarea
designation.Seventeenofthe27viewsidentifiedintheLondonPlanareeithertoorfrom
Westminster,andthecityiscrossedbyfivedesignatedviewingcorridorssetoutinthe
LondonPlan,includingonestoWestminstersWorldHeritageSite:thePalaceof
WestminsterandWestminsterAbbey,
includingStMargaretsChurch.
2.25 Thishistoricenvironmentisa
nationalandinternationaltreasure,and
intrinsictoWestminsterandLondonasa
whole.Itmustbethestartingpointfor
considerationofallproposalsforchange,
soastoensurethatitiscontinually
Page16
enhancedoverthecourseofthisplanandforgenerationstocome.Sensitiveandinnovative
developmentcanprovidesustainableretrofittingsolutionstomakethishistoricfabricfitfor
thefuture,includingthechallengesofclimatechange,whilstpreservingtheintegrityof
heritageassets.Similarly,thoseelementsofthebuiltfabricthatdonotcontributetothe
qualityofthehistoricenvironmentcanbereplacedwithdevelopmentofexemplary,high
qualitydesignandarchitecturethatdoescontributeandenhance.
Thesechallengesareaddressedinthefollowingpolicies:S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;S8
MaryleboneandFitzrovia;S11RoyalParks;S25Heritage;S26Views;S27BuildingsandUses
ofInternationalandNationalImportance;S28Design;S35OpenSpace;S36Sitesof
ImportanceforNatureConservation;S37BlueRibbonNetwork;S42Servicingand
Deliveries;S43MajorTransportInfrastructure.
LACKOFAVAILABLELAND,HOUSING,ANDCOMPETINGLANDUSES
2.26 ManyotherpartsofLondonhaveareadysupplyofsurplusindustriallandwitha
relativelylowexistingusevaluethatcanberedevelopedforhousingandmixedusewitha
significantlyhighervalue.Suchsitesmakeasignificantcontributiontomeetingborough
housingtargets.ThisisnottypicallythecasewithinWestminsterwheremanysitesalready
containoffices,shopsandhousingwithhighexistingvalues.DevelopmentinWestminsteris
oftenaboutrefurbishmentandrenewalofbuildingstockratherthansignificantlanduse
change.
2.27 WestminsterseconomyrelatingtotheCentralActivitiesZonealsocreates
challengesfortheborough.Since2010/11,Westminsterhasseensignificantannuallosses
ofofficefloorspace.Muchofthishasbeenlosttohousing,andtherelativeproportionof
officesintheCoreCAZhasdeclinedto46%,fromapreviousbalanceofbetween48%and
51%retainedforthe30yearspreviously.Forthisreason,achangeinapproachtooffices
withinthisstrategicallyimportantareahasbeennecessary.
2.28 ThelackofavailableindustriallandisalsoaconsiderableconstraintforWestminster
indeliveringagainstthewasteapportionmentsetoutintheLondonPlan.
Theseissuesareaddressedinthefollowingpolicies:S1MixedUseintheCentralActivities
Zone;S3PaddingtonOpportunityArea;S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;S5TottenhamCourt
RoadOpportunityArea;S7WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea;S8Maryleboneand
Fitzrovia;S9Knightsbridge;S10Pimlico;S12NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopment
Area;S13OutsidetheCAZandNWEDA;S14OptimisingHousingDelivery;S15Meeting
HousingNeeds;S16AffordableHousing;S29Health,SafetyandWellBeing;S30FloodRisk;
S32Noise;S33PlanningObligationsandDeliveringInfrastructure;S35OpenSpace;S42
ServicingandDeliveries;S44SustainableWasteManagement;Appendix1ProposalsSites.
Page17
PEOPLEPRESSURE
2.29 Westminstersresidentialpopulationofapproximately230,000swellstooverone
millionduringthedaytime,withtheinfluxofworkers,visitorsandtourists.Suchintense
activityispartofwhatmakesWestminsterexcitingandvibrant,butisalsooneofits
greatestchallenges.Itplacesenormouspressureontransportsystemsandthepublicrealm
andsomelocationsstruggletoaccommodatethesheernumbersofpeople.Almostall
journeyswithinWestminsterinvolveaportionofwalkingwithinthepublicrealm.A
significantproportionofthecapacityofsocialandcommunityfacilitiesandemergency
servicesaretakenbyvisitorsratherthanresidents,andopenspacesandparks,particularly
thefiveRoyalParks,experienceextraordinarilyhighvisitornumbersfromnonresidents.
Theinfluxofvisitorsalsoextendsintotheeveningandnighttime,aspeoplearedrawnin
fortheentertainmentoffer,particularlyconcentratedaroundtheWestEnd.Thehighlevel
ofactivityand24hournatureofsomepartsofthecitystronglyaffectsnoise,airquality,
crimeandsecurity,wasteandtheprovisionoflocalservices.TheWestEndoffersanalmost
uniqueresidentialenvironment,withtheactivityandofferofa24hourcityonthe
doorstep.However,theCityCouncilreceivesanincreasingnumberofcomplaintsfrom
residentssuggestingthattherelationshipbetweenresidentsexpectationsandbusiness
activityarenotalwayswellmatched.Theintroductionof24hourtuberunningin
September2015willfurtherincreaseactivitylaterintothenight.Thefunctionsofstateand
government,togetherwithlargeeventsbefittingWestminstersCentralLondonrole,and
highnumbersofpeoplemakethethreatofterrorismaparticularissuewithintheborough,
andonewhichisbestmanagedatdesignstage.
2.30 RegionalgrowthalsoputsgreaterpressureonCentralLondonlocationssuchas
Westminster,aspeoplemovethroughthecity,andaccesscentrallylocatedservicesand
facilitiesaswellasjobs.Thismovementto,throughandacrossthecitycontributesto
Westminsterhavingamongsttheworstairpollutioninthecountry.
Westminstersactivitymakesitdifferentfromanyotherlocalauthorityinthecountry.
Thepolicyapproachtoaddresstheseissuesissetoutinthefollowingpolicies:S4Victoria
OpportunityArea;S5TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea;S6CoreCentralActivities
Zone;S7WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea;S8MaryleboneandFitzrovia;S11RoyalParks;
S13OutsidetheCAZandNWEDA;S24EntertainmentUses;S29Heath,SafetyandWell
Being;S31AirQuality;S32Noise;S33PlanningObligationsandDeliveringInfrastructure;
S34SocialandCommunityInfrastructure;S35OpenSpace;S37BlueRibbonNetwork;S41
PedestrianMovementandSustainableTransport;S42ServicingandDeliveries;S43Major
TransportInfrastructure.
Page18
INEQUALITIESINCLUDINGHEALTHINEQUALITIES
2.31 WhilstWestminsterisgenerallyviewedasaplaceofaffluence,therearepocketsof
significantdeprivation.QueensParkandChurchStreetareamongstthetop10%ofdeprived
wardsinthecountry,HarrowRoadandWestbourneamongstthe1020%mostdeprived,
andChurchillwardamongstthe2030%mostdeprived.Atasubwardlevel,therearealso
smallergroupingsofdeprivedresidents,suchassomecommunitiesintheWestEnd.Health
inequalities,includinglifeexpectancy,arecloselylinkedtopatternsofdeprivation.
2.32 Considerableprogresshasbeenmadeinrecentyearsinaddressingdeprivationand
healthinequalities.Furtherprogressisanticipatedthroughoutthelifetimeofthisplan.
Policiestocontributetowardsachievingthisaresetoutasfollows:S3Paddington
OpportunityArea;S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;S7WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea;S10
Pimlico;S12NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea;S13OutsidetheCAZand
NWEDA;S14OptimisingHousingDelivery;S15MeetingHousingNeeds;S16Affordable
Housing;S17GypsiesandTravellers;S20OfficesandOtherB1Floorspace;S21Retail;S22
Tourism,ArtsandCulture;S28Design;S29Heath,SafetyandWellBeing;S33Planning
ObligationsandDeliveringInfrastructure;S34SocialandCommunityInfrastructure;S35
OpenSpace;S41PedestrianMovementandSustainableTransport;S43MajorTransport
Infrastructure.
ADAPTATIONTOANDMITIGATINGCLIMATECHANGE
2.33 ThisisclearlynotanissueuniquetoWestminster;theNationalPlanningPolicy
Frameworkstatesthatplanningplaysakeyroleinhelpingshapeplacestosecureradical
reductionsingreenhousegasemissions,minimisingvulnerabilityandprovidingresilienceto
theimpactsofclimatechange.However,therearearangeofparticularchallengesand
opportunitieswhichariseoutoftheuniquecharacteristicsoftheborough.Ofthe406local
authoritiesinEngland,Westminsterhasthe19thhighestgreenhousegasemissions.
However,unlikemostothersignificantemitters,Westminsterscarbonfootprintisnot
linkedtolargescaleindustrialactivity,whichcanbemoreeasilyreduced.Ratheritisthe
cumulativeimpactofmanysmalloccupiers,with
74%oftheemissionsfromtheenergyuseof
commercialoccupiers,particularlyelectricityi.
2.34 Thedensity,accessibility,heritageand
complexmixofusesinWestminster,particularly
incentralareas,providesignificantopportunities
forsustainabledevelopment:reducingrelianceon
journeysbyprivatevehicles;theefficientuseof
Page19
land;extendingthelifetimesofexistingbuildings(byhundredsofyearsinsomecases);and
opportunitiesforlocalandneighbourhoodsolutionssuchasCombined(Cooling),Heatand
Powernetworks,localinvesselcompostingandotherwastesolutions,cyclehire,and
freightconsolidationschemes.Westminsterisalsofortunateinhavingexcellentflood
defencesthatwillbeinplaceforatleastthedurationofthisplan.Theneedtoprotect
existingbuildingsalongtheThames,suchastheHousesofParliament,willensurethatthe
boroughhasarelativelylowriskofriverinefloodingcomparedtootherpartsofthecountry.
2.35 However,becauseofitscentrallocationWestminstersuffersdisproportionately
fromtheeffectsofLondonsurbanheatislandand,incentralareas,thisisexacerbatedby
the24hournatureofthispartofthecity.Noiseandpoorairqualityarealsorelevanttothis
issueastheyincreaserelianceonairconditioning,whichfurthercontributestolocalised
heatingeffects,noiseandenergyconsumption.
Mattersrelatingtoclimatechangemitigationandadaptationaresetoutinthefollowing
policies:S3PaddingtonOpportunityArea;S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;S11RoyalParks;
S12NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea;S37BlueRibbonNetwork;S30Flood
Risk;S25Heritage;S28Design;S29Heath,SafetyandWellBeing;S32Noise;S33Planning
ObligationsandDeliveringInfrastructure;S35OpenSpace;S38Biodiversity;S39
DecentralisedEnergyNetworks;S40RenewableEnergy;S41PedestrianMovementand
SustainableTransport;S42ServicingandDeliveries;S43MajorTransportInfrastructure;S44
SustainableWasteManagement;S45FloodRelatedInfrastructure.
Page20
WESTMINSTERSSPATIALSTRATEGY
W ESTMINSTER S S PATIAL V ISION
Westminsterwillremainaforemostworldclassglobalcity,whileimprovingits
sustainableperformance:Acitywhichvaluesitsuniqueheritageandaccommodates
growthandchangetoensurethecityscontinuedeconomicsuccesswhileproviding
opportunitiesandahighqualityoflifeforallofitscommunitiesandahighquality
environmentforresidents,workersandvisitorsalike.
W ESTMINSTER S S TRATEGIC O BJECTIVES
TheobjectivesforWestminsterarenotspecificallylocallydistinctiveorunique:
Westminstersharesmanyoftheaspirationsandaimsofotherlocalauthoritiesacrossthe
country.However,Westminsteralsofacesparticularissuesandchallengesassetoutinthe
previoussection,andthesearealsoreflectedintheobjectives.
1. Toaccommodatesustainablegrowthandchangethatwillcontributeto
Westminstersroleastheheartofapreeminentworldclasscity,buildingonits
internationallyrenownedbusiness,retail,cultural,tourismandentertainmentfunctions
withintheCentralActivitiesZone;tosupporttheuniqueeconomicbreadthanddiversity
oftheWestEndanditsfringeareasincludingtheOpportunityAreas;whilstmaintaining
itsuniqueandhistoriccharacter,mix,functions,andtownscapes.
2. TosensitivelyupgradeWestminstersbuildingstocktosecuresustainableand
inclusiveexemplarydesignwhichminimisesenergyandresourceconsumptionandthe
productionofwaste,reducestheimpactsoflocalenvironmentalpollutionandmeetsboth
todaysneedsandthoseofthefuture,includingtheeffectsofachangingclimate;creating
attractiveplacesthatfunctionwellwhilstensuringthatthehistoriccharacterandintegrity
ofWestminstersbuiltfabricandplacesisprotectedandenhanced.
3. Tomaintainandenhancethequalityoflife,healthandwellbeingof
Westminstersresidentialcommunities;ensuringthatWestminstersresidentscanbenefit
fromgrowthandchange,providingmoreemploymentandhousingopportunities,safety
andsecurity,andbetterpublictransportandlocalservices;toworkwithourpartnersto
fostereconomicvitalityanddiversity,improvedlearningandskills,andimprovedlife
chancesinareasofdeprivation.
4. ToincreasethesupplyofgoodqualityhousingtomeetWestminstershousing
target,andtomeethousingneeds,includingtheprovisionofaffordablehousingand
Page21
homesforthosewithspecialneeds;whilstensuringthatnewhousingincommercialareas
coexistsalongsidethebusinessactivityandanappropriatebalanceofusesismaintained.
5. Tomanagethepressuresonthecityfromitsnationalandinternationalrolesand
functions,supportingbusinesscommunitiesandtourism,andensuringasafeand
enjoyablevisitorexperience.
6. Toaccommodatethesafeandefficientmovementofgrowingnumbersofpeople
enteringandmovingaroundWestminsterbyfacilitatingmajorimprovementstothe
publictransportsystem,improvingthepublicrealmandpedestrianenvironment,
managingvehiculartraffic,andmakingwalkingandcyclingsaferandmoreenjoyable.
7. ToprotectandenhanceWestminstersopenspaces,civicspacesandBlueRibbon
Network,andWestminstersbiodiversity;includingprotectingtheuniquecharacterand
opennessoftheRoyalParksandotheropenspaces;andtomanagethesespacesto
ensureareasofrelativetranquillityinacitywithadaytimepopulationincreasedevery
daybyoveronemillionworkersandvisitors.
Page22
W ESTMINSTER S S PATIAL S TRATEGY
EMPLOYMENTANDTHEECONOMY
2.36 Westminsterisprojectedtoaccommodategrowthinemploymentofabout77,000
jobsto2036ii.Thiswillinclude5,000newjobsinPaddingtonOpportunityArea,4,000in
VictoriaOpportunityArea,andabout5,000intheTottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea,
includingthoseareaswithintheLondonBoroughofCamdeniii.Itiscrucialtoremove
barrierstoemploymentforWestminstersresidents,suchasalackofskillsandtraining.This
willreducedeprivationandsocialexclusion,andprovideaskilled,localworkforcefor
Westminstersbusinesses.
2.37 Overthelifetimeofthis
plan,Westminsterwillcontinueto
beoneofLondonsmostimportant
officelocations.Newofficesand
otherB1businessfloorspacewill
bedirectedtoappropriate
locationswithintheCentral
ActivitiesZone,primarilythethree
OpportunityAreasatPaddington,
VictoriaandTottenhamCourt
Road,theCoreCentralActivities
Zone,andtoNamedStreetswithinMaryleboneandFitzrovia.Thiswillbedeliveredinsucha
waythatmaintainsWestminstersuniquemixedusecharacterwithinCentralLondon
recognisingtheimportanceofWestminstersofficestocktothenationaleconomy.
OverspillofficeandotherB1accommodationwillbedirectedtoappropriatelocations
withintheNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea,extendingtheexistingoffice
stockbeingdeliveredwithinthePaddingtonOpportunityArea.
2.38 Regionalassessmentsofgrowthinretail,estimatedat285,000sqmnetadditional
floorspacebetween2006and2026,havebeenbasedondemandassessmentratherthan
capacityiv.However,WestminstersCityPlanlooksatwhereincreasesinretailfloorspace
mightbeaccommodated.Themainincreases,particularlycomparisongoodsretail
floorspace,willbewithintheWestEndSpecialRetailPolicyAreawithpotentially210,000
sqmgrowthbetween2006and2026v.ThisincludesthesignificantretaildistrictsofCovent
GardenandSoho,aswellastheinternationalshoppingstreetsofOxford,RegentandBond
Streets.GrowthcanalsobeexpectedtoalesserextentinotherareasoftheCoreCAZand
Knightsbridgevi.Projectionsandcapacityforothersignificantshoppingcentresaresetout
below:
Page23
ShoppingCentre Type Growth Capacity Designation

Projectionvii
Knightsbridge International 42,000 MostlywithinKensington&
(partsharedwith Chelseawhichhasthemajority
Kensington& ofthisshoppingcentre
Chelsea)
MaryleboneHigh CAZ 4,700 Withinexistingboundaries
Street Frontage
VictoriaStreet CAZ 9,000 OpportunityArea Sites6to8inAppendix
Frontage redevelopment 1
Warwick CAZ 2,200 Withinexistingboundaries
Way/Tachbrook Frontage
Street
EdgwareRoad CAZ 600 Withinexistingboundaries
(south) Frontage
Queensway/ Major 6,000sqm Occupationoffloorspace Noobvious
Westbourne withinexistingboundaries opportunitiestoextend
Grove thedesignation
ChurchStreet/ District 2,000sqm Additionofsupermarket Site22inAppendix1
EdgwareRoad
HarrowRoad District 800sqm Occupationofvacantunitsand Site21inAppendix1
possiblyPrinceofWales
Junction/MaidaHill
redevelopments
PraedStreet District 3,000sqm Occupationofunitswithinthe
PaddingtonOpportunityArea
StJohnsWood District 1,000sqm Noindicationofdemandthat Nosignificant
cannotbemetwithinthe opportunitiesfor
existingboundaries expansionontheedges
F IGURE 11 S HOPPING C ENTRE G ROWTH P ROJECTIONAND C APACITY
2.39 WestminsterwillcontinuetoplayadefinitiveroleinLondonstourism,arts,
educational,serviceandentertainmentsectors.PerceptionsofWestminster(andoftenby
extension,ofLondon)willbeenhancedbyacontinuedfocusontheenhancementof
heritageassetsandviews,improvedpublicrealm,openspacesandthepedestrian
environment,andtheprovisionofahighqualityandsafevisitorexperience.
HOUSING
2.40 Westminsteroffersawiderangeofresidentialenvironmentsfromquietsuburban
streetstothehurleyburleyofaglobal24hourcity.Asageneralprinciple,housingis
acceptableinallpartsofWestminsteralthoughitwillnotalwaysbeappropriateonallsites
intheCentralActivitiesZone.Asaminimum,anaverageof1,068newhomeswillbe
deliveredannuallywithinWestminster.Opportunitiesforresidentialdevelopmentwillbe
optimisedexceptinthosepartsofCAZwherethepriorityisforcommercialdevelopment
andwheretheintroductionorincreaseofresidentialfloorspacewouldbedetrimentalto
thestrategicfunctionsoftheCAZasaninternationallyimportantbusinessagglomeration.
Page24
2.41 Thesenewhomeswillbedesignedandconstructedtoensureahighquality
residentialenvironment,withparticularattentiongiventothechallengesofpoorerair
quality,noisepollutionandneighbouringnonresidentialusesinabuiltupresidential
environment.Housingwillalsobedesignedandpositionedwithinsitestominimiseflood
risk.
2.42 Thequalityoftheresidentialenvironment,relationshipbetweenresidentialand
commercialactivityandlocalcharacteristicsofWestminstersneighbourhoodswillcontinue
tobeadefiningconsiderationfordevelopmentproposals.Thisisexpressedinthearea
basedpoliciesthroughoutthisplan.
2.43 Itisnotpossibletomeettheneedforaffordablehousingwithintheboroughasit
exceedsthetotalhousingprovisionfortheplanperiodviii.However,thecouncilwillseekto
maximisethedeliveryofaffordablehousingandexceed30%ofnewhousingbeing
affordableovertheplanperiod.ThiswillincludethecouncilsHousingRenewalprogramme
onitsownestates,aswellasaffordablehousingdeliveredbytheprivatesector.Itwillalso
ensurethatnewaffordablehousingimprovesthemixandbalanceofcommunitiesby
increasingintermediatehousinginareasofdeprivation.
INFRASTRUCTURE
2.44 Westminsterssuccessasaworldcity
anditstriplerolesasaplacetolive,commercial
centreandtouristattractionplacesheavy
demandsontheinfrastructurerequired.
Residentsandbusinessesalikeneedgood
utilitiesprovision,transportnetworks,open
spacesandsocialandcommunityfacilities.The
influxofworkersandvisitorsalsoplaceconsiderabledemandsonpublicspaces,andrelyon
thetransportinfrastructuretotakeadvantageofthe24hournatureofthetourismoffer.
2.45 Plannedgrowthandchangewillincreasepressureonexistinginfrastructureandwill
generateneedforimprovementsandinsomecases,newinfrastructure.Thisislikelytobe
morepronouncedintheCentralActivitiesZonebutwillalsoaffecttherestofthecity.These
infrastructureneedswillbemetthroughrationalisationofexistingsitesorintroducing
relativelysmallnewfacilitieswithindevelopmentsites,withtheexceptionofmajor
transportinfrastructure,whichhasbeenprovidedforwithinWestminstersCityPlan.
Page25
2.46 Increasesinthecapacityoftransportinfrastructurewillhaveasignificantimpacton
thecityofthenext1520years.ThisincludesthedeliveryofCrossrailby2018/9whichwill
havestationsatPaddington,BondStreetandTottenhamCourtRoad.Therewillalsobean
increaseinpassengercapacityontheovergroundtrainsintoVictoria,Paddingtonand
Marylebonestations,togetherwithcapacityincreasesoneightLondonUndergroundlines.
Inaddition,UndergroundstationcongestionreliefschemesnowunderwayatVictoria,
Paddington,TottenhamCourtRoadandBondStreetUndergroundstationstosupportthe
capacityincreasestothosestations.Thesewillincreasethedevelopmentpotentialofthe
threeOpportunityAreas:Paddington,VictoriaandTottenhamCourtRoad.Collectivelythey
shouldcaterfortheincreaseindemandthatwillresultfromprojectedemploymentand
housinggrowth,althoughworkstosomestationsotherthanthosesetoutabovemayalso
facilitatecapacityincreases.Crossrail2maybealongertermproject.
2.47 Measureswillalsofacilitatetheinfrastructurenecessarytoincreasewalkingand
cyclingoverthelifetimeoftheplan.
2.48 Improvementstothepublicrealmwillalsoplayamajorroleinthefuturetoenable
Westminstertosupportthepressureitexperiences.Significantareasofworkidentified
includeOxfordStreetandotherWestEndpublicrealmprojects,workaroundVictoriaand
Crossrailstations,workonkeysitesalongtheRiverThames,andworksintheNorth
WestminsterEconomicDevelopmentAreaincludingtowncentreimprovementsand
improvingconnectivitywiththesurroundingarea.Theseprojectsaredeliveredbyarangeof
stakeholders,usuallyinvolvingpartnershiparrangements.Keydeliverypartnersare
TransportforLondon,NetworkRail,BusinessImprovementDistricts,developersandland
ownersandneighbouringboroughs.
2.49 ThereisnoopportunitywithinWestminsterforlargescaleprovisionofnewparks
andthereforeprovisionofopenandcivicspaceswithinindividualdevelopmentswillbe
maximisedtohelpcontributetothenecessaryinfrastructure.Inaddition,improvementsto
thequalityofspaceswillbesoughttomitigatetheincreasedpressureonthesespaces.
2.50 Similarly,thereisalackof
suitablesitesavailablefordealing
withwastewithinthecity
boundaryanddeliveringagainst
thewasteapportionmentinthe
LondonPlan.Westminsters
approachwillfocusonprotection
ofmicrositesandsecuringon
siteopportunities,ratherthana
F IGURE 12 C ROSSRAILLINE 1 ROUTETHROUGH L ONDON largescalewastesite,although
Page26
opportunitiestoidentifyasuitablesitemayariseduringthelifetimeoftheplan.
2.51 Theneedforadditionalsocialandcommunityfacilitieshasbeenidentifiedand
providedforinWestminstersCityPlan.Inmanycases,throughoutthecity,thiswillbe
providedbyrefurbishment,rationalisationand/orredevelopmentofexistingsitessuchas
indoorsportsfacilities,libraries,schoolsandhospitals.Thismayalsoneedtoreflect
changingmodelsofdeliveringpublicservices,andbringinganumberoflocalservice
providerstogetherinonelocatione.g.NHS,housingservices,and/orvoluntarysectorall
operatingoutofasinglelocalservicefacility.
2.52 Emergencyserviceshavebeenengagedwiththeplandevelopmentprocessandthis
willenablethemtocontinuetoplanforandmeetfutureneeds.
2.53 Utilitycompanieshavealsoengagedwiththecouncil,includingdiscussionstoenable
themtocontinuetodeliverservicesinthelightofprojectedgrowthanddevelopment.This
willenablethemtoproperlyprogrammeinfrastructuredeliverywithinthetimescalesof
theirinvestmentprogrammes.Energyinfrastructurewillneedtobesupplementedbylocal
energygenerationsolutions,deliveringasourceofrenewableandlowcarbonenergy,
includingonsiteandareabasedgenerationcapacitydeliveredthroughthedevelopment
process.Similarly,waterinfrastructureshouldbesupplementedbylocalonsitesolutions.
DeliveryofimprovedcommunicationsisalsonecessarytoenableWestminster,andLondon
asawholetocompeteinternationally.
2.54 SpecificinfrastructureprojectshavebeenidentifiedthroughoutWestminstersCity
Plan,bothinrelationtospecificareas,andinPartVInfrastructureandDevelopment
Impacts.Theseareprojectsforwhichthereisahighdegreeofcertainty.Otherprojectswill
comeforwardoverthelifetimeoftheplan,andthesewillbeidentifiedandmonitored
throughtheCommunityInfrastructureLevyprovisions.
URBANCHARACTERISTICS
2.55 DevelopmentwithinWestminsteroverthelifetimeofWestminstersCityPlanwill
enhancetheexistinguniqueandextensiveheritageassetsandlandscapecharacteristics
acrossthecity.Thehistoricfabricandvaluedlandscapesshouldbethestartingpointfor
considerationofanydevelopment.Developmentshouldenhancethosecharacteristicsthat
contributetoWestminsterslocaldistinctivenesswhilstrenewingandimprovingthe
buildingstock,particularlytheenvironmentalperformanceofbuildingsinorderto
contributetoclimatechangemitigation.
2.56 Inallcases,Westminsterintendstocontinuetoraisethebarintermsofurban
designandarchitecturalquality.Thiswillnotonlyaddtoandenhanceexistingheritage
assets,butwillalsosupportcommunitiesandfostercivicprideinallpartsofthecity,
Page27
includinginareassufferingdeprivation.Italsoensuresthatbuildingsarefittomeetthe
challengesofthefuture,includingclimatechange.Thisplan,togetherwithfurtherdetailed
policieswillprovideaproactivestrategytodeliverlowcarbonandrenewableenergiesfor
thecityanditsbuiltenvironment.
2.57 Developmentandthemanagementofthepublicrealmwillcontinuetohaveafocus
onmeetingtheuniquechallengesofWestminster:includingthenationalandinternational
functions;theinfluxofpeopletodifferentareasandatdifferenttimesoftheday;pressure
oninfrastructureandspacesfromnonresidentialneeds;andsafetyandsecurity
considerations.Appropriateresponsestothesechallengeswillbeparticularlyimportantin
thedesignofnewdevelopments.
TACKLINGINEQUALITIES
2.58 Overthelifetimeoftheplan,thecouncilanditspartnerswillcontinuetotackle
deprivationacrossthecity,ensuringresidentscanplayanactiveroleinthelocaleconomy
throughenterprise,accesstoemploymentopportunities,andremovingbarriersto
employmentsuchasskillsandtraining.TheNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopment
Areawillapplyaspecificpolicyapproachtosecureinvestmentandeconomicdevelopment
inkeepingwiththeEconomicDevelopmentStrategy,andcontinuingtomaximiseonthe
regenerationandemploymentopportunitieswithinthePaddingtonOpportunityAreaand
otherpartsoftheCentralActivitiesZone.Thepolicyapproachwillalsodelivermixedand
sustainablecommunitiesacrossthearea,withafocusonthequalityofhousing,thelocal
environment,connectivityandaccessibilityandlocalserviceprovision.
2.59 Theprovisionofsocialandcommunityfacilitieshasalsobeenidentifiedforother
deprivedareaswithintheWestEndandinthesouthoftheborough.Withinthesouthof
theborough,regenerationofVictoriaOpportunityAreawillalsodeliveremploymentand
trainingopportunitiestolocalresidentsindeprivedareas.Thecouncilanditspartnerswill
continuetodeliverarangeoftailormadeprogrammestoreduceinequalitiesandtackle
deprivation,includingthroughitsHousingRenewalProgrammeonitsownestatesor
throughthosepromotedbythecouncilthroughitspartners.
i
LocalandRegionalCO2EmissionsEstimatesfor20052009bylocalauthority,2011
ii
GLAEmploymentProjections2013
iii
LondonPlan2015.
iv
ConsumerExpenditureandComparisonGoodsRetailFloorspaceNeedinLondon,2009.
v
vi
LondonTownCentreAssessment,2004.
vii
viii
Page28
WESTMINSTERSKEYDIAGRAM
Page29
PartIII:LocalSpatialPolicies
PART III: LOCAL

SPATIAL POLICIES
THECENTRALACTIVITIESZONE

F IGURE 13 T HE C ENTRAL A CTIVITIES Z ONE
3.1 AsWestminsterhasevolved,ithasbecomeoneofthemostmixedandexciting
placesintheworld.ThisactivityiscentredaroundtheWestEnd,andincludesthearea
whichsincethe1970shasbeentermedtheCentralActivitiesZone(CAZ).Here,together
withthefunctionsofstateandtheMonarchy,areover40,000businesses,moreoffice
floorspacethantheCityofLondonandCanaryWharfcombined,thenationslargest
entertainmentcentre,LondonstheatredistrictandtheWestEndcinemas,oneofthemost
importanthubsofcreativeindustriesintheworld,andinternationallyimportantshopping
offerincludingtheWestEndandpartofKnightsbridge.Thisareacontainsabout17%of
LondonshotelbedspacesandsomeofLondonsmostrecognisedtouristattractionsand
mosticonicpublicspacessuchasPiccadillyCircus,Leicester,TrafalgarandParliament
Page30
squares,theRoyalParksandSpeakersCorner.Allthistakesplaceinanareathatover
21,500peoplecallhomei.ThismixcreatestheuniquecharacterofWestminstersCAZthat
makesitsodifferentfromanyotherpartofLondonanduniqueintheworld.
3.2 ThetermCentralActivitiesZone(CAZ)wasadoptedbytheLondonPlanin2004and
isnowusedtodefineanareaextendingacross10Londonboroughs,andawiderareaof
WestminsterincludingMaryleboneandFitzrovia,Knightsbridge,theRoyalParksandparts
ofPimlico.
3.3 ThecentralpartofWestminstersCAZischaracterisedbyanintenselevelandrange
ofactivities.ThecouncilhasdesignatedthispartoftheCAZastheCoreCentralActivities
Zone(CoreCAZ).TheintensityofuseandrangeofactivitiesintheCoreCAZisnotalways
appropriateintheotherpartsoftheCAZ,whichhavetheirownuniquecharacterandrole
withinthecity.Approximately120,000peopleliveacrossthewiderCAZareaandthereare
manyareasthatarepredominantlyresidential.
A Cinemas,concerthalls,theatres
BClubs(excludingsportsand
privatemembersclubs,casinosand
liveentertainment)
CEmbassiesandconsulates
DArmedforces
EMuseums,artgalleries,
broadcastingnonactive
entertainment
FCourts,emergencyservices,
palaces
GPlacesofworship
HPlacesofactivepublic
entertainment,sportscentresand
gyms

F IGURE 14 P UBLIC B UILDINGS ( SQM ) ACROSSTHE C ENTRAL A CTIVITIES Z ONE 2003
3.4 Basedontheirexistingcharacterandfunction,scaleandintensityoflanduses,and
typeandmixoflanduse,locallydistinctiveareaswithintheCAZhavebeenidentifiedand
aresubjecttotheirownpolicyframework.Theseareasareasfollows:
PaddingtonOpportunityArea
VictoriaOpportunityArea
TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea
CoreCentralActivitiesZone(includingtheWestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea)
MaryleboneandFitzrovia
Knightsbridge
Pimlico
RoyalParks
Page31
MIXEDUSESINTHECENTRALACTIVITIESZONE
3.5 ThereisaninsatiabledemandforeverytypeoffloorspacewithintheCAZfromits
internationallyimportantagglomerationsofcommercialactivitiesandfunctionstoits
residentialcommunities.
3.6 ManagingWestminstersCAZisallaboutbalance.ThemixedcharacteroftheCAZis
centraltoitseconomicdiversityandvibrancyandisalsocrucialinattractingvisitorsand
businesses.ItalsomakesasignificantcontributiontotheuniquecharacterofWestminster.
Itisacknowledgedthatinseekingmixeduse,potentialconflictsmaybecreatedwhichneed
tobemanaged.However,thebenefitsofgenuinemixeduseoutweighthedifficultiesof
securingmixedusedevelopmentortheadditionalmanagementneedsthatmaybe
generatedbysuchacomplexenvironment.
POLICYS1MIXEDUSEINTHECENTRALACTIVITIESZONE
1. ThecouncilwillencouragedevelopmentwhichpromotesWestminstersWorld
Cityfunctions,managesitsheritageandenvironmentandsupportsitsliving,working
andvisitingpopulations.
2. WithintheCAZ,amixofusesconsistentwithsupportingitsvitality,function
andcharacterwillbepromoted.
3. FordevelopmentwithinCoreCAZ,theNamedStreets,andOpportunityAreas,which
includesnetadditionalB1officefloorspace:
A) Wherethenetadditionalfloorspace(ofalluses)is;
i. lessthan30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace,or
ii. lessthan400sqm;(whicheveristhegreater),
orwherethenetadditionalB1officefloorspaceislessthan30%oftheexisting
buildingfloorspace(ofalluses),noresidentialfloorspacewillberequired.
B) WhereA)doesnotapplyandthenetadditionalfloorspace(ofalluses)is:
i. between30%and50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace,and
ii. morethan400sqm,
residentialfloorspaceoranequivalentpaymentinlieuwillbeprovided,
equivalenttothenetadditionalB1officefloorspaceless30%oftheexisting
buildingfloorspace.
Page32
Theresidentialfloorspacecanbeprovided:
i. onsite,
ii. offsite,
iii. bymixedusecredits(PolicyCM47.2),or
iv. asapaymentinlieuoftheresidentialfloorspace.
Itisattheapplicantsdiscretionwhichofitoiv.abovetheywishtoapply.
C) WhereA)doesnotapplyandthenetadditionalfloorspace(ofalluses)is:
i. morethan50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace,and
ii. morethan400sqm,
residentialfloorspaceoranequivalentpaymentinlieuwillbeprovided,
equivalenttothenetadditionalB1officefloorspaceless30%oftheexisting
buildingfloorspace.Theresidentialfloorspacewillbeprovidedinaccordance
withthefollowingcascade.Applicantsarerequiredtodemonstratetothe
councilssatisfactionthatitisnotappropriateorpracticabletoprovidethe
floorspace(inwholeorinpart)ateachstepofthepolicycascadebeforethey
canmovetothenext.
i. Theresidentialfloorspacewillbeprovidedonsiteorintheimmediate
vicinityofthesite.
ii. Theresidentialfloorspacewillbeprovidedoffsite,includingbymixed
usecredits(PolicyCM47.2),onasiteinthevicinityofthedevelopment
site,orinthecaseofVictoriaandPaddingtonOpportunityAreas,within
thatOpportunityArea.
iii. Theresidentialfloorspacewillbeprovidedoffsite,includingbymixed
usecredits(PolicyCM47.2)elsewherewithintheCentralActivitiesZone.
ThispartofthecascadedoesnotapplytoVictoriaandPaddington
OpportunityAreas.Thehousingprovidedmustbeofahigherquality
thanwouldbepossibleunderi.orii.above.
iv. PaymentofanappropriatepaymentinlieutotheAffordableHousing
FundequivalenttothenetadditionalB1officefloorspaceless30%ofthe
existingbuildingfloorspace.
Indemonstratingthataparticularstepisnotpracticable,sitespecific
considerationswillneedtobetakenintoaccount.Indemonstratinga
Page33
particularstepisnotappropriate,considerationsmayincludewherea
significantlybetteroutcomecanbeachieved,inkeepingwiththecouncils
mixeduseobjectives,bynotprovidingtheresidentialfloorspaceonsite.
4. FordevelopmentwithinCoreCAZ,theNamedStreets,andOpportunityAreas,which
includes:
i. changesofusefromofficetoresidential;and/or
ii. replacementofofficefloorspacewithresidentialfloorspace
whichareacceptableinprincipleunderPolicyS20:
A) WherethenetadditionalC3residentialfloorspaceis;
i. lessthan400sqm,or
ii. inthecaseofchangesofusefromB1officetoC3residential,thebuildingwas
originallybuiltasresidentialandthebuildingissubstantiallyretained,
nocommercialfloorspaceand/orsocialandcommunityfloorspacewillberequired.
B) WhereA)doesnotapplyandthenetadditionalfloorspaceisincreasedby
between0%and50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace,thenetadditionalC3
residentialfloorspacewillbeaccompaniedbyanappropriateamountof
commercialfloorspaceand/orsocialandcommunityfloorspace.
C) WhereA)doesnotapplyandthenetadditionalfloorspaceisincreasedby
morethan50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace,thenetadditionalC3
residentialfloorspacewillbeaccompaniedbyanequivalentamountof
commercialfloorspaceand/orsocialandcommunityfloorspace.
ForB)andC)above,thecommercialand/orsocialandcommunityfloorspacecanbe
providedonsite,offsite,bymixedusecredits(PolicyCM47.2)orbyanappropriate
paymentinlieutotheCityCouncilsCivicEnterpriseFund.Theseoptionswillnot
applywhereanactivefrontageisrequiredatgroundfloorlevel,whichmustbe
providedonsite.
PolicyApplication
Therequirementsetoutin1B)and1C)aboveforresidentialfloorspacefromoffice
developmentallowsupto30%additionalfloorspacebeforethepolicyapplies.Thisis
calculatedasfollows:
Page34
Netadditionalfloorspace(sqmGIA) x100
Existingbuildingfloorspace(sqmGIA)
Wherethesiteiswhollymadeupofofficefloorspace,therequirementforresidentialsimply
appliestothenetgaininofficefloorspaceabove30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.
However,sitedevelopmentwithamixofuses(existingorproposed)canbemore
complicated,withsomeofthegaininofficefloorspaceachievedthroughnetadditional
floorspaceandsomethroughchangesofuseofothertypesoffloorspace.
Inthefollowingexamples,noresidentialfloorspaceisrequired.In(A)below,thenet
additionalfloorspaceislessthan30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.In(B),thenet
additionalB1officefloorspaceislessthan30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.
netB1

A B
Inthefollowingexamples,residentialfloorspaceisrequiredbecauseboththenetadditional
A B
floorspaceandthenetadditionalB1officefloorspacearemorethan30%oftheexisting
buildingfloorspace.Thepolicyrequirementisshownastherequiredequivalentresidential
floorspaceinthediagrams.In(C),theresidentialfloorspacerequiredisequivalenttothenet
additionalB1officefloorspaceminus30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.Becausethe
netadditionalfloorspaceismorethan50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspacethecascade
applies.In(D),theresidentialfloorspacerequiredisequivalenttothenetadditionalB1
officefloorspace,minus30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.Itwouldbeatthe
Page35
applicantsdiscretionhowtheyprovidethisfloorspaceasthenetadditionalfloorspaceis
lessthan50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.

Inthefollowingexamples,someoftheB1officefloorspaceisfromachangeofuserather
thannetadditionalfloorspace.Thepolicyrequirementisshownastherequiredequivalent
residentialfloorspaceinthediagrams.In(E),theresidentialfloorspacerequiredis
equivalenttothenetadditionalB1officeminus30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.As
thenetadditionalfloorspaceismorethan50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace,the
cascadewillapply.In(F),theresidentialfloorspacerequiredisequivalenttothenet
additionalB1officeminus30%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace.Asthenetadditional
floorspaceislessthan50%oftheexistingbuildingfloorspace,itisattheapplicants
discretionhowtheyprovidethisfloorspace.
Page36
Indeterminingtheamountandproportionofresidentialfloorspacethatisappropriateina
specificproposalasavariationoftheserequirements,theCityCouncilwilltakeintoaccount
theNPPF,LondonPlanpolicyandotherpolicyobjectivesofthisplan.
WheretheexamplesEandFaboveincludethechangeofuseofcommercialfloorspaceto
B1offices,andwherethisisacceptableinprincipletakingintoaccounttheotherpoliciesin
thisplan,itwillbeimportanttoensurethatsmallincreasesinfloorspacearenotpenalised
bydisproportionatepolicyrequirementsarisingfromthechangeofuse.Wherearelatively
smallamountofadditionalfloorspacewouldresultinasignificantresidentialrequirement
underPolicyS1whichisnotcommensuratewiththeadditionalfloorspacegained,orwhich
wouldleadtositecapacitynotbeingoptimised,flexibilitywillbeappliedontheamountof
residentialfloorspacesought.Thisflexibilitywillensurethatofficefloorspaceisnot
disincentivisedandremainsthepriorityintheselocations,includinginrelationtoresidential
floorspace.Thepriorityofthepolicyrequirementwillbetosecuretheresidential
requirementgeneratedbythenetadditionalfloorspace(fromalluses)above30%ofthe
existingbuildingfloorspace,ratherthanthepolicyrequirementgeneratedbythelossof
floorspaceinotheruses(throughchangesofuseorredevelopment).
ThecalculationofrequirementsagainstthispolicyisbasedonGrossInternalArea.
Whereextensionsthatfallbelowthethresholdhavebeenapproved,areunderconstruction
orcompletedintheprevious5years,thesewillnotbetakenintoaccountinthecalculation
Page37
oftheexistingbuildingfloorspaceexceptwheretheapplicantcandemonstratethatthere
aregoodreasonsfortheincrementalextensions.
HousingshouldbeprovidedwithintheCAZ.Howevertheremaybeinstanceswhereamuch
higherqualityofhousingcanbeprovidedoutsidetheCAZ,andthiscanhelpmitigatethe
disbenefitsoffailingtoprovideitmorelocally.Examplesmightincludeprovidingbetter
accesstooutdoorandgreenspace,reducednoise,betterairqualityorotherlocal
environmentalbenefits,ormoregeneroussiteorunitlayouts.
ThepolicycascadeinPart(C)willbeappliedflexibly,recognisinginparticularthatonsiteor
offsiteprovisionofrelativelysmallamountsofresidentialfloorspacemaynotbe
appropriateorpracticableinthecontextofalargerredevelopmentscheme.
InD)above,whereanappropriateamountofcommercialfloorspaceisrequired,thisisa
matterforagreementwiththeCouncilandwilldependontheindividualsitecircumstances.
Considerationsmayincludewhetheragroundflooractivefrontageisrequiredordesirable,
thetypologyofthebuildingitself,thesurroundingtownscape,andthetypesofcommercial
usesthatcouldbeaccommodatedwithinanybasementareawithoutcompromisingany
necessaryspaceneededforancillaryplant,storageorparkingfortheresidentialfloorspace.
ReasonedJustification
Thecouncilwishestoaccommodatethevariouseconomicfunctionsthatcontributeto
Londonsworldclasscitystatusandatthesametime,buildsustainableresidential
communities.Theprimaryaimofthispolicyistomaintainandenhancethepreeminent
roleofWestminstersCAZintermsofaninternationallyimportantbusinessagglomeration.
WestminstersCAZwillcontinuetoaccommodateabroadmixofuses,butthebalance
betweenresidentialandcommercialusesmustbecarefullymanagedtoensurethatthe
corestrategiccommercialfunctioncancontinuetothrive.Theresidentialcommunities
withinCAZ,alongsidethecommercialuses,willcontinuetomakeitaliving,humancity
centre,whichissoattractivetobusinessesandvisitorsalike,contributingtothebalance,
varietyandvibrancy.
Mixedusemeansoffices,shopping,entertainment,cultural,socialandcommunityand
residentialusessharingbuildings,streetsandlocalities.Theuniqueandvariedmixeduse
characteracrossCAZisfundamentalinensuringthevitality,attractionandcontinued
economicsuccessofCentralLondon.Themixsoughtmustreflecttheneeds,character,
functionandprioritiesofthesevariedareas.
Amixofuseswillbesecuredwheredevelopmentsitesachieveasizeableupliftin
floorspace.Whereonsiteprovisionofresidentialorcommercialfloorspaceisnot
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consideredappropriateorpracticable,acascadeofotheroptions,includingtheuseofland
useswapsorresidentialcreditswillbeapplied.
PoliciesrelatingtotheOpportunityAreas(PoliciesS3,S4andS5),CoreCAZ(PolicyS6),West
EndSpecialRetailPolicyArea(PolicyS7)andS20OfficesandOtherB1Floorspaceinclude
specificexceptionstotheapplicationofthispolicy.
SPECIALPOLICYAREAS

F IGURE 15 S PECIAL P OLICY A REAS
3.7 ThecouncilhaslongprotectedandencouragedspecialistusesindefinedSpecial
PolicyAreas(SPAs).Theseareasarerecognisedfortheirspeciallocaldistinctiveness,
particularlyrelatingtotheirlanduses.DefiningSPAscanhelpensurethatuniqueclustersof
activityarenotlosttootheruses.Protectionofsuchuniqueusessupportspecificindustries
longtermsuccessandinmanycasesenhanceLondonsglobalreputation.
3.8 FutureSpecialPolicyAreasmaybedesignatedinordertoaddressspecific,localland
useissues.Thesewillbeusedinordertoensuresufficientflexibilitywithintheplanto
addressspecificdevelopmentpressures,economiccircumstancesandmarketconditions.
Page39
POLICYS2SPECIALPOLICYAREAS
SpecialPolicyAreasaredesignatedtoprotectandpromotespecialistusesandfunctions
asfollows:
HarleyStreet: Medicalfacilities
PortlandPlace: Institutionaluses
SavileRow: Tailoring
StJamess: Privatemembersclubs,artgalleries,nicheretail
Mayfair: Artgalleries,antiquestradersandnicheretail
Itisnecessarytoprovidespecificprotectionfortheuniqueclustersofspecialistuseswhich
arecentraltoLondonscharacterandensuretheseclustersarenoterodedbypressurefrom
otheruses.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S6CoreCentral
ActivitiesZone;S8MaryleboneandFitzrovia.
POLICYCM2.1:HARLEYSTREETSPECIALPOLICYAREA
1. AlldevelopmentintheHarleyStreetSpecialPolicyAreawillsupportandenhanceits
roleasaninternationalcentreofmedicalexcellence,complementedprimarilyby
residentialuse.
2. Newmedicalandcomplementaryfacilitieswillbeencouraged.
3. Existingmedicalfacilities,includingconsultationroomsandrelatedprofessionaland
supportservices,willbeprotectedandtheirlossofwillonlybeallowedinexceptional
circumstanceswhere:
a) thecouncilissatisfiedthatthepremiseshavebeenvacantandactivelymarketed
formedicaluseforatleast12monthsatareasonablemarketvalueandattempts
tofindanoccupierhavebeenunsuccessful;
b) thecharacterandfunctionoftheareaasacentreofmedicalexcellence
wouldnotbeaffected;
c)thechangeofuseistootherpriorityusesfortheSpecialPolicyAreaincluding
medicalandsupportingservices,orresidential.
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4. ThecouncilwillconsiderlanduseswapswithintheSpecialPolicyAreawhereitcanbe
demonstratedthat:
a) therewillbenonetlossofmedicalandassociatedfloorspace;and
b) theaccommodationofferedprovideshigherqualitymedicalspace.
5. Thecouncilwillsupporttheprovisionofaccommodationforpatientsusingmedical
facilitiesintheHarleyStreetSpecialPolicyAreaand/ortheirfamilies,bothwithinthe
SPAandthesurroundingarea.
MedicalusesintheHarleyStreetSpecialPolicyArea(SPA)addtotheeconomicdiversityof
thearea,providingover3,000jobsinthemedicalsector.Medicalconsultingroomsplaya
keyrole,andsupportingusessuchasdiagnosticfacilitiesarealsoimportant.Ensuringthe
ongoingavailabilityofappropriateaccommodationsupportsthecontinuedimportanceof
theareaasacentreformedical
excellencewithinLondon,andthe
UK.Medicalfacilities,particularly
thoseofregional,nationaland
internationalimportance,inand
aroundtheHarleyStreetSPAcan
benefitfrombeingclosetoother
relatedservices,includingthe
medicalresearchclusteratMed
CitycentredaroundEuston.
ManypeopleusingthemedicalfacilitiesinHarleyStreetarenotlocaltotheareaandmust
traveltoreceivetreatment.Thistreatmentcanbecarriedoutoverlongperiodsoftime,and
thefamiliesofpatientsoftenaccompanythemduringthistime.Provisionof
accommodationtoprovideforlongerstaysforpatientsand/ortheirfamilieswillhelpto
supporttheareasnationalandinternationalroleinprovidingmedicalservices.Itwillalso
reducetheneedtooccupypermanentaccommodationinthelocalitythroughunregulated
shorttermlets.Thisaccommodationformedicalfacilitiesmayresultinthelossof
residentialorcommercialfloorspace.However,thisisconsideredappropriategiventhe
nationalandinternationalimportanceofthisclusterofmedicalexcellence,itsroleasa
specialistusewithintheCentralActivitiesZone,andbecausethelosswillbelimitedtojust
theaccommodationneededancillarytothemedicalfacilities.Theaccommodationmust
thereforeberestrictedtouseoftheHarleyStreetmedicalfacilities.
Theareaalsohasalongstandingresidentialcommunity,whichtogetherwithmedicaluses
contributetothecharacteroftheSPA.
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POLICYCM2.2:PORTLANDPLACESPECIALPOLICYAREA
1. DevelopmentinthePortlandPlaceSpecialPolicyAreawillsupportitscontinuingrole
ashometoprestigiousinstitutionaluseswhichareparticularlysuitedtothelargescale
historicbuildingscharacteristicofthearea.
2. Newinstitutionaluseswillbeencouraged.
3. Existinginstitutionaluseswillbeprotectedexceptwherethecouncilissatisfiedthat
thepremiseshavebeenvacantandactivelymarketedforinstitutionaluseforatleast
12monthsatareasonablemarketprice/rentandattemptstofindaninstitutional
occupierhavebeenunsuccessful.
4. Applicationsforextensionstoexistinglawfulinstitutionalusestoimprovethe
functioningoftheestablishmentwillgenerallybeallowedintheSpecialPolicyArea.
Thislongestablishedconcentrationofinstitutionalusesincludesheadquartersof
professional,charitable,culturalandlearnedinstitutions,associationsandtrade
federations,manyofwhichhaveRoyalstatusand/orcharitablestatus.Suchlearned
professionalandculturalinstitutesarerenownedthroughouttheUKandbeyond.Theyadd
cachetothelocalarea,bringeducationalbenefitsandaddtoeconomicdiversity.Assuch,
theymakeavaluablecontributiontoWestminstersroleinLondonasaworldclass
sustainablecity.Mostinstitutionalusesarelocatedinlistedbuildingsandarewellsuitedto
thesebuildings,withtheprestigeoftheusecommensuratewiththegrandeurofthelisted
buildingsinthearea.AlthoughthemainclusterofInstitutionalusesiswithinthePortland
PlaceSpecialPolicyArea,theseusescanalsobefoundinotherpartsofWestminster.
POLICYCM2.3:SAVILEROWSPECIALPOLICYAREA
1. DevelopmentintheSavileRowSpecialPolicyAreawillcomplementandenhance
itsroleasaninternationalcentreofexcellenceforbespoketailoring.
2. Existingbespoketailoringuseswillbeprotected.
3. Newbespoketailoringwillbeallowed,particularlyatbasementandgroundfloor
levels,andwillbesecuredbylegalagreements.
4. NewA1retailwillonlybepermittedatground,lowergroundfloorandfirstfloor
levels,subjecttothefollowingcriteria,tobesecuredbylegalagreementwhere
appropriate:
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a) nobespoketailoringusesbeinglost;
b) eachretailunitbeingnolargerthan300sqmgross;
c) theretailuseshouldsellbespoke,unique,limitededitionoroneofakind
products;and
d) theretailfunctionshouldbecomplementarytothecharacterandfunction
oftheSpecialPolicyArea.
5. LanduseswapswillonlybeacceptablewithintheSpecialPolicyAreawherethe
othercriteriawithinthispolicyaremet,andwhere:
a) thereisnonetlossofbespoketailoringfloorspace,outsideofnecessary
minoralterationstofacilitatethelanduseswap;and
b) theaccommodationofferedprovideshigherqualityorlargerbespoke
tailoringspace.
6. NewresidentialuseisnotgenerallyappropriatewithintheSpecialPolicyAreaand
shouldbesubordinatetotheprovisionofmorecomplimentarycommercialuses,
includingoffices.Therequirementforresidentialfromofficefloorspaceassetout
inPolicyS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZonesections(B)and(C)doesnot
applyintheSpecialPolicyArea.
TheSavileRowSpecialPolicyArea(SPA)ishome
to a historic concentration of bespoke tailoring,
withthestreetnameinitselfactingasawidely
recognised international brand, synonymous
with the unique and high quality bespoke and
discreet,personalserviceitoffers.
Thecorebespoketailoringareaislocatedonthe
eastern side of Savile Row, containing many of
Londons principal and oldest bespoke tailoring
houses.Someofthesebuildingsareformerresidentialproperties,withlargebasementsand
light wells, creating bright spaces for tailors to work, with workshops often visible from
street level, in addition to retail elements which are mostly located at ground floor level.
ThismixofusesmeansthatmanyofthebespoketailorsareclassifiedasSuiGenerisuses.
Thelocationclosetothestreetalsoprovidesgoodaccessforvehiclestransportingmaterials
or finished garments, and encourages passing trade, while adding identity and interest to
thestreetscapethroughvisibleworkshopsanddistinctivewindowdisplays.
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The west side of Savile Row contains uses which are complimentary to bespoke tailoring.
Here, several of the occupiers are also tailors offering bespoke services, however not all
have workshops on site, and therefore fall within the A1 use class. The northern end of
SavileRowcontainsamixofuseswhichfitintothecharacterandappearanceofthearea,
includingartgalleriesandfurthercomplimentaryretailuses.Theupperfloorsofbuildings
tendtobeinuseasoffices,withfewresidentialproperties.
ThepavementsonSavileRowarenarrowandthereforenotsuitedtohighvolumesofretail
footfallinthesamewayasneighbouringOxfordandRegentStreet.Therefore,thehistoric
useandfunctionisfittingforthepublicrealmandcharacteristicsofthestreet,withvisitson
thewholebeingforaspecificpurpose,serviceorretailer,andnotamultifunctional,high
streettypeshoppingenvironment.
A retail policy and estate management strategy for Savile Row has been established
between the main landowners, The Pollen Estate and Savile Row Bespoke Association
(association representing skilled craftsmen and associated artisan businesses), to manage
uses and support the areas unique character. The strategy supports applications in the
followingcategories:Britishbespoketailoring,bespoke,individualand/orluxurygoodsand
services(consistentwithSavileRowsheritageandvalues)andothermensclothing,shoes
andgrooming.
Encouraging bespoke tailoring uses in the Savile Row SPA will continue to support this
cluster of bespoke tailoring activities and the wider bespoke tailoring industry in
WestminsterandtheUK.Directingbespoketailoringtothegroundfloorandbasementsof
buildings will also maintain an active frontage onto the street and will enhance the
character and function of the SPA, while helping to preserve the special character of
buildingsinthearea.
POLICYCM2.4:STJAMESSSPECIALPOLICYAREA
1. DevelopmentintheStJamessSpecialPolicyAreawillcomplementandenhancethe
areasuniquecharacterandstatusaccommodatingprestigiousandrenowned
buildingsandfunctions.
2. Existingprivatemembersclubsandartgallerieswillbeprotected.
3. Thecouncilwillworkwithlandownerstoprotecttheexistingnicheluxuryand
specialistA1retailfloorspaceatbasement,groundandfirstfloorlevelandencourage
newnicheluxuryandspecialistretaildevelopment,particularlythosesellinggoods
thatfallintothefollowingcategories:
Page44
a) Bespoke
b) Uniqueoroneofakind
c) Antique
d) Limitededition
4. Thecouncilmayseekthereprovisionofexistinggalleryspaceaspartofdevelopment
proposals,tobesecuredbylegalagreement.
5. Newretailusesshouldbeinkeepingwiththecharacterandfunctionofthestreetor
areainwhichtheyarelocated,andwhereappropriateshouldsellitemsoroffer
servicesfallinginthefollowingcategories:
a) Bespoke
c) Antique
d) Limitededition
6. Newartgalleriesandprivatemembersclubsaresupportedandwillbesecuredby
legalagreementwhereappropriate.
StJamessisaprestigiouslocationwithauniquestatusandcharacterwithlongstanding
internationalrecognition.Theareahasarichvisualtownscapewithgrandformalbuildings
includingpalaces,formalopenspacesandtheWestEndsfirstsquare.
StJamesscontainsahistoricconcentrationofprivatemembersclubs,manyofwhichdate
back several hundred years and nearly as far back as the founding of St Jamess itself,
contributingsignificantlytothehistoriccharacterandfunctionofStJamessasacentreof
aristocracyandprestige.ManyoftheoriginalclubsarelocatedalongStJamessStreetand
PallMall,occupyingandmaintaininglandmarklistedbuildings,whichareanintrinsicpartof
thehistoricstreetpatternandrichvisualtownscape,whichincludesprivatepalacesandthe
WestEndsfirstsquare.
This is also the case for many of the niche and bespoke retailers, many of which were
foundedaroundthesametimeasthegentlemansclubs,andareintrinsicallylinkedinterms
oftheclienteletheyserveandthe uniqueservicesonoffer,forexampleinJermynStreet
anditsassociatedarcadeslinkingittoPiccadilly.JermynStreetisrenownedforshirtmakers,
groomingproductsandaccessoriesincludinghattersandshoemakersamongstotheruses,
Page45
whicharealsofoundintheneighbouring
streetsandarcades,andalsoincludewine
merchants, tobacconists and other niche
uses.
Artgallerieshavealsobeeninexistencein
St Jamess for several hundreds of years.
Central London is a major centre of the
billion pound global art trade, with its
focus in St Jamess and Mayfair,
containing a significant concentration of
internationallyrenownedauctionhouses,retailgalleriesandassociatedartrelatedservices.
There are many retail art galleries in St Jamess, most are small independent businesses
employinganumberofspecialistandskilledworkers,whileattractingclientsfromallover
theworldfortherangeofartonsalethroughgalleriesandfares,andforthespecialistskills
andservicesonoffer.TheinternationallyrenownedChristiesauctionhouseisalsolocated
inthecentreofStJamess,surroundedbycommercialartgalleries.
ItisrecognisedthatexistinglawfulA1galleriesmaybeabletochangetootherA1uses
withoutplanningpermission.Thecouncilwill,however,useitspowerstoensurethatany
usesatriskthroughredevelopmentorothersubstantialworksrequiringplanningpermission
arereprovidedinreplacementorrefurbishedbuildingsandthattheywillbesubsequently
protectedbylegalagreement.
POLICYCM2.5:MAYFAIRSPECIALPOLICYAREA
1. DevelopmentintheMayfairSpecialPolicyAreawillsupportandenhanceits
internationalreputationasacentreforthearttrade,complementedprimarilyby
othercommercialuses.
2. Existingartgalleriesandantiquestraderuseswillbeprotected.Thecouncilwill
generallyseekthereprovisionofexistinggalleryorantiquetraderspace,orspace
historicallyusedforsuchpurposes,aspartofdevelopmentproposals,tobesecuredby
legalagreement.
3. Newartgalleriesareencouragedandwillbesecuredbylegalagreementwhere
appropriate.
4. Newretailusesshouldbeinkeepingwiththecharacterandfunctionofthestreetor
areainwhichtheyarelocated,andwhereappropriateshouldsellitemsoroffer
servicesfallinginthefollowingcategories:
Page46
a) Bespoke
c) Antique
d) Limitededition
5. Thecitycouncilwillworkwithlandownerstoprotectandpromoteclustersof
specialistretailersinMayfair.
6. NewresidentialusewithintheSpecialPolicyAreashouldbesubordinatetothe
provisionofmorecomplimentarycommercialuses,includingoffices.Therequirement
forresidentialfromofficefloorspaceassetoutinPolicyS1MixedUseintheCentral
ActivitiesZonesections(B)and(C)doesnotapplyintheSpecialPolicyArea.
TheMayfairSpecialPolicyArea,alongwithStJamessisthehistoriccentreoftheartmarket
in London and the UK, as part of a truly global specialist trade. Mayfair contains many
commercial art galleries, the internationally renowned Sothebys and Bonhams auction
housesonNewBondStreet,andtheRoyalAcademyofArtsonPiccadilly,whichisoneof
the largest and most visited public art galleries in London. Most of the retail galleries are
nowfoundinthesouthernpartofMayfair,withclustersonCorkStreetandpartsofnearby
Bruton Street, Bond Street and Albermarle Street. Large numbers were previously located
onBondStreetandotherpartsofMayfair,howevermanyhavebeenlostasinternational
fashionretailershavemovedintomanypremises.
Thecharacterandfunctionofthisareaisthereforehighlyinfluencedbythearttrade,with
galleries being a long standing feature and draw of the area, providing attractive window
displayswhilecateringmainlyforspecialisthighvalueretailvisits,andnothighstreettype
shopping.Galleriesarecomplimentedbyotherretailusesincludingrestaurants,cafesand
somespecialistretailers.Theupperfloorsofbuildingstendtobeoccupiedbyoffices,with
relativelyfewresidentialunitsparticularlyaroundCorkStreet.
The galleries in and around Cork Street are culturally significant, having provided many
artists with breakthrough exhibition space, while providing attractive open frontages and
displays, giving the area a special character and function due to their concentration and
combined reputation. The galleries tend to be small businesses, but employ significant
numbersofspecialistandhighlyskilledworkersinthearttrade.Manyhaveaninternational
importance and catchment, attracting collectors from all over the world, as part of an
internationalarttradevaluedatover41billioninsales(2015),ofwhichBritaincountsfor
Page47
21%(approximately8.8billion).Mayfairisalsothedestinationofchoiceforinternational
artgalleries,withmanydealersfromNewYorkandAmericasettingupbranchesinthearea.
Thecouncilthereforewishestoprotectandenhancethisclusterofuses,whichare
economicallyandculturallysignificant.Theareaactsasanattractionforinternational
visitorsandinvestors.Theseusesattractvisitsofaspecific,singularshoppingpurpose,
similartoneighbouringSavileRow,andunlikethemorehighstreetshoppingexperiencein
otherpartsofLondonandtheWestEnd,wherebrowsingandcomparisonshoppingismore
common.
Artgalleriesfallunderoneoftwouseclasses,dependingontheirprimarypurposeandhow
theyfunction:ClassD1NonresidentialInstitutionsgenerallyforthelargerpublic viewing
galleries,andClassA1Retailforgallerieswhoseprimaryfunctionisthedisplayofartforsale
tothegeneralpublic.ItisrecognisedthatexistinglawfulA1galleriesmaybeabletochange
tootherA1useswithoutplanningpermission.Thecouncilwill,however,useitspowersto
ensurethatanyusesatriskthroughredevelopmentorothersubstantialworksrequiring
planningpermissionarereprovidedinreplacementorrefurbishedbuildingsandthatthey
willbesubsequentlyprotectedbylegalagreement.
Page48
P ADDINGTON O PPORTUNITY A REA

F IGURE 16 P ADDINGTON O PPORTUNITY A REA
3.9 ThePaddingtonOpportunityAreaisWestminstersmost
significantopportunityforlargescaleregeneration.Thisarea,
designatedin1988andfocusedaroundPaddingtonStationandthe
canal,hasseenconsiderabledevelopmentwhichhasredefinedthearea.Since2001,the
capacityforover27,000jobshasbeenbuilt,over2billionhasbeeninvestedinthearea,35
newcompanieshavelocatedintothearea,andmorethan900homescompleted.Asa
majorbrownfieldredevelopmentarea,themixofuseshasbeensecuredsubjecttoa
planningframework,withafocusonitsemergingimportancewithinLondonasanoffice
location.
3.10 Developmentofthisareahasbeencharacterisedbypartnershipworkingtominimise
negativeimpactsandmaximiselocalbenefitswithintheOpportunityAreaandsurrounding
areassufferingdeprivation.TheOpportunityArealieswithintheCentralActivitiesZoneand
theNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea,reflectingthisdualrole.
3.11 MuchoftheadditionalcapacityinWestminstersofficefloorspacehasbeen
providedwithinPaddingtonanditremainsthemostappropriatelocationforlarge
floorplateofficespace.Asanarea,itshouldcontinuetosupportbusinesseswhilstbuildinga
Page49
thrivingmixedusesustainableneighbourhoodanddestination.Futuredevelopmentover
thecourseofWestminstersCityPlanwillthereforefocusondeliveryofhousingtore
balancethemixofusesinaccordancewiththephasedregenerationoftheareaestablished
inearlierpolicydocuments.
3.12 Linkedtothisgrowtharesignificantinfrastructureprojectsandpublicrealm
improvements.TheseincludeimprovementstotherailandUndergroundstations,thebus
networkandanewCrossrailstation.These,togetherwithotherimprovementsfor
pedestriansandcyclists,willimproveconnectionsbetweenCentralLondonandimprove
connectivitytothesouthandtheEconomicDevelopmentAreaaswellasthewiderregional
area.TheOpportunityAreawillcontinuetosupporttheImperialCollegeHealthcareTrustin
itsaimstodeliver21stCenturyhealthcarethroughSt.MarysHospital.
3.13 TheGrandUnionCanal(PaddingtonArm)andPaddingtonBasin,partoftheBlue
RibbonNetwork,arealsokeylandmarkswithinPaddington.Thereispotentialfor
developmentstoimproveaccesstoandenjoymentofthecanal,furtherdevelopingthe
basinasawatersidedestination.
3.14 Evidenceindicatesthatthereisverylimitedpotentialforthelocationoftallbuildings
withintheOpportunityAreaii.TheOpportunityAreahasscopeforthedevelopmentof
mediumheightlargefloorplatebuildingsinkeepingwiththelargerbuildingsinthe
surroundingtownscape.Permissionhasbeengrantedforonesignificantlyhighertall
buildingofexceptionalqualityonHarrowRoadbetweenNorthWharfRoadandHarbet
RoadtoactasalandmarkfortheOpportunityArea.
POLICYS3PADDINGTONOPPORTUNITYAREA
Atleast1,000newhomesanddevelopmentcapacityfor5,000newjobswillbeprovided
withinthePaddingtonOpportunityAreabetween2011and2031byprovisionofarange
andmixofusesacrosstheOpportunityAreaincluding:
Arangeofoffices,flexibleworkspacesandlightindustrialunitsincludinglarge
floorplateofficestockandaffordablebusinessfloorspacesuitableforsmallbusiness
andCreativeIndustries;
Asignificantproportionofhousing;
TheretentionandimprovementoftheStMarysHospitalfacilitiestoprovide
healthcareatalllevelsandprovision,ifrequired,ofhealthcarefacilitieselsewhere
withinthePaddingtonOpportunityArea;
Otherusestosupporttheeconomicandsocialregenerationofthearea,including
retail,socialandcommunityfacilities,entertainmentandarts/culturaluses.Where
appropriate,othertowncentreusesshouldprovideactivefrontagesatgroundfloor
level;
Page50
PublictransportandinterchangeimprovementsincludingdeliveryofCrossrail,
improvementstoUndergroundstationsandimprovementstothebusnetwork;
togetherwiththefollowing:
Developmentofaheatandpowernetworkincludingonsiteenergygeneration
capacity;
Publicrealmimprovementstoimprovelegibilityandconnectivityforpedestrians
withinandto/fromthearea,andenhancedintegrationbetweenallmodesofpublic
transport;
Improvementstothecyclenetworkandfacilitiesincludingtheprovisionofa
north/southroutetoimproveaccessibilitywithinandto/fromtheOpportunity
Area;and
Newpublicopenspace,includinggreenspaceandplayareasacrosstheOpportunity
Area.
Therequirementforresidentialfloorspaceaspartofnewcommercialdevelopmentmay
beappliedmoreflexiblywherethecouncilconsidersthistobenecessaryinorderto
deliversubstantialplannedtransportand/orpublicrealmimprovementswhichareset
outabove,andarealsoofbenefittothelocalcommunity.
Onesitehasbeenidentifiedforasinglelandmark,highqualitybuilding.Inotherlocations
withintheOpportunityArea,thecouncilconsidersthathighbuildingscouldnotbe
accommodatedwithoutdetrimenttothesurroundingtownscape.
Thisareahasalreadyseensignificantgrowth,howeveritremainsWestminstersmost
importantsitefordevelopmentwithsignificantopportunitiesforplacemakingand
improvingconnectivity.Thepolicyreflectsthesuccessofexistingpartnershipworkwithin
theareaandensuresthatcontinuingdevelopmentbenefitsthewidercommunity.
TheredevelopmentofsitesinthePaddingtonOpportunityAreahasestablishedageneral
heightandscalefornewbuildingsreflectingthatofthehigherbuildingsinthesurrounding
area.Thelocationidentifiedforthetallbuildingsetoutinthepolicyallowsforthecreation
ofalandmarkbuildingbutwithoutharmtothecharacterofthesurroundingtownscape.
DetailedpolicycriteriafortallbuildingswillbeincludedintheCityManagementpolicies.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S12North
WestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea;S18CommercialDevelopment;PolicyS37Blue
RibbonNetwork;Appendix1ProposalsSites:StrategicSitesforthePaddingtonOpportunity
Area.
Page51
V ICTORIA O PPORTUNITY A REA

F IGURE 17 V ICTORIA O PPORTUNITY A REA
3.15 Victoriaisabusylocationwithatransportinterchangewhich
strugglestocopewiththedailydemandsofitsresidents,workersand
visitors.ThetransportinterchangeiscomprisedofVictoriaStation
accommodatingrailandUnderground,theinternationalcoachstationandtheTerminus
Placebusstation.Victoriaisoneofthebusiesttransportinterchangesinthecountryand
thestreetsaroundtheinterchangeareextremelybusy.Thereisinsufficientcapacityto
accommodatepedestrianflowsandanobviousconflictbetweenpedestriansandvehicular
traffic.
3.16 TheareaisanestablishedcentreforofficeswithinWestminster.Thedevelopmentof
officespacehasledtogrowthofretailandcaf/restaurantusesaroundtheinterchangeand
alongVictoriaStreet.Theseprovidefacilitiesforworkersandresidents.However,because
ofthedominanceofoffices,particularlythosebuilttoaccommodategovernment
departments,partsoftheOpportunityAreaarerelativelyquietoutsideworkinghours.
Awayfromtheinterchangetherearealsoanumberofquieterresidentialstreets.
3.17 Thebusyroadsandstreetsaroundtheinterchangeandotherdevelopmentsin
Victoriacurrentlylackacoherentsenseofplaceandurbanquality,andareinneedof
Page52
regeneration.Thereisanopportunitytoknittheareatogetherintermsofthebuiltform,
connectionstothewiderarea,andthefunctioningofthetransportinterchange.Thevision
fortheVictoriaareaissimple:Victorianeedstobecomeaplace,notsimplyaspacetopass
through.
3.18 DevelopmentatVictoriawillalsobecharacterisedbyapartnershipapproach
includingthelocalemploymentpartnership,SW1st,VictoriaBusinessImprovementDistrict,
andsocialandcommunityfund.
3.19 Thereareanumberofkeysitesthatformthemostsignificantopportunitiesfor
developmentto2025andbeyond.Sitesshouldberedevelopedsensitively,respecting
adjacentheritageassets.Theproximityofconservationareas,listedbuildings,Buckingham
Palace,RoyalParksandtheWorldHeritagesitelimittheopportunitiesfortallbuildingsiii.
POLICYS4VICTORIAOPPORTUNITYAREA
Atleast1,000newhomesanddevelopmentcapacityfor4,000newjobswillbeprovided
withintheVictoriaOpportunityAreabetween2011and2031,togetherwiththe
following:
ImprovementswithinandaroundtheVictoriaTransportInterchange(comprising
VictoriaMainLineStation,LondonUndergroundstations,theinternationalcoach
terminal,localLondonbusnetworkandTerminusPlace)asopportunitiesarise.
Improvementsincludeincreasedtransportandpedestrianmovementcapacity;
improvedintegrationbetweendifferenttransportmodes;improvedconnectivity
withinthetransportinterchangeandtosurroundingareasincludingVictoriaStreet,
BuckinghamPalaceandVauxhallBridgeRoad;improvedcycleparking;
SafeguardingandIntegrationofCrossrailLine2;
Publicrealmandenvironmentalimprovementstoimprovelegibilityandaccessibility
forpedestriansandcyclists,particularlytoandaroundtheVictoriaTransport
Interchange,retailareas,otherattractionsandfeaturesinthevicinity;
Amixofusesonalldevelopmentsitesincludingactivefrontagesatgroundfloor
levelexceptwherethiswouldcompromisemovementinandaroundtheVictoria
TransportInterchange;
Provisionofpubliclyaccessibleopenspaces,includingtranquilspacesinthevicinity
ofthetransportinterchange,andplayspacesforchildren;
Provisionofnewpurposebuiltlibrary;facilitiesforyoungpeople/teenagers;and
improvedsportsandleisurefacilities;
Page53
ProtectionandenhancementofStruttonGroundstreetmarket;
ACombinedHeatandPowerfacility,connectedtothePimlicoDistrictHeating
Undertaking(andpotentiallytotheWhitehallsystemifsupportedbyGovernment),
withsufficientcapacitytoserveallsiteswithintheOpportunityArea.
deliversubstantialplannedtransportinfrastructureimprovementsand/orpublicrealm
improvementswhicharesetoutaboveandarealsoofbenefittothelocalcommunity.
Therearelimitedopportunitiesfortallbuildingsbecauseofthepotentialharmtothe
widerarea,includingtheWorldHeritageSite,adjacentlistedbuildings,Buckingham
Palace,conservationareasandtheRoyalParks.Tallbuildingsmaybeacceptableina
limitednumberofsuitablelocationswherethecouncilconsidersthattheywillnot
seriouslyharmthesurroundingareaanditsheritageassets,andwillalsodeliverwider
benefitstotheOpportunityArea.
Thedevelopmentofthisareaneedstoimprove
thesenseofplacewithinandaroundVictoria.
Todeliverthis,itisnecessarytoaddressthe
highvolumesofpedestriantrafficassociated
withthetransportinterchange,andprovidea
highqualityenvironmentthatfunctionswellin
termsofitsconnections,streetscapeandeconomicandenvironmentalperformance.This
includesmaximisingtheopportunitiesthatexistforredevelopment,retail,employment
provision,creatingamorevibrantmixofuses,andagreatlyimprovedpublicrealm.This
approachwillenhancethesignificantheritageassetsintheareabysensitiveimprovements
tohistoricbuildingsandstructurestogetherwithsensitiveredevelopmentonneighbouring
infillsites.Thepolicywillbeimplementedwitharangeofstakeholders,andthroughlocal
partnerships,anddeliverbenefitsforthewiderareaparticularlyhelpingtoaddresslocal
deprivationusingasimilarmodeltoPaddington.
DetailedpolicycriteriafortallbuildingswillbeincludedintheCityManagementpolicies.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S18Commercial
Development;S26Views;S34SocialandCommunityInfrastructure(forpolicyonanewlocal
servicesprovisionfacility);S39DecentralisedEnergyNetworks;Appendix1ProposalsSites:
StrategicSitesfortheVictoriaOpportunityArea.
Page54
T OTTENHAM C OURT R OAD O PPORTUNITY A REA

F IGURE 18 T OTTENHAM C OURT R OAD O PPORTUNITY A REA
3.20 TheTottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityAreahasbeen
establishedtoencourageregenerationandgrowth.Itliesacrossthe
boundarybetweentheCityofWestminsterandtheLondonBorough
ofCamden,withthesmallerareawithinWestminster.Itsitswithinawiderareadominated
bytheretailsector,includingtheeasternendofOxfordStreetwithitsmixedretailuses,
CharingCrossRoadwithitsspecialistbookretailers,andTottenhamCourtRoad
characterisedbyitsspecialistelectronicsretailers.WestminsterspartoftheOpportunity
Areahasanumberofkeydevelopmentsitesincludingsitesrequiredforthedeliveryof
Crossrail,alargepostalsortingofficesiteandalargeretailsiteatthejunctionofOxford
StreetandTottenhamCourtRoad.
3.21 Thisareaalreadyhasgoodaccesstopublictransport,withkeybusandUnderground
routes.TottenhamCourtRoadUndergroundStationhas37millionpassengermovements
peryearandwillundergosubstantialchangeupto2026/27,particularlywiththe
constructionandopeningofCrossrail.Substantialpublictransportandpublicrealm
improvementsarerequiredtofacilitatemajordevelopmentandhelprealisethefull
potentialofthisarea.
Page55
3.22 Thereisalsopotentialtofacilitateandencouragepedestrianmovementwithinand
aroundtheOpportunityAreaaspartofacomprehensivestrategyforthewholeoftheWest
End.
3.23 AsTottenhamCourtRoadissurroundedbyhistoricbuildingsandareas,itisnot
appropriatefortallbuildingsivhowevertherearesignificantopportunitiesforthesensitive
redevelopmentofsomesitestoprovideadditionalresidentialandcommercialcapacity.
POLICYS5TOTTENHAMCOURTROADOPPORTUNITYAREA
Atleast420newhomesanddevelopmentcapacityfor5,000newjobswillbeprovided
withintheTottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea(includingwithintheLondonBorough
ofCamden)between2011and2031,togetherwiththefollowingpriorities:
Crossrail,includingnewCrossrail/LondonUndergroundstations;
Publicrealmimprovementstoimprovepedestriancirculationandmovement,
enhancetheappearanceofthestreetenvironment,andimproveconnectivityand
wayfindingtothesurroundingareas,particularlyretailandtouristdestinations
suchasCoventGardenandtheBritishMuseum;
A1retailuseatbasementtofirstfloorlevelforallfrontagesontoOxfordStreet,and
atgroundfloorlevelforallfrontagesontoTottenhamCourtRoadandCharingCross
Road,includinglargescaleretaildevelopmentonappropriatesites.
outaboveandarealsoofbenefittothelocalcommunity.
TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityAreaprovidesthepotentialfordevelopmentthat
respectstheconservationareas,listedbuildingsandimportantviews.Somesitesinthe
OpportunityAreaarecurrentlyunderdeveloped,andinneedofregeneration.
Developmenthere,includingimprovementstopublictransportprovision,willactasa
catalystforfurtherprivatesectorinvestmentandimprovethebuiltfabric,commercial
performance,andoverallcontributionthattheOpportunityAreamakestothecity.The
deliveryofCrossrail,withnewstationsandassociateddevelopmentaboveincreasesthe
potentialofthisareaforsuchdevelopment.
PublicrealmimprovementswillberequiredtoensurethatpedestriansenteringtheWest
Endareabletomovearoundfreely.Pavementsandotherpublicareaswillneedtobe
Page56
designedandmanagedtofacilitatehighpedestrianflows,particularlywiththesignificant
increaseinpassengernumbersassociatedwithCrossrail.
WestminsterCityCouncilwillworkwiththeLondonBoroughofCamden,Transportfor
London,locallandownersanddeveloperswhereappropriate,theCrossraildelivery
partners,toensurethatthenecessaryimprovementsareprovided.Thiswillinclude
partnershipworkingwiththeLondonBoroughofCamdentoensurethatthefootwaysand
thepublicrealmatSt.GilesCircusattheboroughboundaryarecoordinated.
CoventGardenmarketandshoppingarealies
directlytothesoutheastoftheOpportunityArea
extendingintoCamden,andtheBritishMuseum
inCamdenisonlyafewstreetsawaytothenorth.
Improvingaccesstoandfromsuchdestinations
willhelpthefunctioningoftheWestEndand
surroundingarea,encouragepedestrian
movement,andhelpfosterasenseofplaceand
connectivity.Thesuccessofestablishedway
findingstrategiessuchasLegibleLondonwillbe
builtontoachievethis.
AstheOpportunityAreaistheeasterngatewayto
theOxfordStreetPrimaryFrontage,astrongretail
offerandpresenceisrequiredtosupporttheWest
EndSpecialRetailPolicyArea,especiallyatstreet
level.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S7WestEndSpecial
RetailPolicyArea;S18CommercialDevelopment;Appendix1ProposalsSites:StrategicSites
fortheTottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea.
Page57
C ORE C ENTRAL A CTIVITIES Z ONE

F IGURE 19 C ORE C ENTRAL A CTIVITIES Z ONE
3.24 ThemajorityofcommercialactivityinWestminsterislocated
withinWestminstersoriginalCAZdesignation,inplacesincetheearly
1980s.Thisarea(withminorupdatestotheboundary)isdesignatedas
theCoreCentralActivitiesZone(CoreCAZ).Itisaneconomicpowerhouseandinternational
destination,hometoglobalcompanies,worldclasshotels,40theatres,20cinemas,30
museumsand,galleries,about2,500restaurants,publichousesandbarsandover2,000
shops,allshowcasingthebestLondonhastoofferintermsofretail,culture,leisureand
entertainment.CreativeIndustriesareanimportantelementtotheWestminstereconomy
andinterdependentwithavibrantculturalsector.TheWestEnd,particularlySoho,hasthe
highestconcentrationofcreativebusinessesintheworld.ThecentralpartofWestminster
hasoneofthelargestclustersofculturalandentertainmentusesinthecountrycentred
aroundtheWestEnd,includingTheatreland,TrafalgarSquareandSomersetHouse.Thishas
beendesignatedaStrategicCulturalArea.Millbank,alongtheThamesRiverside,isalsoa
StrategicCulturalArea,includingTateBritainandtheChelseaCollegeofArtandDesign.It
alsohasmanyopen,publicandgreenspacesincludingLondonSquaresandRoyalParks.
Page58
3.25 TheCoreCAZisaninternationallyimportantlocationforcommercialdevelopments,
institutesandactivitiesandfunctionsofnationalandinternationalstatusandimportance.
3.26 CoreCAZsinternationalretailoffer,centredaroundOxfordStreet,RegentStreet
andBondStreet,istheUKslargestoutdoorretailareaandaworldrenownedretail
destination.LondonsotherInternationalShoppingCentre,Knightsbridge,issharedwiththe
RoyalBoroughofKensingtonandChelsea,withasectionextendingintotheeasternpartof
CoreCAZatBromptonRoad.
3.27 Thetypicaltowncentremodelofshoppingcentresandparadesisirrelevantwithin
theCoreCAZanditslongstandingcharacteristicofgenuinemixeduse.Withinthisarea
retailisencouragedinanylocationandthisisanimportantelementintheuniquecharacter
andmixofthispartofLondon.PlacessuchasCoventGardenMarket,SouthMoltonStreet
andCarnabyStreetareallretaildestinationsintheirownright.Thisapproachhasalso
helpedtosupportsignificantshoppingareas,suchasSohoandCoventGarden,extending
intoCamden.
3.28 Itisalsohometoanumberoflongstandingresidentialcommunities,includingsome
areassufferingdeprivationwithintheWestEnd.
CoreCentralActivitiesZone
21% Office
Residential
45%
Retail
8%
Hotel
11% Other
15%
F IGURE 20 C ORE CAZ L AND U SE B REAKDOWN (2014)
3.29 ThecouncilhasdesignatedtheWestEndasaStressAreabecausethereisa
saturationofentertainmentuseswithintheareaandharmisbeingcausedtoresidential
amenity,healthandsafety,localenvironmentalqualityandthecharacterandfunctionof
thearea.
3.30 DespitebeingoneofthemostvibrantareasofLondon,supportedbyarangeof
commercialuses,partsoftheCoreCAZsufferfromdeprivation,andalackoflocalservices
andcommunityfacilities.
Page59
POLICYS6CORECENTRALACTIVITIESZONE
TheCoreCentralActivitiesZone(CoreCAZ)isanappropriatelocationforarangeof
commercialandculturalusesandcomplementaryresidentialuse,subjecttothe
followingpriorities:
Supportingstrategicallyimportantclustersofusesconsistentwithenabling
thegrowthandevolutionofplacestoensurethatthearearetainsitsglobally
importantfunctionasabusinesslocation.
Retailfloorspaceisencouragedthroughoutthearea.Largescaleretail
developmentwillbedirectedtotheWestEndInternationalShopping
CentresPrimaryShoppingFrontages,theCAZFrontagesandtheOpportunity
Areas,withsmallerscaleretaildevelopmentalsotoitsothershopping
centres.DevelopmentwithintheKnightsbridgePrimaryShoppingFrontage
willsupportthecharacter,functionandvitalityofthewiderInternational
ShoppingCentrewithintheRoyalBoroughofKensingtonandChelsea.
WithintheWestEndStressArea,newentertainmentuseswillonlybe
allowedwherethecouncilconsidersthattheyaresmallscale,lowimpact
andtheywillnotresultinanincreasedconcentrationoflatenightuses.
DevelopmentsiteswithintheMillbankStrategicCulturalAreabetween
LambethandVauxhallbridgeswilldeliveramixofusesincludingthosethat
supportcultureandthecreativeindustriesincludingartsandculturaluses,
affordablebusinessfloorspace,workshopsandstudios;and
BerwickStreetmarketwillbeprotectedandtheuseofRupertStreetfor
specialistseasonalmarkettradingwillbesupported.
WhereretaildevelopmentsfrontingthePrimaryShoppingFrontagesresultinthe
requirementtoprovideresidentialfloorspace,theresidentialfloorspacemaybe
providedoffsiteinthevicinityratherthanonsite,wherethecouncilissatisfiedthat
offsiteprovisionwouldbettercontributetothevitalityoftheWestEndSpecialRetail
PolicyAreaorKnightsbridgeInternationalShoppingCentre.
ThispolicyapproachallowsandencouragesthegrowthofcommercialuseswithintheCore
CAZandrecognisesthesignificantcontributionWestminstermakestoLondonsworldcity
statusandtheUKeconomy.TheCoreCAZisthecentreofcommerciallifeandtheheartof
businessinLondon.Ithasadeepcultureandhistory,whichhascreatedarichtapestryof
Page60
instantlyrecognisableplacesandspacesateveryscale.Theareahasadensityof
significancewhichisunequalled:historic,popculture,aesthetic,creativeandpolitical.
Theuniqueagglomerationofcommerceinthisareamustbeprotectedandenhancedto
ensuretheeconomicsustainabilityandinternationalreputationofthispartofLondon.It
mustalsobeallowedtoevolve,toremainvibrantandattheforefrontofBritishcultureand
businesses.
Retailisanessentialelementofthemixof
usesinCoreCAZcontributingtoitsvibrancy
andactivityanditsfunctionasaworldclass
shoppingdestination,includingitsmost
famousretaildestinations.
Thereissomepotentialforredevelopment
betweenLambethandVauxhallbridgesto
enhancetheMillbankStrategicCultural
Area.
Itisessentialthatthestrategicallyimportantclustersofentertainmentuseswithinthe
WestEndremainattractiveandsafeplacesinwhichtolive,visitandwork.Thereare
identifiedcrimehotspotswithintheWestEndStressAreaandintroductionofany
additionalentertainmentuseswouldbeunacceptableinmanyinstances.Inparticular,
largerscaleandhighimpactentertainmentuseshaveadisproportionateimpact,and
aredetrimentaltothesafetyandfunctioningofthearea,peoplesenjoymentand
perceptionsoftheWestEndasaplacetovisit,andthecharacterofthestreetscape.
OffsiteprovisionoftheresidentialfloorspacemaybeappropriateinthePrimary
ShoppingFrontagestoensurethatretailgrowthandimprovedretailspaceremainsthe
priority.Thiswillmaintainaretailexperiencebefittingtheinternationalstatusandhelp
maintaintheuniquevitalityandattractivenessforbusinesses,shoppersandvisitorsalike.
CrossreferencetoPolicyS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S18Commercial
Development.
Page61
WESTENDSPECIALRETAILPOLICYAREA

F IGURE 21 W EST E ND S PECIAL R ETAIL P OLICY A REA
3.31 TheWestEnd,attheheartofLondon,attractsvisitorsfromaroundtheworldtoits
celebratedshoppingstreets:includingOxford,RegentandBondstreets,PiccadillyCircus,
andCarnabyStreetwithinSoho,whichtogetherwiththeothermajorshoppingdistrictof
CoventGardenformthebasisofthispolicyarea.
3.32 TheWestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea(WESRPA)hasbeenestablishedtosustain
andenhancethisuniquepartofthecity.ItincludesanInternationalShoppingCentre,which
togetherwithKnightsbridge,sitsatthetopofLondonsshoppinghierarchy.WESRPAsmost
importantshoppingfrontagesofOxford,RegentandBondstreetsaredesignatedPrimary
ShoppingFrontagesastheycontainthemostsignificantconcentrationofshopusesinthe
country.ItalsoincludestwosubstantialshoppingdistrictsofSohoandCoventGarden,
whichhavetheirowndistinctcharacterandhistory.
3.33 TheretailfrontageswithinWESPRAvaryintheirqualityandattraction.Muchofthe
areaisarchitecturallyattractiveandperformswell.However,theeasternendofOxford
StreetfromOxfordCircustoTottenhamCourtRoad,andMarbleArchatthewesternendof
OxfordStreetofferparticularscopeforimprovement.
Page62
3.34 ThefivemainUndergroundstationswithintheWESRPAvhave,onaverage,over
600,000passengermovementseveryday,addedtobythe170,000dailypassenger
movementsfromthebusnetworkalongOxfordStreetalone.OxfordCircusstationisthe
thirdbusiestUndergroundstationinLondon,butunlikeVictoriaandWaterloo(thetwo
busieststationsinLondon),passengersdonottransfertotherailnetworkbutinsteadspill
outontobusystreets.Crossrailwillfurtherincreasethecapacityofpublictransportinthis
partofWestminster.Pedestriancongestionis
thereforeasignificantchallengeforthePrimary
ShoppingFrontages.
3.35 Becauseoftheintenseactivityonthe
mainshoppingstreets,OasisAreasarebeing
createdinsidestreetsclosetothemain
shoppingfrontagesbutawayfromtheirhustle
andbustle.Theyprovideareasofrestandmake
theWESRPAmoreattractivetoawiderrangeof
people,includingolderpeopleorthosewith
youngerchildren.
3.36 Evidencesuggeststhat41%ofWestEnd
shoppersneverventureoffthemainstreetsand
38%ofallshoppershavedifficultyfindingtheir
wayaroundvi.Legibilityandwayfindingare
crucialtoimprovingthefunctioningandvisitor
experienceinWESRPA.
3.37 DevelopmentwithintheWESRPAmustbeofexceptionaldesignandtownscape
qualityinordertosupportitsfunctionasaworldclassshoppingdestination.
POLICYS7WESTENDSPECIALRETAILPOLICYAREA
TheuniquestatusandofferoftheWestEndSpecialRetailPolicyAreawillbe
maintainedandenhanced,togetherwiththefollowingpriorities:
Improvedretailspace;
AppropriateretailgrowththroughouttheWESRPA,includingprovisionofA1retail
alongthePrimaryShoppingFrontagesatleastatbasement,groundandfirstfloor
levels;
Page63
Improvedpedestrianenvironmenttomanagethesignificantpedestrianflowsand
addresstheadverseimpactsofpedestriancongestioninthePrimaryShopping
Frontages;
Improvedpublictransportprovisionandaccesstoit,includingCrossrailstationsat
TottenhamCourtRoadandBondStreet;
DevelopmentofOasisAreasofrest,includingseatingareas,andA3cafand
restaurantuseswhereappropriateintermsofscaleandlocation,tosupportthe
mainretailareasinWESRPA;
Improvedlinkagestoandfromsurroundingretailareasandvisitorattractions;and
Provisionofappropriateserviceuseswheretheycomplementtheshopping
environment.
beappliedmoreflexiblyattheeasternendofOxfordStreetPrimaryShoppingFrontage
(eastofOxfordCircus)wherethecouncilconsidersthistobenecessaryinorderto
outaboveandarealsoofbenefittothelocalcommunity.
ThisapproachwillhelptosupporttheWestEndasaglobalshoppingdestinationandhelp
torejuvenateLondonscompetitivenessbyprovidinganenhancedshoppingenvironment.
Thecouncilwillworkwithretailers,landowners,developers,theBusinessImprovement
Districts(NewWestEndCompanyandHeartofLondon),andtheWestEndMarketing
AlliancetoimprovetheretailofferandpedestrianenvironmentoftheWESRPAandmake
visitingthisareaamorepleasurableexperience.Thisincludesprovidingareasofcalmand
enablingshopperstorechargeinamorerelaxedenvironmentthatcomplementsthe
mainshoppingactivity.EnhancedlinkagesandwayfindingbetweentheWESRPA,its
OasisAreas,surroundingretailareas,andvisitorattractionswillencouragepedestrian
movement,bothreducingpressureonthepublictransportnetworkandpromotingwhat
thewiderareahastooffer.
Page64
Appropriatemanagementofthe
publicrealmisneededtoreduce
pedestriancongestion.Publicrealm
improvementsareessentialforthe
successofWESRPAandforthe
introductionofCrossrailintothe
WestEnd,withthestreetscape
designedandmanagedtocope
withtheincreasedpedestrian
flows.
Thecouncil,NewWestEndCompanyandTransportforLondonhavepreparedanaction
plantoaddresstheseissues.TheOxford,Regent,BondStreetORBActionPlancovers
themainshoppingstreetsintheWestEnd,andWestminstersCityPlansupportsthisand
otherWestEndpartnershipactionplans.
Thelocation,accessibilityandscaleofthePrimaryShoppingFrontages,togetherwiththeir
returnfrontages,makethemespeciallysuitableforretailgrowth.A1Retailshouldbe
providedatbasementtofirstfloorlevelstomaintaintheircharacterandtoreflecttheir
importanceatthetopofLondonsretailhierarchy.RegenerationwithinthewiderWESRPA
willencouragefurtherinvestmentwithpotentialtofurtherimprovetheenvironmentfor
shoppersandretailers.Thisretailexperiencecanbeenhancedbytheprovisionof
appropriate,complementaryusessuchasbanksandcafs.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S6CoreCentral
ActivitiesZone;Appendix1ProposalsSites:StrategicSitesfortheWestEndSpecialRetail
PolicyArea.
Page65
M ARYLEBONEAND F ITZROVIA

F IGURE 22 M ARYLEBONEAND F ITZROVIA
3.38 Residentialuseismuchmoreevidentinthenorthernpartof
theCentralActivitiesZonecoveredbyMaryleboneandFitzroviathan
itisintheCoreCentralActivitiesZone,andlargeareashavea
predominantlyresidentialcharacter.
3.39 Theareacontainsanumberofcommercialdevelopmentsthatareclusteredeither
withinSpecialPolicyAreasoralongthemainstreetsreferredtoasNamedStreets,which
havehistoricallybeentreatedaspartoftheCentralActivitiesZone.Thereisasignificant
concentrationofmediabasedofficeswhichspilloverfromthemainconcentrationofSoho,
mostofwhichoccupyolderprewarbuildingsvii.
3.40 RetailwithintheareaisalsofocusedinspecificshoppingstreetsMaryleboneHigh
StreetwhichhaslongbeenadesignatedDistrictShoppingCentreandisnowaCAZ
Frontage,andanumberoflocalshoppingparades.Whilstthereareafewembassies(mostly
withinthePortlandPlaceSpecialPolicyAreaandMontaguStreet)andhotels,theareadoes
nothavethetouristfocusedactivitiesoftheCoreCAZ.
Page66
However,theareacontains
EdgwareRoadwhichprovidesa
uniquecosmopolitanretailand
entertainmentoffer.
3.41 Thecouncilhas
designatedpartoftheEdgware
RoadasaStressAreaduetothe
existingconcentrationof
entertainmentusestoensure
F IGURE 23 M ARYLEBONEANDFITZROVIA L AND U SE
thattheimpactonthe
surroundingareaiscarefullymanaged.

POLICYS8MARYLEBONEANDFITZROVIA
EdgwareRoad,BakerStreet,MaryleboneRoad,PortlandPlace,ParkCrescentandGreat
PortlandStreet(NamedStreets)areappropriatelocationsforresidentialuseandarange
ofcommercialuses.Retailandotherappropriatetowncentreuseswillalsobedirectedto
MaryleboneHighStreetandtheLocalShoppingCentres.
WithintheEdgwareRoadStressArea,newentertainmentuseswillonlybeallowedwhere
thecouncilconsidersthattheyarelowimpactandwouldnotresultinanincreased
concentrationoflatenightuses.
Outsidetheselocations,newcommercialuseswillnotgenerallybeappropriateunless
theyprovideservicestosupportthelocalresidentialcommunityinthatpartoftheCentral
ActivitiesZone.
ThispolicyrecognisestheroleofthisareaintermsofcontributingtoWestminsterswider
rolewithinLondonseconomyandworldcitystatus,whilstensuringthatthelocal
distinctivenessofareas,particularlytheresidentialcharacterandfunctionwithin
MaryleboneandFitzrovia,arenotlost.
Theprovisionofcafs,restaurantsandappropriateentertainmentusescanhelptosupport
theretailfunctionoftheEdgwareRoadCAZFrontage.However,growthinthenighttime
economyoutsidethisarea,orcreatingaconcentrationofsuchuseswithintheareawould
unacceptablyimpactonresidentialamenityandthefunctioningofthearea.
CrossreferencetoPolicyS2SpecialPolicyAreas;S18CommercialDevelopment.
Page67
K NIGHTSBRIDGE

F IGURE 24 K NIGHTSBRIDGE
3.42 LyingwestoftheInternationalShoppingCentreof
Knightsbridge,residentialusedominatesthisarea,withamixof
privateapartmentblocks,andsinglefamilydwellingsinterracedor
mewsproperties.
3.43 ThewesternsideofKnightsbridge,aroundExhibitionRoadandKensingtonGore,
containsaconcentrationofspecialistandworldrenownedartsandculturalfacilitiesandis
designatedaStrategicCulturalArea.ThisareaincludestheRoyalAlbertHallandAlbert
Memorial,theSerpentineGallery,theRoyalCollegeofArtandtheRoyalCollegeofMusic,
andformsacentreforhighereducationandresearch
dominatedbyImperialCollegeLondon.Therearealsoa
fewsmallhotelswithinthisarea.
3.44 Thisareaisadjacenttothemajorclusterof
museumsintheRoyalBoroughofKensingtonand
Chelsea,andtogetherformaconcentrationofspecialist
andworldrenownedartsandculturalfacilities.The
councilwillcontinuetoworkinpartnershipwiththe
Page68
RoyalBoroughofKensingtonandChelseatoachieveasharedvisionforthearea.
3.45 Knightsbridgehasseenasignificantreductioninofficefloorspaceandthefew
remainingofficestendtobesmallandscatteredthroughoutthearea.

F IGURE 25 K NIGHTSBRIDGE L AND U SE B REAKDOWN
POLICYS9KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Newtourism,arts,culturalandeducationalusesandappropriatetowncentreusesshould
bedirectedtotheStrategicCulturalArea.
OutsidetheStrategicCulturalArea,newcommercialuseswillnotgenerallybe
appropriateunlesstheyprovideservicestosupportthelocalresidentialcommunityin
thatpartoftheCentralActivitiesZone.
Thispolicyrecognisesthetwoverydifferentaspectsandrolesofthisarea:oneof
internationalimportancetoarts,cultureandeducation,andtheotherofveryresidential
character.Thisapproachensuresthatthecharacterandfunctionofthelongstanding
residentialcommunitiesarenotlostbyencroachmentofotheruses.
Page69
P IMLICO

F IGURE 26 P IMLICO
3.46 Thisisanareaofpredominantlylocaluses.Themajorityofthis
areaisresidential,withlongstandingcommunitiesandlargefamily
homes.WithinthispartoftheCAZtherearealsoareassuffering
deprivation.
3.47 RetailusesareconcentratedintheWarwickWay/TachbrookStreetCAZFrontages,
includingthevibrantstreetmarketonTachbrookStreet.Groupsofsmallbusinessesand
shopsformimportantfociofactivitythroughouttheareaandtherearesubstantial
stretchesofretailuseinLupusStreet,withshorterstretchesinsomeoftheadjoiningstreets
andnearbyLocalShoppingCentres.Thisareaisalso
servedbytheretailprovisionintheCoreCAZandVictoria
OpportunityArea.Therearealargenumberofsmall
hotelstothesouthoftheVictoriaTransportInterchange,
particularlyonBelgraveRoad,WarwickWayandHugh
Street.Theareacomprisesonly10%officesandveryfew
publicbuildings.
Page70

F IGURE 27 P IMLICO L AND U SE B REAKDOWN
POLICYS10PIMLICO
Thisareawillbeprimarilyforresidentialusewithsupportingretail,socialandcommunity
andlocalartsandculturalprovision.Retailandotherappropriatetowncentreuseswillbe
directedtotheWarwickWay/TachbrookStreetCAZFrontagesandtheLocalShopping
Centres.
ThestreetmarketatTachbrookStreetwillbeprotectedandmodestexpansionallowedif
requiredtomeettheneedsoflocalresidents.
Outsidetheselocations,newcommercialuseswillnotgenerallybeappropriateunless
theyprovideservicestosupportthelocalresidentialcommunityinthatpartoftheCentral
ActivitiesZone.
Thecouncilwillencourageandsupportapartnershipapproachtotacklingdeprivation,
andwillworkcloselywithitspartnerslocallyincludingtheVictoriaBusinessImprovement
District,SW1st,arearenewalpartnerships,localcommunitiesandtheprivatesector.
Thepolicyrecognisesthepredominantlyresidentialnatureofthisarea,andvillage
characterwithassociatedlocalusesandthesenseofsmallscaleshopsandservices.
Apartnershipapproachwillhelptackledeprivationandinequalities,particularlyinrelation
tothedevelopmentwithintheVictoriaOpportunityArea.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS34SocialandCommunityInfrastructure;S37BlueRibbon
Network(forThamesSpecialPolicyArea);S39DecentralisedEnergyNetworks.
Page71
R OYAL P ARKS

F IGURE 28 R OYAL P ARKSIN W ESTMINSTER
3.48 MetropolitanOpenLandidentifiedintheLondonPlanis
comprisedofthefiveRoyalParks,managedbytheRoyalParks
Agency.TheRoyalParksarepublicopenspacesofimmense
historicalimportanceandnationalandinternationalsignificance.Theyareamajor
contributortotheuniquecharacterofWestminstersopenspacenetwork,comprising89%
ofWestminsterspublicopenspace.
3.49 Asanimportantcomponentofthenationsheritage,theseparksarekeyattractions
ofCentralLondon,usedbyvisitors,workersandresidents,withanestimated25million
visitsperyear.AllfivearelocatedwithintheCentralActivitiesZone.Theyprovidetheonly
metropolitansizedpublicspacesinWestminsterandarethereforeimportantinproviding
openlandscapesandtranquillityamidstabusy,heavilybuiltupcity.Theirsignificant
heritage,ecologicalandnaturalconservationvalueisreflectedintheirdesignationas:
MetropolitanOpenLand
MetropolitanSitesofImportanceforNatureConservation
ListedParksandGardensofSpecialHistoricInterest(allGradeIexceptGreenPark
whichisGradeII)
Page72
POLICYS11ROYALPARKS
TheRoyalParks,theirsettings,viewsand
tranquillitywillbeprotectedfrom
inappropriatedevelopmentandactivity.
Developmentswillonlybeallowedwhere
theyareessentialandancillaryto
maintainingorenhancingthevalueofthe
parkasopenspace,andthatdonotharmthe
parks:
Openlandscapecharacter;
Heritagevalue;
Natureconservationvalue;
Tranquillity;or
Valueasapublicopenspace.
BecauseoftheirlocationandroleasCentralLondonattractions,thefiveRoyalParksareall
includedwithintheCentralActivitiesZone.However,thereissubstantialpressureonthese
openspaces,andtheirimportanceinprovidingamoretranquilenvironmentandrespite
fromtheactivityofotherpartsofthecity,needstobecarefullyprotected.
i
CensuspostcodeestimatedpopulationoftheCoreCentralActivitiesZone,2011
ii
HighBuildingsStudy,2000
iii
iv
v
OxfordCircus,TottenhamCourtRoad,BondStreet,PiccadillyCircusandLeicesterSquare
vi
ORBActionPlan,2008
vii
AStudyofSmallOfficesinWestminster,2009
Page73
NORTHWESTMINSTERECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENTAREA

F IGURE 29 N ORTH W ESTMINSTER E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT A REA
3.50 AnEconomicDevelopmentAreahasbeendesignatedto
addresstheneedsoftheprincipalareaofeconomicrenewalinthe
northwestofWestminster.Thisareacovers4ofthe5wards
sufferingthegreatestdeprivationwithinWestminster,namelyChurchStreet,Westbourne,
HarrowRoadandQueensPark:whichareamongstthemostdeprivedplacesinthe
countryi.TheNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentAreanotonlyencompassesallof
thesecommunities,butalsoincludesthePaddingtonOpportunityArea(whichlieswithin
theCentralActivitiesZone)andwiderPaddingtonBusinessImprovementDistrict.Thisisto
ensurethatregenerationbothbenefitsandisintegratedwiththesedeprivedcommunities,
includingsecuringarangeofeconomicandphysicalbenefits.Paddingtonplaysanimportant
roleinlinkingthedeprivedareastotheCentralActivitiesZone.
3.51 Theneighbourhoodsintheareasharesimilarprioritiesimprovingthephysical
environment,promotingeconomicdevelopment,education,trainingandskills,providing
Page74
accesstosocialandcommunityfacilities,reducingcrimeanddisorder,improvinghealthand
addressingissuesofovercrowding.Essentialtoaddressingtheseprioritiesiscommunity
involvement,engagementandresidentparticipation.
3.52 Thisareaisprimarilyresidential,withahighproportionofsocialrentedaffordable
housing.Thishasplacedpressureoninfrastructureinthearea,andalocallyspecific
approachtolocalserviceprovision,healthfacilities,education,trainingopportunities,
communityspaceandrecreationfacilitiesisrequired.Thesefacilitiesarerequiredtotackle
deprivation,improvesocialcohesion,andimprovethelifechancesofresidents.Although
thisareasitsinthecentreofLondon,localresidentscanfinditdifficulttoaccess
employment.TheareahasthreeDistrictShoppingCentres,PraedStreet,HarrowRoadand
ChurchStreet/EdgwareRoad,howeverthelattertwooftheseareindeclineii.
NWEDA
(excludingPaddingtonOA)
15% 5% Office
Residential
Retail
19% Hotel
Other
2% 58%
F IGURE 30 N ORTH W ESTMINSTER EDA L AND U SE B REAKDOWN ( EXCLUDING

P ADDINGTON OA)

3.53 TheNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentAreaasawholesuffersfromthe
physicalseveranceandenvironmentalimpactsofthemajorroads,railwaylinesandcanals.
TheWestway,anelevatedsectionoftheA40,HarrowRoadandtherailwayaresignificant
barrierstoenablingpeopletomovebetweenneighbourhoodstoaccesswork,servicesand
openspace.Thesetransportroutesareasourceofsignificantnoiseandairpollutionand
haveanegativeimpactonthehealthofresidentsandworkers,andalsoonpeoples
perceptionsofthearea.Theyrestrictsocialandphysicalactivityandinhibittheoverall
regenerationofthearea.
3.54 ThecouncilwillworkinpartnershipwiththeLondonBoroughofBrentandtheRoyal
BoroughofKensingtonandChelseatocreatebetterpedestrianandtransportroutesto
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connectneighbourhoodsintheSouthKilburnGrowtharea,NorthKensington,andother
areas.
3.55 LocatedinLondonsCentralActivitiesZone,thePaddingtonOpportunityArea,which
willincludeanewCrossrailstation,providesuniqueopportunitiesforregenerationand
economicdevelopmentforthewiderNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea.The
widerareaisparticularlysuitableforaffordablebusinessfloorspacetocomplementthe
mainB1officestockwithinPaddingtonOpportunityAreaandotherpartsoftheCentral
ActivitiesZoneimmediatelytothesoutheast.ThereisastrongCreativeIndustriessectorin
theareawithclusterslocatedinPaddington,Westbourne,MaidaValeandQueensParkiii.
Thissectorcanbenurturedthroughsensitiveregeneration,againcomplementingthesector
withintheWestEnd.ThecouncilhaspreparedaRegenerationMasterplanfortheChurch
Streetarea,identifyingpotentialdevelopmentopportunities.ThePrinceofWales
Junction/MaidaHillinHarrowRoad,comprisedofapavedareaatthejunctionofbusyroads
andbuildingsonallsides,representsanopportunityfordevelopmenttomeetlocalservice
needsandprovidenewemploymentspace.
POLICYS12NORTHWESTMINSTERECONOMICDEVELOPMENTAREA
Thecouncilwillcontinuetoencourageandsupportapartnershipapproachtotackling
deprivationandpromotingeconomicactivity.Thecouncilwillworkcloselywithits
partnerslocallyincludingPaddingtonDevelopmentTrust,PaddingtonWaterside
Partnerships,arearenewalpartnerships,BusinessImprovementDistricts,local
communitiesandtheprivatesector.
Developmentshouldcontributetoincreasingeconomicactivitywithinthearea,or
providinglocalservices,orimprovingthequalityandtenuremixofhousing,andalso
contributetowardsthefollowingpriorities:
ImprovingphysicalconnectionswithintheEconomicDevelopmentAreaincluding
PaddingtonOpportunityAreaanditsshoppingcentres;andtotheCentralActivities
ZoneandothersurroundingareasincludingtheSouthKilburnGrowthAreainthe
LondonBoroughofBrentandNorthKensingtonwithintheRoyalBoroughof
KensingtonandChelsea;
Addressingseveranceandinsomecasesthepoorlocalenvironmentresultingfrom
theWestway(A40),HarrowRoad(A404),railnetwork,andcanal;
Improvingthepublicrealmandlocalenvironment,particularlywithinShopping
Centresandhousingestates;
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Redevelopmentof,andinfilldevelopmentsin,someexistinghousingestates,
includingprovisionofarangeofhousingtenures(includingintermediateandmarket
housing)whereverpossible,consistentwithprotectionofareasofopenspace;
Deliveringimprovedandappropriatelocalservicesincluding:localservicesprovision
facilitiesinChurchStreetareaandQueensPark;anewsportsfacilityatMoberley
SportsandEducationCentre;anewchildrenssportscentreatComptonStreet;and
supportopportunitiestoprovidefacilitiesforlocalcommunitygroupsincludingfaith
groups;
Providingtraining,skillsandemploymentopportunitiesforlocalpeople;
RedevelopmentofacivicspaceatthePrinceofWalesjunction/MaidaHillfor
communityactivitiesandtoprovideafocusforthearea;
SecureaCombinedHeatandPowerfacilitywithsufficientcapacitytoserveother
sitesandestablishawiderheatandpowernetwork.
B1uses(includingstudiosandworkshops)areacceptablethroughouttheEconomic
DevelopmentAreaaspartofmajordevelopments.
IntheDistrictShoppingCentresofHarrowRoadandChurchStreet/EdgwareRoadthe
councilmaybemoreflexibleaboutuses,provideddevelopmentdeliversbenefitstothe
localcommunity,providesemploymentopportunitiesandcontributestothequalityof
thebuiltenvironment.ThisapproachwillbedetailedinCityManagementpolicy.
Asmalllossofresidentialdevelopmentisacceptablewheredevelopmentwillprovide
localemploymentopportunitiesandthecouncilconsidersthatemploymentuseswillnot
adverselyimpactonresidentialamenity,andwillnotadverselyimpactonthevitality,
viability,characterorfunctionoftheretailofferinthedesignatedshoppingcentres.
Apartnershipapproachbetweenthecouncil,localcommunity,privatesectorandother
localserviceproviderswillsupporteconomicregenerationandhelptotackledeprivation
andinequalities,includinghealthinequalities.Amoreflexibleapproachtocommercial
activitywillhelptheShoppingCentrestoremainfunctional,supportawidecatchmentand
beafocusforthecommunity,aswellasprovidingemploymentandmeetingdaytoday
needs.Businessfloorspaceinthisareawillencourageinvestmentandenterprise.
Improvingthequalityandrangeofhousingintheareawillensurethatnewhousingbetter
meetsandcontributestoachievingmoremixedcommunitiesinareascurrentlydominated
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bysocialhousing.AmorebalancedmixoftenuresintheNorthWestminsterEconomic
DevelopmentAreawillimprovetheperceptionofthearea,helpsupportlocalbusinesses,
andprovidewidenedaspirations.
Theprovisionofcafs,restaurantsandappropriateentertainmentusescanhelptosupport
theretailfunctionoftheChurchStreet/EdgwareRoadDistrictShoppingCentre.However,
growthinthenighttimeeconomyoutsidethisarea,orcreatingaconcentrationofsuch
useswithintheareawouldunacceptablyimpactonresidentialamenityandthefunctionof
thearea.
Constraintsinthephysicalenvironmentalsoneedtobetackledtoencourageinvestment,
supportlocalshopsandbusinesses,improvesocialcohesion,andmaximisethelocational
opportunitiesofthisareaonthefringeofCentralLondontobenefitlocalresidents.Thisis
keytochangingpeoplesperceptionsofthearea.
Localserviceprovisionandsocialandcommunityusesneedtoberestructuredornewsites
foundtoensuretheymeetthespecificneedsoflocalcommunitiesandaddressgapsin
provision.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS3PaddingtonOpportunityArea;S8MaryleboneandFitzrovia
(forEdgwareRoadStressAreawhichslightlylieswithintheNorthWestminsterEconomic
DevelopmentArea);S18CommercialDevelopment;S34SocialandCommunity
Infrastructure;S39DecentralisedEnergyNetworks;Appendix1ProposalsSites:Strategic
SitesfortheNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea.
i
IndexofMultipleDeprivation,2007
ii
ShoppingAreaHealthCheckSurveysforDistrictCentre1:ChurchStreet/EdgwareRoadandDistrictCentre2:
HarrowRoad2007.
iii
CreativeIndustriesReport,2007
Page78
OUTSIDETHECAZANDNWEDA

F IGURE 31 O UTSIDETHE CAZ AND NWEDA
3.56 TherearethreeareaswithinWestminsterthatfalloutsideofboththeCentral
ActivitiesZone(CAZ)andtheNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea,namely:St
JohnsWood,MaidaValeandLittleVenice;BayswaterandQueensway;andBelgravia.These
areasarealmostentirelyresidentialincharacterwithsupportingservicesandactivities,and
togetherincludeaMajor
ShoppingCentre,aDistrict
ShoppingCentreand22Local
ShoppingCentres(including
threethatliepartiallyinCAZand
threepartiallyintheNWEDA).
3.57 AreasoutsideCAZ,
particularlyclosetotheCAZ
F IGURE 32 O UTSIDE D ESIGNATED A REAS L AND U SE B REAKDOWN border,cancomeunderintense
pressurefordevelopment.
Managementoftheseareasisfocusedonprotectingandenhancingtheresidential
environment,togetherwithimprovingthehealthandwellbeingofcommunitiesand
Page79
providingthemwiththefacilitiesandservicestheyneed.Assuch,commercialdevelopment
willnotgenerallybeconsideredappropriateintheseareas,otherthanappropriate
developmentwithinthedesignatedtowncentres.

F IGURE 33 S T J OHN S W OODAND M AIDA V ALE
3.58 StJohnsWoodwasbuiltupinthe1820sand1830sand
representsthefirstexampleofsuburbanresidentialdevelopmentin
InnerLondon.UniquelyforWestminster,itischaracterisedby
detachedandsemidetachedvillasandterracedhouses.Theareaincludesanumberof
privatehospitals,AbbeyRoadStudiosandLordscricketground,withthelatterbeingthe
singlelargestnonresidentialuseinthearea.
3.59 TheGrandUnionCanalandRegentsCanalcreatetheinitialkeytownscapeelements
ofMaidaValeandLittleVenice.LikeStJohnsWood,theprincipallanduseoftheseareasis
residential.
3.60 StJohnsWoodDistrictShoppingCentrehasan
importantneighbourhoodretailrole,servingresidentsinSt
JohnsWood,PrimroseHill,LissonGrove,aswellasother
partsofnorthandwestLondonandbeyond.TheDistrict
ShoppingCentrehasawiderangeofspecialistand
Page80
independentretailers.ThemainconcentrationofA1retailuseisonStJohnsWoodHigh
Street,withsmallerconcentrationsintheareasLocalShoppingCentres.
3.61 AlthoughagrowthinA1retailfloorspacehasbeenprojected(1,487sqmgrossfor
20062016)therearelimitedopportunitieswithinoradjacenttothetowncentreinwhich
toprovidethis.However,complementarycommunityandleisureusescouldaddtoits
vibrancyandserveawiderrangeoflocalneeds.

F IGURE 34 B AYSWATER , Q UEENSWAYAND W ESTBOURNE G ROVE
3.62 QueenswayandWestbourneGrovehavealivelytownscape,
dominatedbytheMajorShoppingCentrewithretailontheground
floorandpredominantlyresidentialabove.Bayswateris
predominantlyresidentialwithnumerousmansionblocks,includingtheHallfieldEstate.This
areaalsohasoneofLondonshighestconcentrationsofhotels,particularlyInverness
Terrace,PrincesSquareandLeinsterSquare,withmanyservingPaddingtonStation.The
areaalsohasaconcentrationofsmallhotelsclusteredaroundLancasterGateand
Queenswaystations.Manyofthesehotelsarenotpurposebuiltandoccupyformer
residentialhousesinresidentialstreets,andarethereforemorelikelytogiverisetoadverse
effectsonlocalresidentialamenityandenvironmentalquality.
3.63 TheQueensway/WestbourneGroveMajorShoppingCentrehasagoodselectionof
shops,includinganindoorshoppingcentreonQueensway,andhasadualroleservinglocal
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residentsandcommuters,aswellasawidercatchmentfromacrossLondonandbeyond.
TheMajorShoppingCentrehasseenanincreaseinnonretailuses,particularlyA3foodand
drinkuseandpremiseswithlatelicences.Cumulatively,smallscalelossesofA1retailuse
willerodetheretailfunctionofthisMajorcentre.Thereisalsoademandformore
entertainmentusestooperatelateintheevening.Althoughthesecanhaveapositiveeffect
encouragingactivityandvibrancy,latenightactivitiescanalsobeassociatedwith
disturbanceandincreasesinantisocialbehaviour,particularlywheretherearesignificant
concentrationsofsuchuses.ThecouncilhasthereforedesignatedQueenswayand
WestbourneGroveasaStressArea.
3.64 ThisareahasaBusinessImprovementDistrict,providingapartnershipapproach
withlocalbusinesses.

F IGURE 35 B ELGRAVIA
3.65 Belgraviaislocatedinthesoutheastoftheborough
betweentheCAZandtheboundarywiththeRoyalBoroughof
KensingtonandChelsea.Thetownscapeischaracterisedby
terracesofgrandwhitestuccohouses,andtheprincipallanduse
oftheareaisresidentialwithsupportinglocalservices.Thesouthernendofthisarea
includesthesubstantialdevelopmentsiteofChelseaBarracksonChelseaBridgeRoad.
Page82
POLICYS13OUTSIDETHECAZANDNWEDA
AreasoutsideboththeCentralActivitiesZoneandNorthWestminsterEconomic
DevelopmentAreawillbeprimarilyforresidentialusewithsupportingsocialand
communityprovision.
RetailandotherappropriatetowncentreuseswillbedirectedtowardstheMajor,District
andLocalShoppingCentres.
TheQueensway/WestbourneGroveMajorShoppingCentrewillbemaintainedand
enhancedbysecuringretailgrowthandimprovedretailspace,andensuringthatA1retail
provisionistheprioritywithinCoreShoppingFrontages.
WithintheQueensway/WestbourneGroveStressArea,newentertainmentuseswillonly
beallowedwherethecouncilconsidersthattheyarelowimpact,wouldnotresultinan
increasedconcentrationoflatenightusesanddonotcompromisetheretailcharacterand
functioningoftheShoppingCentreeitherindividuallyorcumulatively.
WithintheStJohnsWoodDistrictShoppingCentre,newcommunityandleisure
floorspacemaybeallowedintheSecondaryShoppingFrontageswherethiscomplements
theretailfunctionwithintherestoftheShoppingCentre.
ReasonedJustification:
Maintainingandincreasinghousingandsupportingfacilitieswillprotecttheresidential
characteroftheseareas.Theprovisionofsocialinfrastructureisvitaltosupportthe
residentialcommunityinthesepartsofWestminster.
EnhancingtheretailfunctionoftheMajorandDistrictShoppingCentreswillhelpprotect
theshopsandservicesfortheseareasandhelpsecurethesecentreslongtermviabilityand
vitality.EncouragingcommunityandleisureuseswithintheStJohnsWoodDistrict
ShoppingCentrewillmakeprovisionforaddressinganidentifiedshortfall.
Provisionofcafs,restaurantsandappropriateentertainmentusescanhelpsupportthe
primaryretailfunctionofshoppingareas.However,furthergrowthinnighttime
entertainmentusewithinthedesignatedQueensway/WestbourneGroveStressAreawould
addtoaconcentrationofactivitywhichwouldunacceptablyimpactonresidentialamenity.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS8MaryleboneandFitzrovia(forEdgwareRoadStressArea
whichliespartiallyoutsideCAZ);S18CommercialDevelopment;S21Retail;S34Socialand
CommunityInfrastructure;S37BlueRibbonNetwork
Page83
PartIV:CityWideSpatialPolicies
PART IV: CITY-WIDE

SPATIAL POLICIES
HOUSINGPROVISION
4.1 OneofthemostimportantaspectsofWestminsterisitslargeresidentialpopulation.
Over250,000peoplecallWestminsterhome.Theserangefromthecommunitiesinthe
heartofthecity,tothoseinlessbuiltupareasinthenorthandsouth.Westminsters
residentialpopulationsarekeytoitscharacter,mix,andsuccess.
4.2 Westminstersresidentialpopulationis
projectedtogrowfrom234,131residentsin2007i,to
between242,000iiandabout320,000iiiresidentsby
2025,agrowthofbetween8,000and86,000.
However,thelowerendofthisrangeismostlikely.It
isconsideredtobemoreaccurateasittakesthe
availabilityofhousingintoaccountwhichislikelyto
continuetoactasaconstraintonpopulationgrowth.
4.3 Duetoitshistoricfabric,denselybuiltup
areas,andlackofsurplusindustriallandthatcanbe
releasedforhousing,changewithinWestminsteristypicallysmallscaleandachieved
throughthesensitiveredevelopmentofsmallersitesandrefurbishmentofexisting
buildings.Thisgivestheurbanenvironmentitsrichnessandstronglocalidentity.Thelackof
availablelandisaconsiderableconstraintforWestminsterinmeetingitshousingneeds.In
manyotherpartsofLondon,surplusindustriallandmakesasignificantcontributionto
meetingtheboroughshousingtargets.ThisisnottypicallythecaseinWestminsterwhere
manysitesalreadycontainoffices,shopsandhousingwithexistinghighvalues,andnew
housingisdeliveredbychangeofuse,makingmoreefficientuseoffloorspaceandbuilding
tohigherdensities.
4.4 Westminsterhasveryfewlargesites,andsomeofthelargersitesthatareexpected
todeliverhousingwillalsobeprovidingamixofcommercialorotheruses.Forexample,the
threeOpportunityAreashavebeendesignatedformajorgrowthforhousingand
employmentuses.PaddingtonOpportunityAreaisexpectedtodeliveratleast1,000new
homesovertheplanperiod2011to2031,VictoriaOpportunityAreaatleast1,000new
Page84
homes.TheTottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityAreaisexpectedtodeliveratleast420new
homes,butthemajorityofthisarealieswithintheLondonBoroughCamdenandtheparts
withinWestminstersboundaryareCrossrailsitesintheWestEndInternationalShopping
Centresoareonlyexpectedtocontributeaboutfiftyresidentialunits.Themajorityofthe
housingtargetwillthereforebeprovidedintheLondonBoroughofCamden.IntheCentral
ActivitiesZone(particularlyCoreCAZ),housingdevelopmentcompeteswithoffice
developmentandotheruseswhichcontributetotheuniquecommercialagglomerationin
theheartofthecity.Theseusesmustbebalancedandthestrategicfunctionandfine
grainedmixofusesmustbeprotectedtoensurethefuturesustainabilityoftheCAZ.The
LondonPlansetstargetsforhousingdeliveryandthepoliciessetoutbelowaimtoachieve
thesetargetswhilstnotcompromisingotherstrategicobjectivessuchaseconomic
sustainability,growth,heritage,healthandwellbeing.

F IGURE 36 515 Y EAR H OUSING L AND S UPPLY 2012/13 2026/27
4.5 Optimisingthenumberofnewhomesdeliveredisevenmoreimportantin
WestminsterthaninmanyotherLondonboroughsbecausesignificantamountsof
markethousingwithinWestminsterareunavailabletoresidentsasitsglobalcityrole
meanssomehousingisusedassecondhomes,leftemptyasaninvestment,orisused
astemporarysleepingaccommodation/shorttermlets(thecouncilpursues
enforcementactionagainstthis).
Page85
4.6 Thecouncilisalsoconcernedthatnewhousingshouldmeetneedsanddemandsin
termsofaffordability,sizeandtypeofhomes,andensuringthosewithspecialhousing
needsareprovidedfor.Theserequirements,includingthoseforhouseholdsinneedof
affordablehousingaresetoutintheStrategicHousingMarketAssessmentiv,andare
reflectedinthepoliciesbelow.
4.7 Housingplaysanimportantroleinthewellbeingofindividualhouseholdsand
communities,andintheshapingofneighbourhoods.Housingmustthereforebewell
designedandprovidehighqualitylivingspacesandresidentialenvironments,and
contributetoachievingsustainableresidentialcommunities.LocalitiesinWestminsterwith
highconcentrationsofsocialhousingarealsothosewhichsufferthegreatestdeprivation.
Thecouncilisworkingwithpartnerstotackledeprivation,andimprovingthequalityof
housing,themixofhousingtypesandtenures,andtherangeofincomesinthese
neighbourhoodswillcontributetotheseaims.
O PTIMISING H OUSING D ELIVERY
4.8 Thelackoflargesitesmeansthat
housingdevelopmentinWestminsterisusually
smallscaleandinvolveschangesofuseand
refurbishmentandextensionsofexisting
buildings.Newhomesarethereforeexpected
tobedeliveredbychangeofuseandredevelopmentfromcommercialuseswheretheirloss
isappropriateandsomeredundantpublicsectoruses,suchashospitalsites;buildingto
higherdensitiesonexistinghousingsites,andhousingrequiredbythemixedusepolicy.In
corecommercialareas,residentialusewillgrowalongsidesignificantexpansionsin
commercialfloorspaceaspartofamixofuses.
4.9 WestminstershousingtargetsetoutintheLondonPlanvis1,068newhomesper
year(equatesto21,360unitsbetween2016/17and2036/37).Westminsterdoesnothave
landthatitcanreleaseforhousingdevelopmentsoinordertoensurethatthereisa
continuousfiveyearsupplyofdeliverablehousingsitesavailabletoachievethehousing
target,thecouncilwillengageindiscussionswithlandownerstoidentifyandbringforward
sitesforhousing.Thecouncilhasandwillcontinuetoparticipateinregionalassessmentsof
housinglandavailabilityandcapacity,theLondonStrategicHousingLandAvailability
Assessment(SHLAA).InordertomeetfuturehousingtargetssetoutintheLondonPlanin
thelongerterm,thecouncilwilltakeaccountoftheevidencesetoutintheSHLAA,
supplementedbylocalviabilitytesting,anddiscussionswithlandownerstopreparethe610
and1115yearlistsofdevelopablehousingsites.Thehousinglandsupplyscheduleswill
Page86
alsohelpfacilitatehousingdevelopmentbyprovidingguidancetopotentialdevelopers
aboutwhatwillbeexpectedfromdevelopmentsites,andinstigatingdiscussionswith
landownersofstalledsites.Thehousinglandsupplyschedulesofdeliverableand
developablesiteswillbeupdatedthroughtheAuthoritysMonitoringReport.
POLICYS14OPTIMISINGHOUSINGDELIVERY
Thecouncilwillworktoachieveandexceeditsboroughhousingtargetsetoutinthe
LondonPlan.
ResidentialuseisthepriorityacrossWestminsterexceptwherespecificallystated.
Allresidentialuses,floorspaceandlandwillbeprotected.Proposalsthatwouldresultina
reductioninthenumberofresidentialunitswillnotbeacceptable,exceptwhere:
thecouncilconsidersthatreconfigurationorredevelopmentofaffordablehousing
wouldbettermeetaffordablehousingneed;
aconvertedhouseisbeingreturnedtoafamilysizeddwellingordwellings;or
2flatsarebeingjoinedtocreateafamilysizeddwelling.
Proposalsforconversionorredevelopmentofsinglefamilyhousestoflatswillbe
assessedtakingintoaccountthecharacterofthestreetandarea;impactonresidential
amenityincludingparkingpressure;andthemixofunitsproposed.
Thenumberofresidentialunitsondevelopmentsiteswillbeoptimised.
Thecouncilwillmaintainapubliclyavailablelistofdeliverablesitesforhousing
developmenttoensureacontinuousfiveyearsupplyofdeliverablesiteswitha5%buffer,
and615yearlistsoffuturedevelopablesites.
ToachieveandexceedWestminstershousingtargetsitisnecessarytoprotectexisting
housingandbringforwardnewhousingasappropriateacrossthecity.Thismeansthat
schemeswhichretainorincreasetheoverallhousingfloorspaceshouldnotreducethe
numberofresidentialunitsasthiswouldreducethenumberofhomesinthecity.
AffordablehousingisanexceptionasWestminstersownhousingstockisdominatedbyone
andtwobedroomunits;whilstneedisfocusedontwoandthreebedroomunits.Formerly
convertedhouseswhichwouldprovidefamilysizedhomeswillalsobeanexception
becauseoftheshortageoffamilyhomeswithgardensinthecityandthebenefitssuchde
conversionwouldbringtoprovidingarangeofaccommodation.Thisalsocreatesa
Page87
flexibilityandsustainabilitywithinthehousingstockfordifferentsizesandtypesof
accommodationtobeprovidedthroughoutabuildingslifetime.
28,000
26,000
24,000
22,000
20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
2025/26
2026/27
2027/28
2028/29
2029/30
2030/31
2031/32
2032/33
2033/34
2034/35
2035/36
2036/37
515yrlandsupply Allowanceforsmallschemes
Allowanceforwindfall10+schemes Vacantunits
Nonselfcontained CumulativeTotal
CumulativeLondonPlanTarget

F IGURE 37 W ESTMINSTER S H OUSINGTRAJECTORY
WestminsterwillbeabletomeettheLondonPlantargetof1,068unitsfromallsources.
Thisgraphisbasedonthe15yearLandSupplyAssessment2016/172036/37includedin
theAuthoritysMonitoringReport2012/13,plusanallowanceforwindfallsitesof10or
moreunitsandanallowanceforsitesyielding19units.Italsoincludessourcesofnon
conventionalhousing:bringingvacanthomesbackintouseandnonselfcontainedhousing.
Westminsterhaslocalcircumstanceswhichjustifyincludinganallowanceforwindfallsand
smallersites,andthatthesecanlegitimatelybeincludedinthetrajectoryassetoutinthe
spatialstrategy.ThejustificationissetoutinAppendix4,andisbasedonthefollowing:
The15yearLandSupplyAssessmentsincludesiteswhichareexpectedtodeliver10or
moreresidentialunits.However,93%ofhousingsitesinthecityyieldlessthan10
units,andthesesmallsiteshaveyieldedabout25%ofnewhomesinthecity.
Historically,windfallshaveaccountedfor80%ofhousingdeliveredinthecity.
However,the15yearLandSupplyAssessmentswillnowcapturemanyofthesesites
andtherewillbelesswindfallsfromthelossofofficessoafarlowerproportionof
newhousingfromthissourceneedstobeprojectedintothefuture.
Page88
TheinclusionofthesewindfallandsmallsitesallowancesreflectstheadviceintheNational
PlanningPolicyFrameworkassuchsiteshaveconsistentlycomeforwardandwillcontinue
toprovideareliablesourceofhousing.Itisbasedonnewdevelopmentandconversions,
anddoesnotrelyondevelopmentofresidentialgardens.The5yearhousinglandsupply
includesanadditional5%buffertoensurechoiceandcompetition,althoughasmostsitesin
Westminsterareavailableforhousing,thiswillincludeanelementofwindfallsassetout
above.
Thecouncilhaslostsinglefamilyhousestoconversionandredevelopmenttoflats,andnow
houseswithgardensformonly10%ofWestminstershousingstock.Thesehousescanmeet
theneedsoffamilieswishingtoliveinWestminsterandoftenmakeanimportant
contributiontothecharacterandfunctionofconservationareas.Whilstconversionsand
redevelopmentsofsinglefamilyhomestoflattedaccommodationincreasesthenumberof
residentialunits,theycanalsohaveadetrimentaleffectoncharacterandfunctionof
streetsandareas,leadtoproblemswithresidentialamenityandmaynotprovidean
appropriatemixandsizeofunits.
Landandbuildingsshouldbeusedefficiently,andlargerdevelopmentsitesshouldoptimise
thenumberofunitsinschemes,takingintoaccountotherpoliciesandobjectives.Housing
densitiesshouldreflectthedensitiessetoutintheLondonPlan.CityManagementpolicy
willaddresshousingdensitiestobeappliedtodevelopmentsitesindifferentpartsofthe
city.
PoliciesrelatingtoSpecialPolicyAreas(PolicyS2),theOpportunityAreas(PoliciesS3,S4and
S5),CoreCAZandtheWestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea(PoliciesS6andS7),North
WestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea(PolicyS12)andOfficesandotherB1Floorspace
(S20)haveotherprioritiesinsteadof,orinadditiontohousing.
CrossreferencetoPolicyS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S20Officesandother
B1Floorspace;Appendix1ProposalsSites:StrategicSitesforHousing.
M EETING H OUSING N EEDS
4.10 Westminstershousingneedsanddemandsareassessedinaregionalandsub
regionalcontextviasthisishowthehousingmarketworksinpractice.Theseassessments
informthecouncilspolicyapproach.
4.11 Westminsterhasalowerproportionofresidentsagedunder20andover60years
thanLondonorEnglandasawhole.Thisisexpectedtoshiftovertheperiodto2028,witha
growthinthenumbersofchildrenandyoungpeople,particularlychildrenunderfivevii.
Page89
AlmosthalfofWestminsterspopulationlivein
onepersonhouseholds,andabout12%ofthe
populationareinovercrowdedhomes.About
12%ofhouseholdscontainmemberswith
supportneedsi.e.haveaphysicaldisability,are
frailelderly,orhaveamentalhealthproblemviii.
4.12 Westminsterhasthesecondhighest
housepricesinthecountry,andtheneedfor
newaffordablehousingissignificantlyabovethe
InnerLondonaverageix.Intermsofunitsizes,
thereareshortfallsforallsizes,butnewtwoand
threebedroomhomesareparticularlyneededin
boththeaffordableandowner/occupiersectorsx.
POLICYS15MEETINGHOUSINGNEEDS
Residentialdevelopmentswillprovideanappropriatemixofunitsintermsofsize,type,
andaffordablehousingprovisiontocontributetowardsmeetingWestminstershousing
needs,andcreatingmixedcommunities.
Hostels,HousesinMultipleOccupation,andspecialisthousingfloorspacewillbe
protected.Provisionofspecialisthousingwillbeallowedwherethiswouldcontribute
towardsmeetinglocalhousingneeds.
Allspecialisthousingfloorspaceandunitswillbeprotectedtomeetthosespecificneeds
exceptwheretheaccommodationisneededtomeetdifferentresidentialneedsaspartof
apublishedstrategybyalocalserviceprovider.Wherethisexceptionapplies,changesof
usewillonlybetoresidentialcareornursinghomes,hostel,HousesinMultiple
Occupationordwellinghousesuse.
Housingdevelopmentsneedtoprovideanappropriatemixofunits,intermsofunitsize,
typeandtenure,includingsocialandintermediatehousingprovision,toaddress
Westminstershousingrequirementsassetoutinregionalandsubregionalassessmentsxi.
Theseassessmentsincludeneedsforspecialisthousingsuchasextracareunitsforthe
elderlyandhousingforpeopleusingwheelchairs,orwithothermobilityimpairments.This
approachalsorecognisestheneedforhostelaccommodationforvulnerablepeople,andthe
rolethatHousesinMultipleOccupation(HMOs)playinprovidingaffordable
Page90
accommodationinthecity.Housingmixandspecialisthousing,includinghostelsandHMOs,
willbeconsideredindetailinCityManagementpolicy.
Itisimportanttosafeguardspecialisthousingbecauseneedislikelytoincreaseinthe
future,particularlywithanageingpopulation.However,thistypeofaccommodationcan
becomeobsoletebecauseofitslayout,orchangesinthedeliveryoflocalservicesorthe
clientgroupitwasintendedtoserve.Thereforeflexibilityisrequiredinordertodeliverthe
publishedstrategiesoflocalserviceproviders.
AFFORDABLEHOUSING
4.13 Westminsterisoneofthemostexpensiveplacesinthecountryinwhichtorentor
purchaseahome,withpricesof510millionnotuncommon.Averagehousepricesare
doublethatforthewholeofLondonandovertentimestheaverageWestminster
householdincomexii.Becauseofthis,Westminsterhasanacuteneedforaffordablehomes,
inboththesocialandintermediatesectors.Anadditional5,600socialrentedhomes(or
otheraffordablehousingtomeettheneedsofthoseeligibleforsocialhousing)wouldbe
requiredannuallytomeetdemandxiii.Thereistypicallyawaitinglistofabout5,500
householdsinpriorityneedforsocialhousing,andafurther20,000householdswhodonot
qualifyforsocialhousingandcannotaffordmarkethousing.
4.14 Regionalguidancesetsoutanobjectiveofa60:40splitforsocialandintermediate
provision.Withinthisstrategicframework,CityManagementpolicywillsetoutwhat
proportionsofsocialandintermediatehousingwillbeappliedtoindividualschemes.
4.15 UnlikeotherLondonboroughs,thehighpriceoflandinWestminstermeansthat
RegisteredProviders(RPs)aregenerallyunabletopurchaselandinthecity.Westminster,
therefore,reliesheavilyonprivatehousingdevelopmenttoprovideopportunitiesfor
affordablehousinginpartnershipwithRPs,withsuchdevelopmentsaccountingfor94%of
newaffordablehomesinWestminsterxiv.However,duetothehighlybuiltupnatureof
Westminsterandtheshortageoflargedevelopmentsites,93%ofresidentialdevelopments
givenplanningpermissionbetween2006and2008werebelowthe10unitthresholdfor
provisionofaffordablehousingxv.
POLICYS16AFFORDABLEHOUSING
Affordablehousingandfloorspacethatisusedorwaslastusedasaffordablehousing
willbeprotected.
Thecouncilwillaimtoexceed30%ofnewhomestobeaffordablehomes,andwillwork
withitspartnerstofacilitateandoptimisethedeliveryofnewaffordablehomes.
Page91
Proposalsforhousingdevelopmentsofeither10ormoreadditionalunitsorover1,000
sqmadditionalresidentialfloorspacewillbeexpectedtoprovideaproportionofthe
floorspaceasaffordablehousing.
Theaffordablehousingwillbeprovidedonsite.Wherethecouncilconsidersthatthisis
notpracticalorviable,theaffordablehousingshouldbeprovidedoffsiteinthevicinity.
Offsiteprovisionbeyondthevicinityofthedevelopmentwillonlybeacceptablewhere
thecouncilconsidersthattheaffordablehousingprovisionisgreaterandofahigher
qualitythanwouldbepossibleonoroffsiteinthevicinity,andwhereitwouldnotadd
toanexistinglocalisedconcentrationofsocialhousing,assetoutinCityManagement
policy.
Theacuteshortageofaffordablehousing,andthedifficultyindevelopingitinWestminster,
meansthatallaffordablehousingfloorspacemustbesafeguardedandwillneedtobe
replacedasaffordablehousinguponredevelopment.Althoughthiswillnormallybesocial
andintermediatehousingunits;itwillalsoincludespecialistprovision(includingnonself
containedaccommodation)forspecificgroupssuchastheelderlyorkeyworkers,ifthe
chargesmadetoresidentsaresubstantiallybelowmarketlevels.
WestminstershousingcapacityfiguresshowthatWestminstercannotmeetitsaffordable
housingneedof5,600additionalaffordablehomesperannumxvi.However,thispolicywill
helpthecounciltoachievethecurrentandfutureboroughtargetsandmaximiseits
contributiontowardstheMayorstargetofproviding13,200affordablehomesinLondon
p.a.
Thecouncilwishestoincreasetheamountofaffordablehomesdeliveredinthecityand
makeanappropriatecontributiontomeetingwiderregionalhousingneedsandhas
thereforemonitoredandanalysedtheimpactofthepreviousaffordablehousingpolicyin
ordertoinformthedevelopmentofthispolicyandovercomeanyconstraintstoprovision.
Theseconstraintfactorsandtheneedtofacilitateratherthanconstrainhousingdelivery
throughoverlyonerouspolicyrequirementshavebeentakenintoaccountindetermining
thethresholdandcalculationmethodfortheaffordablehousingpolicy.
Between2005/06and2010/11,22%ofnewhomescompletedinWestminsterwere
affordable.ThisreflectsthelackofRegisteredProviderledschemesandthepredominance
ofsmallschemesbelowtheaffordablehousingthresholdinWestminster.Thefiveyearlist
ofdeliverablesitesover10unitsxviiindicatesthat33%ofnewhomesonthelistwillbe
affordable.However,ifanallowanceforsitesoflessthan10unitsisincluded(historically
Page92
about93%ofsitesarelessthan10units,yieldingabout25%oftotalunits)thisreducesthe
affordablehousingproportiontoabout25%overthenextfiveyears.
Thecouncilwillseektoincreasetheproportionofaffordablehomesdeliveredbetween
2012/13and2026/27toexceed30%.Thisisastrategictargetfortheproportionofall
housingtobeprovidedasaffordablehousing.Itisnotaspecifictargettobeappliedto
individualdevelopmentsites,andrepresentsaffordablehousingfromallsourcesincluding
thecouncilsowndevelopments.Theincreasedtarget(fromthecurrentlyachieved22%of
allhousingupto30%)isbasedon:
evidencethatthe22%wasachievablewithinthecontextoftheUnitaryDevelopment
PlanpolicyframeworkandthathousingincentralLondonhasastrongdemandasan
investmentandresidentiallandvaluescomparefavourablywiththecommercial
market;
evidencefromthe515yearhousingdeliveryschedulesanddiscussionswith
developersandotherstakeholdersindicateapipelineofdevelopmentsiteswhichwill
achieveaffordablehousing;
theintroductionofa1,000sqmthresholdwhichintheWestminstercontextis
effectivelyaloweringofthe10unitthresholdandwillbringmoreschemesintothe
requirementrange;
havingafloorspaceproportionratherthanaunitproportion,whichisexpectedto
increasethenumberofunitsprovidedinindividualschemes;and
workingwithpartnersontheHousingRenewalProgrammeandotherschemesto
buildnewaffordablehomesonunderusedhousingestateland.
Beyond2012,thecouncilisconfidentthatthese
policies,togetherwiththecouncilsHousingRenewal
Programme,willyieldanincreaseinaffordable
provisionto30%ofoverallhousingdelivery.The
councilwillreviewtheimpactofthesepoliciesinorder
tosustainandincreasethisproportionwhenthe
HousingRenewalProgrammeends.However,the
councilwillkeepthestrategicaffordablehousing
targetunderreviewtoensureitremainsdeliverable,
includingthetransitiontoaWestminstersCommunity
InfrastructureLevy(CIL),theHousingRenewal
Programme,nationalandregionalchangesand
monitoringdatathroughtheAuthoritysMonitoring
Page93
Reportandotherevidence.
ResidentialplanningapplicationsinWestminsterarecharacterisedbyapredominanceof
largemarketunits.Theaveragesizeofaresidentialunitgivenpermissionbetween2005/6
and2007/8wasabout129sqm,withmarketunitsaveragingapproximately140sqm,
comparedtoanaverageof70sqmforaffordablehousingxviii.Thismeansthatitisnot
generallyappropriatetouseaunitcalculationforeitherthethresholdatwhichaffordable
housingwillberequired,orthecalculationoftheproportionofaffordablehousingtobe
provided.Instead,afloorspacecalculationforboththethresholdandtheproportion
requiredwillbeafairermethodandshouldincreasetheproportionandnumberof
affordablehomesdeliveredinthecity.
Theintroductionofafloorspacethresholdin
additiontotheunitthresholdisonesuch
mechanism.Itwillbringmoreschemesintothe
requirementrangebyeffectivelyloweringthe
previous10unitthresholdapplicablein
Westminster,toathresholdreflectingsites
capacitytoprovide10units,whilstleavingthe
choiceopentodeveloperstoprovidelargerunits
iftheysowish.A1,000sqmthresholdhasbeen
testedintheWestminsterAffordableHousing
ViabilityStudyandisconsideredtobeviable.The
Studyalsoassessedtheviabilityofthefloorspace
approachtocalculatingtheproportionof
affordablehousingrequiredondifferenttypesof
residentialschemes.Theseproportionswillbe
setoutinCityManagementpolicy.
Itisconsideredthatahousingdevelopmentof1,000sqmgrossexternalfloorspace
representsasitewhichhasacapacitytoprovide10ormorehomesxix.Theaverageunitsize
measuredingrossexternalfloorspaceinWestminsteris129sqm.Regionalguidanceusesa
benchmarkfigureof66sqmnetxxwhichequatestoabout80sqmgrossexternalfloorspace.
Athresholdof800sqmmayundulyconstrainthemarketintermsofunitsizesprovided.For
example,a9unitschemewithdwellingsof88sqm(grossexternalfloorspace)wouldbe
belowboththe10unitandthe1,000sqmthreshold,andthusencouragetheproductionof
fairlysmallunitsizes(approximately67sqmnet),contrarytomarketdemand,andina
contextofanidentifiedsurplusofonebedroomunitsinthemarketsectorinWestminsterxxi.
However,themidrangethresholdof1,000sqmisintendedtoencouragetheprovisionof
qualityhomeswhichmeetmarketdemands,withoutincentivisingtheproductionofvery
largehomesfortheluxurymarket.
Page94
Itisthereforeconsideredthatathresholdof1,000sqmoffloorspacerepresenting10flats
of100sqm(approximately82sqmnetfloorspace)isanappropriatemidpointbetweenthe
abovefigures,andisareasonableandfairinterpretationoftheLondonPlanpolicyinthe
Westminstercontext.
Existinghousingestatescan,inappropriatecircumstances,provideopportunitiesfornew
infilldevelopmentandredevelopmenttohigherdensities.TheHousingRenewal
Programmeisacouncilledprojecttobuildupto500newhomesonitsownestatesupto
2026/27.Themajorityofthesenewhomeswillbeaffordablehomesandwilltherefore
contributetomeetingWestminstersaffordablehousingtargetsoverthenexttenyears.
LocalitiesinWestminsterwithhighconcentrationsofsocialhousingarealsothosewhich
sufferthegreatestdeprivation.Thecouncilisworkingwithpartnerstotackledeprivation;
improvingthemixofhousingtypes,tenures,andrangeofincomesintheseareaswill
contributetotheseaims.ThecouncilwillalsoengagewithRegisteredProviderstobring
forwardsimilarprojects.

Theaffordablehousingrequirementsshouldbeprovidedonsitetocreatemixedand
sustainablecommunities.Wherethisisnotpossible,providingtheaffordablehousinginthe
vicinitywillcontributetowardssociallybalancedcommunities.However,theremaybe
circumstanceswherethisisnotpossibleorthecouncilconsidersabetteroptiontobe
available.Inthesecircumstances,thecouncilwilltakeintoaccountthedifferinglandvalues
betweenthedonorsiteandtheaffordablehousingsitewhencalculatingtheoffsite
affordablefloorspace.CityManagementpolicywillprovidedetailedpolicyforoffsite
provisionanddefinelocalisedconcentrationsofsocialhousing.
TheAffordableHousingFundplaysanessentialroleintheprovisionofaffordablehousingin
WestminsterbybridgingthefundinggapbetweentheMayoralHomesandCommunities
Agencyfunding(previouslyfundingbytheHousingCorporation)foraffordableunitsin
Westminster,andtheactualRegisteredProvidersbuildcostsofthoseunits.Withoutthis
Page95
topupfromtheaffordablehousingfund,fewerorlesssuitableaffordableunitswouldbe
built,e.g.lessfamilysizedunits.ItalsocontributestotheSettledHomesInitiativewhich
providespermanenthousingfromtemporaryaccommodation.Contributionstothefund
comefromtwosources:paymentsinlieuofaffordablehousingprovisionandpaymentsin
lieuofgeneralresidentialprovisionrequiredbythemixedusepolicy.ByMarch2009,
contributionstotallingnearly65mhadbeenplacedinthefund;about22mhadalready
beenspentand30.5mwasprecommittedtonamedschemes(endofyearfiguresfor
2008).Thisleft14.2muncommitted,butthereareanumberoflargeschemesduetocome
forwardwhichmayrequireadditionalfunding,aswellastheHousingRenewalProgramme
whichwillrequireuseoftheseandfutureaffordablehousingfunds.However,financial
contributionsinlieuofaffordablehousingprovisionisanoptionthatthecouncilwillonly
acceptifalltheabovecascadeoptionshavebeenthoroughlyexploredandproved
impracticalorunfeasible.
GYPSIESANDTRAVELLERS
4.16 DuetothebuiltupnatureofWestminster,thescarcityofland,andthelackof
industrialland,therearecurrentlynosuitablesitesforGypsiesandTravellers.The
requirementfortheprovisionofGypsyandTravellerspitchesissetoutataregionallevel,
andthereisnolocalneedforpitchestobeprovidedwithinWestminsterxxii.Itisvery
unlikelythattherewillbeanysuitablesitesavailableinthefuture.Thisisbecausethereis
novacantlandinWestminster.Housingsitesarealreadydevelopedsites.The615yearlist
ofdevelopablehousingsitesdoesnotincludeanyvacantland.Inaddition,becauseofits
centrallocation,housinglandinWestminsterisdevelopedtohighdensitiessosomevery
smallsitescanprovidelargenumbersofnewhomes.Therefore,althoughWestminsterhas
substantialhousingcapacity(770unitsperannum);itdoesnothavesubstantialamountsof
land.Ofthe96sitesidentifiedinthe515yearlandsupplyassessment,only27areover
0.3haandofthese21havevalidplanningpermissionsforresidential/mixeduse.Ofthe
othersixsites,oneislikelytobedevelopedforhospitalandstaffandstudent
accommodation;twoareintheWestEndareaandalreadyhavebuildingsonthem,andare
notappropriatesites;oneisacouncilhousingsitetoberedevelopedtoahigherdensity;
andtheremainingtwositesarecurrentlyinsocialandcommunityuse.
POLICYS17GYPSIESANDTRAVELLERS
PermissionforGypsyandTravellersitesmaybegrantedsubjecttotheimpacton
residentialamenity,townscape,trafficandparking.
Page96
NositeshavebeenallocatedforGypsyandTravellerpitches,reflectingthedenselybuilt
upnatureofthecityandscarcityofvacantland.Temporarysitesmaybecomeavailableas
partoftheredevelopmentprocess.Thepolicyprovidesthecriteriaforassessingany
proposalsforpitches.Theprotectionofresidentialamenityandtownscapeisvitally
importantinWestminsterduetoitsdensehistoricurbanfabricwithitsextensiveheritage
designations.Criteriaarerequiredtoensurethatthesearenotcompromised.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS29Health,SafetyandWellbeing;S25Heritage;S42Servicing
andDeliveries.
i
CensusMidYearEstimate2007
ii
GLAProjections(High)
iii
TheGLALowProjectionssuggestthatthepopulationofWestminsterwillbe233,800in2028;theGLAHigh
Projectionssuggestthatitwillbe243,000(about420peryear);theOfficeofNationalStatisticssuggestthat
itwillbe333,400by2028(about4,760peryear)howeverthisisbasedonunconstrainedgrowthofthe
population.Inreality,thegrowthofWestminsterspopulationwillbeconstrainedbydevelopmentcapacity
i.e.theavailabilityofnewhomes.ItisconsideredthatthemostlikelypopulationgrowthforWestminsteris
betweentheGLAHighProjectionandtheONSProjectionbutclosertothelowerfigure,basedondeliveryof
680newhomesperyearonaverage.
iv
NorthLondonSubRegionStrategicHousingMarketAssessment,2009
v
LondonPlan2015.
vi
NorthLondonSubRegionStrategicHousingMarketAssessment,2009
vii
PublicHealthAnnualReport2006/2007
viii
ix
x
xi
NorthLondonSubRegionStrategicHousingMarketAssessment,2009andLondonStrategicHousingMarket
Assessment
xii
xiii
xiv
AnnualMonitoringReport2007/08,Table3.3
xv
AnnualMonitoringReport2007/08,Figure3.2
xvi
xvii
AssetoutintheAnnualMonitoringReport2010/11
xviii
WestminsterCityCouncilRespipe2005/0607/08
xix
LondonPlanPolicy3A.11Affordablehousingthresholds
xx
GLAAffordableHousingToolkit
xxi
xxii
LondonBoroughsGypsyandTravellerAccommodationNeedsAssessment,2008
Page97
BUSINESSANDEMPLOYMENT

F IGURE 38 B USINESSAND E CONOMY
4.17 TheCityofWestminster,intheheartofLondon,playsadefinitiveroleinLondons
economy,accommodatingmorejobsthananyotherlocalauthority,andproviding
opportunitiesforinvestment,enterpriseandcreativity.Employingover600,000people
acrossawiderangeofsectors,thelocaleconomyisbothsignificantanddiversei.
WestminsterhasmoreemployeesintheUKanditsemploymentdensityissecondhighest
behindtheCityofLondon.Over60%ofWestminstersemployeesandGVAareinjusttwo
wards:StJamessandWestEnd.Westminsterneedstoremaincompetitiveasabusiness
locationwithinacontextofincreasingglobalisationandcompetitionfromotherEuropean
andinternationalcities,andfluctuationsineconomiccircumstancesandcycles.
4.18 Westminsterisprojectedtoaccommodategrowthinemploymentofbetween
77,000and100,000jobsbetween2016/17to2036/37ii.Thereissignificantdevelopmentfor
newjobstobecreatedwithintheOpportunityAreas.Therewillbecapacityforafurther
5,000newjobswithinPaddington(capacityforover27,000jobshasalreadybeencreated),
4,000newjobsinVictoria,and5,000newjobswithinTottenhamCourtRoad(sharedwith
theLondonBoroughofCamden).IncreasesinjobsarealsosoughtwithintheCoreCentral
Page98
ActivitiesZoneandNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea,particularlyChurch
Street,EdgwareRoadandHarrowRoad.
4.19 Jobsmayalsobecreatedthroughtheincreaseincomparisongoodsretailfloorspace.
MostofthisretailfloorspacewillbedirectedtotheWestEndSpecialRetailPolicyAreaand,
toalesserextent,otherpartsoftheCoreCentralActivitiesZoneincludingtheKnightsbridge
InternationalShoppingCentre.
4.20 TheCreativeIndustriesareamajorelementinWestminsterseconomyand
Westminsterisoneofthemostcreativehubsintheworld.SevenpercentoftheUKs
CreativeIndustriesemployeesworkinWestminster.Sohoaloneaccountsforabout11%of
thecreativeturnoveroftheentireUK,andmakesup20%ofLondonsnewcreativejobs.
MayfairandStJamessisthelargestconcentratedartmarketintheworldwithover150
retailgalleriesandthreemajorauctionhouses,andthreeofBritainstoppublicgalleriesin
thevicinity.ItisalsohometoasignificantproportionoftheUKsantiquetrade.Sohois
hometoaninternationallyimportantclusteroffilmandtelevisionrelatedbusinesses.
About90%offilmandhighenddramaVisualEffectsaredonebycompaniesbasedinSoho
orjustnorthofOxfordStreet.Nineofthetop10(and30ofthetop50)televisualpost
productionhousesintheUKarealsobasedinSoho,withafurther7elsewherein
WestminsterItcontinuestoevolveandgrow,forexamplerecentconsolidationasaglobal
leaderinmensfashionwiththetakeupofanumberofkeystreets.Westminsteralso
accommodatesathirdofLondonsadvertisingemployment.Westminstersattractionto
CreativeIndustriesisitscentrality,connectivity,densityofbusinessandconsumersand
availabilityoftalentiii.ProtectingandenhancingtheCreativeIndustriesisapriorityiv;
however,theydonotfallwithinaspecificuseclassandthereforerequireacustomised
approach.In2007,about63%ofCreativeIndustriesoperatedfromB1UseClassunitsanda
further17%occupiedA1UseClassretailunitsv.However,theavailabilityofothertypesof
businessfloorspaceremainsimportanttothediversityandfunctioningofthissector.
4.21 However,therearelimitstothelevelofgrowththatcanrealisticallybeachieveddue
tothealreadydenselydevelopedbuiltform,transportcapacity,theneedtoretainallareas
ofopenspaceandtheneedfornewdevelopmenttobeappropriatetoitscontext,
particularlyinrelationtothemixofusesandhistoricfabricofmuchofthecity.Therefore,
growthneedstobedirectedtothemostappropriatelocationsinWestminster,andthe
appropriatebalancebetweencommercialfloorspaceandresidentialneedstobestruck,
particularlyforWestminsterscorecommercialareas.
POLICYS18COMMERCIALDEVELOPMENT
CommercialDevelopmentwillbeencouragedanddirectedtoPaddington,Victoriaand
TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityAreas,theCoreCentralActivitiesZone,theNamed
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Streets,theNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentAreaanddesignatedShopping
Centres.
Thecouncilwillworktoexceedthetargetofadditionalfloorspacecapacityforatleast
77,000newjobs(1,200,000sqmcommercialfloorspace)between2016/17and2036/37,
anaverageof3,850newjobsperannum.Commercialandothernonresidentialactivityis
thepriorityintheCoreCentralActivitiesZone.
Proposalsfornewcommercialusesmustbeappropriateintermsofscaleandintensityof
landuses,andcharacterandfunctionofthearea.AlthoughthepriorityforCoreCAZ,the
OpportunityAreasandtheNamedStreetsiscommercial,whereresidentialstreetsand
areaswithinthoseareasarewhollyresidential,commercialencroachmentisnot
appropriate.
WestminsteristheeconomicpowerhouseoftheUK,withthebusinessactivitycentred
aroundtheWestEnd.Itspreeminentrolemustbeprotectedandenhancedforthebenefit
oftheeconomy,WestminsterandLondonsglobalreputationasaplaceforbusinessandto
visit,andtonurturetheuniquebusinessclustersthatexistandwillevolveinthefuture.The
WestEndCommission,reportingin2013,recognisedtheimportanceoftheroleoftheWest
Endasamajoreconomicassetanditsuniqueness,butalsorecognisedthechallengesthat
neededtobeaddressedinthefuture.Thelossofcommercialfloorspacefailstomeetthe
needsofneitherWestminstersbusinesscommunitynorthosewhoareseekingaWestEnd
location.Thisisdetrimentaltotheeconomy,drivinguprentsandreducingsupply.
Ultimately,atscale,itwillbedetrimentaltotheeconomyofLondonandtheUKmore
widelyifallowedtocontinue.
Abalancemustalsobestruckbetweenbusinessandresidentialactivityinthisstrategically
importantarea.Housingisanimportantpartofthemixofthearea,buttoomuchhousing
canerodetheagglomerationbenefitswhichmaketheWestEndandOpportunityAreasso
successful,andleadtounrealisticexpectationsofresidentialamenitywhichisnot
compatiblewithmeetinglegitimatebusinessneeds.
Ensuringdeliveryagainstthestrategictargetforjobswillensurethattheneedsofthe
businesscommunityaremetthroughgrowthofWestminsterscommercialfloorspace.
However,thetargetisaminimum,inthecontextofcurrentlyidentifieddevelopment
capacityandongoingpolicydevelopment.ThepriorityfortheCoreCAZ,NamedStreetsand
OpportunityAreasiscommercialfloorspace.Weareworkingandwillcontinuetoworkwith
partnerstoincreasethistargetandmeetobjectivelyassessedbusinessneeds.
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Thispolicyapproachencouragesthegrowthofcommercialusesinthecontextofthe
alreadydenselybuiltformofpredominantlyhumanscale,mixedusecharacterincluding
residential,andthehistoricfabricofmuchofWestminster.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS3,S4andS5fortheOpportunityAreas;S6CoreCentral
ActivitiesZone;S8MaryleboneandFitzrovia;S12NorthWestminsterEconomic
DevelopmentArea.
EMPLOYMENT
4.21 Westminsterisacityofgreatwealthandgreatpoverty.Aflourishinglocaleconomy,
andeconomicallyactiveresidentsarecrucialtodeliveringsustainabledevelopment,
addressingbotheconomicandsocialobjectives.Akeypartofthisistogiveexistingand
emerginglocalbusinessesthechancetosucceed,whileprovidingalocal,accessibleand
skilledworkforce.Amoreskilledresidentworkforcewillallowresidentstoengageinthe
widereconomywithinWestminster,whichoftenreliesonskilledworkerscommutinginto
thecityduringthedaytofilljobs.Removingbarrierstoemploymentforlocalresidentshas
significantbenefitsforhealthandlifeexpectancy,mentalandphysicalwellbeing,life
chancesincludingforchildren,supportoflocalshopsandservicesthroughincreasedlocal
spendingpowerandareductiontothepublicpurseofbenefits,theNHSandotherpublic
servicesandsupport.
POLICYS19INCLUSIVELOCALECONOMYANDEMPLOYMENT
Whereappropriate,newdevelopmentwillcontributetowardsinitiativesthatprovide
employment,trainingandskillsdevelopmentforlocalresidentsandensurethatlocal
peopleandcommunitiesbenefitfromopportunitieswhicharegeneratedfrom
development.
Westminsteriscommittedtoenhancingthequalityoflifeofitsresidentsandtackling
inequalitiesanddeprivation.Asignificantpartofthisentailsremovingbarrierstothe
growthofsustainablecommunities,intheformofaccesstoskills,trainingandemployment
tofostereconomicandsocialvitalityanddiversity,andimprovedlifechancesfor
Westminstersresidents.Opportunitiesarisingfromdevelopmentincludeboththe
constructionandoperationalphases.
Page101
O FFICESAND B USINESS F LOORSPACE
4.22 OfficesaresupportedasastrategicuseinWestminster.Westminstersofficestockis
thelargestintheUK(9millionsqm,comparedto7.54millionsqmintheCityofLondonvi)
andthelocalofficemarketisdescribedasDiverse,ResilientandGlobalvii.Incontrast
totheCityofLondonandCanaryWharf,Westminstersofficemarketcomprisesamixof
offices,rangingfromverysmalltraditionalofficesinheritagebuildingstolargemodern
floorplateofficesandeverythinginbetween,andthereforecatersforthefullrangeof
occupiers.Intheperiodleadinguptothe2008recession,primeWestEndofficerentswere
thehighestintheworldbyaconsiderablemargin.Historically,theofficemarkethas
performedwellthroughouttheeconomiccycles,includingbotheconomicgrowthand
recessions.Thishighlightstheneedfora
longtermpolicyapproach.Research
indicatesthatthestrengthofWestminster
asabusinesslocationliesinitsprestige,
historicenvironment,uniquecharacter,
diversityofusesandsustainabilityviii.
4.23 Between1996and2010/11,office
floorspacewithinWestminsterincreased,
withmuchofthesegainsbeingwithinthe
PaddingtonOpportunityArea.TheCore
CentralActivitiesZone(CoreCAZ),
particularlytheWestEnd,accommodates
thegreatestproportionofWestminsters
officestock,withanetincreaseinthe
overallamountofofficefloorspaceof
70,400sqmbetween1996and2010/11.
Theproportionofthetotalfloorspace
withinCoreCAZwhichisinofficeuseremainedrelativelystableduringthisperiod,ranging
between48%and51%ofthetotalfloorspacebetween1983and2009/10.Howevera
sustainedperiodofofficelossesbeganinthe2010/11monitoringperiod,indicativeof
unprecedentedchangestomarketconditionslinkedtotheexceptionallystrong
performanceofthehousingmarket.Thisresultedinthelossofasignificantamountof
officefloorspacewiththelossof167,000sqminthefouryears2010/11to2013/14.If
continuedunchecked,thiswouldhavehadirreparablydamagedUKseconomiccore.
4.24 ThestrategicapproachtocommercialandresidentialfloorspaceintheCAZwas
changedin2015toensurethattherightmixandbalanceofuseswassecuredtosupporta
sustainableanddiverseeconomy.Crucialtoachievingthisbalanceisrecognisingthe
Page102
importanceoftheagglomerationbenefitsoftheuniqueclustersofcommercialactivity,and
theiroverlapandcomingtogethertocreatetheplaceslikeSoho,Mayfair,StJamessand
CoventGardenthataresoattractivetobusinesses,workers,visitorsandresidentsalike.
4.25 Workersarealsochangingworkpracticesandbecomingmoreflexible,particularly
smallbusinesses.Withincreasingselfemploymentandcontractors,workersareworking
fromavarietyofspacesratherthanrentinganoffice,suchascafes,home,andenterprise
hubswhereanhourlyormonthlyfeeispaidtouseflexibleofficeandmeetingspaceswhich
alsoprovidethebenefitofnetworkingandbusinessandentrepreneurialsupportand
mentoring.Highqualityinternetconnectionsarecrucialforthistypeofworking.
POLICYS20OFFICESANDOTHERB1FLOORSPACE
ThecouncilwillworktoexceedthetargetofadditionalB1Officefloorspacecapacityfor
atleast58,000newjobs(774,000sqmB1officefloorspace)between2016/17and
2036/37,anaverageof2,900newjobsperannum.
NewofficedevelopmentwillbedirectedtoPaddington,VictoriaandTottenhamCourt
RoadOpportunityAreas,theCoreCentralActivitiesZone,theNamedStreets,andthe
NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea.
InsidetheCoreCentralActivitiesZone,OpportunityAreasandtheNamedStreets,
changesofusefromofficetoresidentialorreplacementofofficefloorspacewith
residentialfloorspacewillonlybeacceptablewherethecouncilconsidersthatthe
benefitsoftheproposaloutweighthecontributionmadebytheofficefloorspace,
including:
1. thedegreetowhichtheemploymentandhousingtargetssetoutabove,andas
referredtoinPoliciesS18andS14,orinthecaseoftheVictoriaandPaddington
OpportunityAreas,thetargetssetoutinPoliciesS3andS4arebeingachieved;
2. theextenttowhichtheofficefloorspacecontributestomeetingWestminsters
businessandemploymentneeds;and
3. theextenttowhichthemixoftype,sizeandtenureofhousingproposedmeetsor
exceedsWestminstersneeds.Wherethisisnotmetduetositeconstraintsand/or
viability,thefloorspacewillberetainedasB1officefloorspace.
Otherrelevantbenefitsmayrelatetothesignificantbenefittothevalueofheritageassets
and/orsignificanttownscapeimprovements,buttheseandanyotherbenefitswillbe
consideredinthecontextoftheprioritytoretainofficefloorspace.
Whereappropriate,thecouncilwillrequestarangeofbusinessfloorspaceincluding
workshopsandstudios.
Page103
Westminstercontributesapproximately9millionsqmofofficefloorspacetoLondonand
theUKsstock;thelargestandmostdiverseofficeagglomerationinthecountryandoneof
themostsignificantglobally.However,therewerelossesofofficefloorspacesince2010/11,
atrendthatwilltakesometimetoreverseduetothesignificantnumberofofficelosses
grantedpermissionbetween2010/11andSeptember2015.Giventheimportanceofthis
officeandwidercommercialagglomeration,itiscrucialthathousingdoesnotdisplace
officeswithinthecorecommercialareasandthatthepriorityremainsforcommercialuses.
Afteremploymentcapacityhasrecoveredinlinewiththeemploymenttargetsandan
appropriatebalanceofusesisreestablished,commercialfloorspacewillstillbethepriority
intheCoreCAZ,NamedStreetsandOpportunityAreas,andlossofofficestohousingwill
onlybeacceptablewherethebenefitsoutweighthedisbenefits,asassessedinthewider
contextoftheprioritisationofthecorecommercialareasforcommercialusesandactivities.
Examplesmightincludeimprovedtownscapevalue,whichwillbeofmoresignificanceina
contextofstrongofficeandcommercialfloorspacedeliverythanwhilethereispoordelivery
againstcommercialtargets.Similarly,heritageconsiderationswillalsodependonthelevel
ofsignificanceoftheheritageasset,andthespecificheritagebenefitsoftheproposalas
relevantmatterswhichmayprovidebenefitssufficienttooutweightheharmoftheoffice
loss.
Weareworkingandwillcontinuetoworkwithpartnerstosignificantlyincreaseoffice
floorspace,fromapositionofannualnetlosses.Thisincludesmitigatingofficelossessince
2005/06(460,000sqmB1officefloorspace)andthosedevelopedinthefuture,including
thosecurrentlyunderconstruction(likelytobeafurther300,000sqmB1officefloorspace).
Lossesofofficetoothercommercialorsocialandcommunityusesareacceptableasthey
likewisecontributetothecommercialactivityinthearea.
NewofficesareencouragedwithintheselocationstoretainandenhanceWestminsters
strategicroleinLondonsofficesector,andsupportLondonsglobalcompetitiveness.The
policyalsoidentifiesWestminsterscapacityforgrowth,predominantlyinthethree
OpportunityAreasandNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea.
Inadditiontooffices,arangeofotherB1floorspaceisrequiredinWestminstertoensure
diversityacrossemploymentsectors.Thissupportsarangeofbusinessactivities,including
CreativeIndustries,andemploymentopportunities.Itwillbesoughtwherenonofficetype
floorspacesuchasworkshopsandstudiosareappropriateaspartoftheoverallmixofuses
becauseoftheirlocationorexistinguse.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S3Paddington
OpportunityArea;S6CoreCentralActivitiesZone;S12NorthWestminsterEconomic
DevelopmentArea;S14OptimisingHousingDelivery;S18CommercialDevelopment.
Page104
R ETAIL
4.28 RetailplaysavitalroleinWestminsterseconomy,includingthevisitoreconomy,
currentlyemployingover75,000peoplenearly20%ofallshopworkersinLondon.
Westminsterhasawiderangeofshoppingcentres,eachwiththeirowncharacterand
servingaspecificrole,functionandcatchment,withitslargercentresattractingvisitors
fromaroundtheworld.

F IGURE 39 W ESTMINSTER S S HOPPING C ENTRES
4.29 Westminstersdesignatedhierarchyofshoppingcentresrangesfromthe
InternationalCentresoftheWestEndandpartofKnightsbridge,throughtheCAZFrontages
andotherShoppingCentreswithintheCAZ,totheMajor,DistrictandLocalShopping
Centresspreadthroughoutthecity.Thehighnumberofspecialistshopsandretailclusters
withinWestminstercontributetothelocalcharacterandidentityofparticularareas.Afull
listofWestminstersShoppingCentresissetoutinAppendix2.
4.30 Thesecentresprovideaccesstotheshopsandservicesnecessarytomeetthe
everydayneedsoflocalresidentsandvisitors.Inmanypartsoftheborough,accessibleand
economicallyhealthyshoppingcentresactasafocalpointforcommunityactivity.Itis
importantthatthesearemaintained.
Page105
4.31 Althoughshoppingwillremainthemainfocusofthesecentres,complementaryuses
suchasrestaurants,banks,librariesandotherservicesandfacilitiesalsocontributetowards
meetingcommunityneedsandcanhelpmaintainactivity,reducetheneedtotravel,and
enhancetheusefulnessofthevisittothecentre.Theyarealsosupportedbyanumberof
streetmarkets.
4.32 Aswellasprovidingforthedaytodayneedsofpeopleinthearea,localshops
encouragepeopletowalkandprovideopportunitiesforsocialinteraction.Peoplewhoare
lessmobileareparticularlydependantonlocalshopsandservices.
POLICYS21RETAIL
NewretailfloorspacewillbedirectedtothedesignatedShoppingCentres.
ExistingA1retailwillbeprotectedthroughoutWestminsterexceptwherethecouncil
considersthattheunitisnotviable,asdemonstratedbylongtermvacancydespite
reasonableattemptstolet.
ExistingnonA1retailuses,andusesoccupyingshoptypepremiseswithindesignated
shoppingcentreswillbeprotectedfromchangingtousesthatdonotservevisiting
membersofthepublicandthatdonothaveactiveshopfronts.
Thisapproachwillensurethattheneedsofcustomersandretailersacrossthecityare
metthroughretentionofthenumberofshopsandoverallamountofretailfloorspace.
TheconcentrationofshopuseswithindesignatedShoppingCentresshouldbemaintained
toprotecttheirattractivenesstoshoppers.ConcentrationsofnonA1retailfloorspace
suchascafsandfastfoodtakeawayscanharmtheappearance,characterandretail
functionofashoppingcentrebybreakingupitsfrontage.
LargerretaildevelopmentsshouldbedirectedtowardsthelargerShoppingCentresthat
havethecapacitytosupportthem.WestminstersPrimaryShoppingFrontagesofthe
InternationalShoppingCentresareespeciallysuitableforlargescaleretailgrowth.These
largerdevelopmentsmayalsobeappropriatewithinotherpartsoftheOpportunityAreas,
CoreCAZ,NamedStreetsandtheMajorandDistrictShoppingCentreswheretheycanbe
introducedsensitively.Thiswillbothallowretailgrowth,andensurethatthelocal
characterandfunctionofWestminstersShoppingCentresisnotundermined.
PolicyS12NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentAreaincludesaspecificexception
tothispolicy.
Page106
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S12North
WestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea;S18CommercialDevelopment;Appendix2
RetailHierarchy.
T OURISM , A RTSAND C ULTURE
4.33 WestminsterisattheheartofLondonsvisitoreconomywithanunrivalledrange
andcombinationofvisitorattractionsandhotelaccommodation.Itisthemostvisited
Londonboroughwithover55milliontripsperyearix,withtheattractionoficonicheritage
sitessuchastheHousesofParliament,WestminsterAbbeyandBuckinghamPalaceand
theirmanyceremonialevents,aswellasasignificantcultural,sporting,leisure,
entertainmentandretailoffer.HometoLondonstheatredistrict,Westminsterhas38
theatres,60cinemascreensandfourconcerthallswithcombinedseatingcapacityforover
50,000peoplex.Westminster,andinparticulartheWestEnd,isakeyeconomicdriverfor
thewholeofLondon;in2007visitorstoWestminsterspent6.8billionxi.Thevisitor
economy,includingbusinesstourism,supportsemploymentintheretail,hospitalityand
entertainmentsectors.
14%
4%
5%
6%
7%
12%

F IGURE 40 T OURISM RELATED E MPLOYMENTASA P ROPORTIONOF A LL J OBS 2007
Page107
ARTSANDCULTURE
4.34 Westminsterisveryfortunateintherichnessofitsculturalofferfromnationaland
internationalinstitutionstothemanylocalandcommunitygroupspromotingcultural
expressionwhichprovidesauniquelydiverserangeofexperiences.Culture,initswidest
sense,makesahugecontributiontopeoplesmentalandphysicalwellbeing,senseofplace
andcommunity,andlearningandeducation.
4.35 Westminstersartsandculturalfacilities
includemuseums,artgalleries,cinemas,live
musicvenues,concerthallsandtheatres
manyofwhichareofnationalandinternational
importance.Westminsterhasthelargest
concentrationofvisitorattractionsinLondon,
includingthreeofLondonstoptenfreevisitor
attractionsandfiveofthetoptenpaid
attractionsxii.AstheseatoftheGovernment
andtheMonarchy,Westminster
accommodatescelebrationsandeventsof
worldwideinterest.Anumberof
internationallyrecognisedhighereducation
institutions,includingthosespecialisinginthe
arts,arebasedinthecity.Thesevenues,
institutionsandeventsarelinkedtoculturalorganisationsandtheCreativeIndustries,
whicharealsoconcentratedincentralWestminster.ThreeStrategicCulturalAreashave
beenidentifiedaroundKnightsbridge,MillbankandtheWestEnd,astheycontain
internationallyimportantculturalinstitutions,whicharealsomajortouristattractions.The
councilworkswithneighbouringboroughswithrespecttotheStrategicCulturalAreas,
includingpartnershipswithadjoiningboroughswithmajorattractionswithincloseproximity
toWestminsterandotherriversideboroughs.
POLICYS22TOURISM,ARTSANDCULTURE
Existingtouristattractionsandartsandculturaluseswillbeprotected.
NewartsandculturalusesandtouristattractionswillbeacceptablewithintheCore
CentralActivitiesZone,theNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentAreaandthe
StrategicCulturalAreas.Outsidetheseareas,artsandculturaluseswillbeacceptable
wheretheyareofalocalscaleandbenefitthelocalcommunity,areappropriatetothe
localcontextandcanbemanagedwithoutadverselyimpactingonresidentialamenity.
Page108
ThisapproachwillmaintainandstrengthenWestminstersstrategicrolewithinthe
Londontouristindustryandhelpcontributetolocalopportunitiestoexperienceartsand
culture,withoutdetrimenttoresidentialamenity.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS6CoreCentralActivitiesZone;S9KnightsbridgeforStrategic
CulturalAreas.
HOTELSANDCONFERENCEFACILITIES
4.36 Thereareover430hotelswithinWestminster,providing26%ofLondonshotel
bedroomsxiii.Westminsterwillcontinuetobeoneoftheworldspremierevisitor
destinationsduringthelifetimeofthisplan.Westminsterisalsoanimportantlocationfor
businessvisitors,providingbothovernightaccommodationandconferencefacilities.
POLICYS23HOTELSANDCONFERENCEFACILITIES
NewhotelswillbedirectedtothePaddington,VictoriaandTottenhamCourtRoad
OpportunityAreas,theCoreCentralActivitiesZone,NamedStreets,theKnightsbridge
StrategicCulturalAreaandtheNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea.Hotels
aredirectedtothosestreetswhichdonothaveapredominantlyresidentialcharacter.
NewconferencefacilitieswillbedirectedtothePaddington,VictoriaandTottenham
CourtRoadOpportunityAreas,andtheCoreCentralActivitiesZone.
Existinghotelswillbeprotectedwheretheydonothavesignificantadverseeffectson
residentialamenity.WithinPimlico,BayswaterandQueenswaythechangeofuseof
hotelstoresidentialwillbeencouragedwheretheexistinghotelisnotpurposebuiltand
causingadverseeffectsonresidentialamenity.Proposalstoimprovethequalityand
rangeofhotelsandwillbeencouraged.
ThisapproachwillensurethatWestminstercontinuestomakeasignificantcontribution
toLondonsvisitoraccommodationandinsupportingWestminstersroleinglobal
business.Hotelsareimportanttosupportthevisitorandbusinesseconomy,andhave
stronglinkswithotheractivitiesincentralLondonsuchasshopping,theatreandother
Page109
culturalandentertainmentactivities.However,itbalancestheseneedsagainsttheneed
tomanageWestminstersneighbourhoodssothattheyfunctionwellandprovideahigh
qualityoflifeforresidents.
Hotelsareoftennotcompatiblewithresidentialneighbourhoodsbecausetheamountof
activitytheygeneratecancauseamenityproblems.Thisapproachalsoseekstoaddressthe
existingoverconcentrationofhotelsinPimlico,BayswaterandQueensway.
Conferencefacilitiesareonlyappropriateinthoseareasthatareverycommercialin
characterastheygeneratesignificantactivity.
ENTERTAINMENTUSES
4.37 Westminster,andinparticulartheWestEnd,istheentertainmentheartofLondon
andisinternationallyrenowned.Westminsterhasover2,800entertainmentusesandmore
licensedpremisesthananyotherlocalauthorityxiv.Therearenearly500pubs,barsandwine
bars,over1,000restaurantslicensedtoservealcoholand136licensednightclubsand
dancevenues,20casinos,andnearly60traditionalprivatemembersclubs.Thevibrant
entertainmentsectorplaysavitalrole,notonlythroughsupportingotheruses,butalsoasa
visitorattractioninitsownrightwhichcontributestoWestminsterslocaldistinctiveness
andLondonsworldcitystatus.
4.38 Withinthewiderangeofentertainment
premises36%ofalllicensedpremisesliewithinless
than6%ofWestminstermainlyintheWestEnd
StrategicCulturalArea,butalsoclusteredinEdgware
RoadandQueensway/WestbourneGrove.This
includestwothirdsofthenightclubs,aboutathirdof
thepubsandhalftherestaurants.
4.39 Theseconcentrationsofentertainmentuses
bringpositivebenefitstoWestminster,buttheyalso
bringassociatedpressuresintermsofpublicnuisance,
noise,crimeandsafety.ManystreetsinSohohave
nighttimepedestrianflowsofover40,000people,
withsomestreetsbusierat3amthan3pm.The
concentrationsofcrimehotspotsinWestminsterare
locatedinthoseareaswiththehighestvolumeoflatenightentertainmentuses.Asaresult,
threeStressAreashavebeendesignatedintheWestEnd,EdgwareRoadandQueensway
/WestbourneGrove,wherethenumberofentertainmentuseshasreachedalevelof
saturationandharmisbeingcaused.
Page110
4.40 Managingthisnighttimeactivityrequiresaspecificmultiagencyapproachwith
closepartnershipworkingbetweenthepolice,tradeoperators,cityguardianstreetwardens
andthecouncilslicensingandenvironmentalhealthteamsinordertoensurethatpeople
enjoythenighttimeexperience,whilstminimisingdisruptiontoresidents,visitorsand
businesseswhosharetheseareas.

F IGURE 41 D ENSITYOF I NCIDENTSOF V IOLENCE A GAINSTTHE P ERSON 2007/08
POLICYS24ENTERTAINMENTUSES
Newentertainmentuseswillneedtodemonstratethattheyareappropriateintermsof
thetypeandsizeofuse,scaleofactivity,relationshiptoanyexistingconcentrationsof
entertainmentusesandanycumulativeimpactsandthattheydonotadverselyimpact
onresidentialamenity,healthandsafety,localenvironmentalqualityandthecharacter
andfunctionofthearea.
Newlargescalelatenightentertainmentusesofover500sqmfloorspacewillnot
generallybeappropriatewithinWestminster.
Westminsterhasawiderangeofexistingentertainmentuses,whichprovideavibrant
nighttimeeconomy.However,inordertoensuretheseentertainmentusesdonothavea
detrimentalimpactonthecityitisvitalthattheireffectsarecloselymonitoredand
controlled.Newentertainmentuseswhichoperatelateatnightandgeneratethelargest
attendanceshavethepotentialtocreateadisproportionateimpactonthesurrounding
areas.
Page111
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS6CoreCentralActivitiesZone;S8MaryleboneandFitzrovia;S13
OutsidetheCAZandNWEDA(fortheWestEnd,EdgwareRoadand
Queensway/WestbourneGroveStressAreasrespectively).
i
ONSBRES2014.Thisdiffersfromthenumberofjobsassomepeoplehavemorethanonejob.
ii
TheGLAhaveprojectedemploymentgrowthfromthecurrent673,000employeesto750,000in2036,an
increasein77,000jobs(GLAEmploymentProjections2013).Thetargetcouldalsobebasedonretaining
WestminstersshareoftheLondonwidegrowthprojections,atargetofanadditional98,000jobs.Finally,a
targetbasedonemploymentgrowthmatchingLondons(workingage)populationprojectedgrowthrate,an
additional105,000jobs.
iii
iv
WestminsterEconomicDevelopmentStrategy,2007
v
vi
WestminsterCityCouncilLUS1999plus2007pipelineupdateto06/07andCityofLondonMarch2008
vii
MarketViewReportforCentralLondonOfficesThirdQuarter2008
viii
TheImportanceoftheHistoricEnvironmentinWestminster,2007
ix
CityofWestminsterLocalEconomicAssessmentBaselineStudy,2011
x
NumbersofpremisesWestminsterCityCouncilLandUsesurveydata(updated2009).CapacitiesWest
EndEntertainmentImpactStudy,2001
xi
CityofWestminsterLocalEconomicAssessmentBaselineStudy,2011
xii
VisitEnglandAnnualSurveyofVisitstoVisitorAttractions2010
xiii
AccessibleHotelsinLondonStudy2010
xiv
StatementofLicensingPolicy,2011
Page112
PART V: CREATING
PLACES
HERITAGE
5.1 AstheprincipalculturalandadministrativecentreofEnglandformanycenturies,
Westminstersbuiltheritageandarchaeologyreflectsitsrichhistoryandisofnationaland
internationalimportance.ThisheritageincludesthePalaceofWestminsterand
WestminsterAbbeyWorldHeritageSiteandover11,000otherlistedbuildingsand
structures,morethananyotherlocalauthorityintheUK.About75%ofWestminsterlies
withinits56conservationareas.Therearealso21registeredhistoricparksandgardens,
whichincludetheRoyalParksandtherearetwoscheduledancientmonumentsandfive
areasofarchaeologicalpriority.
5.2 Westminstershistoricfabric
isadefiningcharacteristicofthe
cityandshouldbethestartingpoint
forconsiderationofanynew
development.Thequalityofthe
builtenvironmenthasadirect
impactonqualityoflife,and
historicbuildingsandareashavean
intrinsicvalueasarecordofhuman
achievementintheartsand
construction.Theyarecherishedfortheiraestheticqualitiesaswellasthelinkstheyprovide
tothepastandsenseofplacetheycreate.Westminstershistoricenvironmentmakesan
essentialcontributiontothelocal,regionalandnationaleconomyandisfundamentaltoits
successinaglobaleconomy.Thehistoricenvironmentisidentifiedasakeyreasonwhy
businessesandinstitutionschoosetolocatewithinWestminsteri,anditisalsovitaltothe
millionsoftouristswhocomeeveryyeartoenjoythecitysexceptionalheritage.As
Westminster,andindeedLondon,changes,itsheritageassetsmustbecarefullyprotected,
withnewdevelopmentintroducedsensitively.
5.3 Conservationoftheexistingbuiltenvironmentisinherentlysustainablebecauseit
retainstheenergyandmaterialsembeddedinbuildingsandspaces.Demolitionand
redevelopmentnecessarilyrequiresasignificantinputofenergyandmaterials.Existing
Page113
PartV:CreatingPlaces
buildings,includinglistedbuildings,canbeadaptedandupgradedtoimprovetheir
environmentalperformanceandreducetheircarbonfootprint.
POLICYS25HERITAGE
RecognisingWestminsterswiderhistoricenvironment,itsextensiveheritageassetswill
beconserved,includingitslistedbuildings,conservationareas,WestminstersWorld
HeritageSite,itshistoricparksincludingfiveRoyalParks,squares,gardensandotheropen
spaces,theirsettings,anditsarchaeologicalheritage.Historicandotherimportant
buildingsshouldbeupgradedsensitively,toimprovetheirenvironmentalperformance
andmakethemeasilyaccessible.
TheintrinsicvalueofWestminstershighqualityandsignificanthistoricenvironmentisone
ofitsgreatestassets.Tocompeteeffectivelywithothermajor,worldclasscitiesthebuilt
environmentmustberespectedandrefurbishedsensitivelyinamannerappropriatetoits
significance.Anychangeshouldnotdetractfromtheexistingqualitiesoftheenvironment,
whichmakesthecitysuchanattractiveandvaluedlocationforresidents,businessesand
visitors.

DetailedpoliciesforeachtypeofheritageassetwillbesetoutinCityManagementpolicy.
Areabasedcharacteristicsanddetailedmeasuresrequiredtoprotectandenhanceheritage
assetshavebeensetoutinConservationAreaAuditSupplementaryPlanningDocuments
andtheWestminsterWorldHeritageSiteManagementPlan.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS11RoyalParks;S26Views;S27BuildingsandUsesof
InternationalandNationalImportance;S28Design;S29Health,SafetyandWellbeing;S35
OpenSpace;S36SitesofImportanceforNatureConservation;S37WestminstersBlue
RibbonNetwork;S42ServicingandDeliveries;S43MajorTransportInfrastructure;S45
FloodRelatedInfrastructure.
Page114
V IEWS
5.4 ViewswithinandacrossWestminsterareanessentialpartofthecitysheritageand
contributetotheoutstandingqualityofWestminstersenvironment.Theyenhancethe
enjoymentofthecityandhelptocreateasenseoflocalidentityanddistinctiveness.They
includeviewsofnaturalfeatures,landmarkbuildings,openspaces,streetsandsquares.
5.5 Ofthe27strategicviewsidentifiedintheLondonPlan,17arerelevantto
d Westminster,ofwhichfivearesubjecttoDirectionsbytheSecretaryofState.Westminster
alsohasanumberoflocallyidentifiedviewsthatareofmetropolitan,nationaland
internationalimportance.Thesearefamiliarviewsenjoyedfromwellknownpublicspaces
thatgenerallyfeatureexceptionaltownscapeorlandscapeandprominentlandmarks.Many
oftheseviewsarevulnerabletoimpactfromdevelopmentoutsidethecityboundary,
particularlyfromtallbuildingssomedistanceaway.Otherlocalviewsalsosignificantly
contributetothecharacteroflocalareasandneedprotection.Thisincludeslocalviews
fromadjoiningboroughsintoWestminster.
5.6 Intherightplaces,tallbuildingsthosewhicharesignificantlytallerthantheir
neighbourscanmakeapositivecontributiontotheLondonskyline.Inthewrongplace,
theycanbeverydamagingtocherishedviewsofgreatheritageimportanceandthe
characteroflocalareas.OneofthekeycharacteristicsofWestminsterisitshumanscale.
Mostbuildingsarelessthansixstoreyshigh,evenincommercialareas.Muchof
Westminsterisinappropriateforthedevelopmentoftallbuildingsbecauseoftheiradverse
impactoncharacterandlocaldistinctivenessofareas,andonimportantviewsii.
Page115
POLICYS26VIEWS
Thestrategicviewswillbeprotectedfrominappropriatedevelopment,includingany
breachesoftheviewingcorridors.Similarly,localviews,includingthoseofmetropolitan
significance,willbeprotectedfromintrusiveorinsensitivedevelopment.Where
importantviewsareadverselyaffectedbylargescaledevelopmentinotherboroughs,the
councilwillraiseformalobjections.Westminsterisnotgenerallyappropriatefortall
buildings.
ViewsofbuildingsandlandscapesareanessentialpartofWestminstersuniqueheritage.
Theycanbeseriouslydamagedbyinsensitivedevelopmentintheforegroundor
background.Westminsterisverysensitivetoimpactsfromtallbuildingswithintheborough
oradjacentboroughsbyvirtueofthedisproportionateimpacttheycanhaveonimportant
views,theskylineandtoWestminstersheritageassets.
TallbuildingsarealsoaddressedspecificallyinrelationtoWestminstersOpportunityAreas:
PaddingtonOpportunityparagraph3.14andPolicyS3;VictoriaOpportunityAreaparagraph
3.19andPolicyS4;TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityAreaparagraph3.23.Detailedpolicy
criteriafortallbuildingswillbeincludedinCityManagementpolicy.
CrossreferencetoPaddingtonOpportunityAreaparagraph3.14;VictoriaOpportunityArea
paragraph3.19;TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityAreaparagraph3.23.
Page116
USESOFNATIONALAND
INTERNATIONALIMPORTANCE
5.7 WestminsteriscentraltoLondonsworldclasscapitalcitystatusandhasmany
activitiesandfunctionsthatareofinternational,nationalorregionalimportance.Inaddition
tothosefunctionsrelatedtotheGovernmentandthestate,judiciaryandfaith,thereare
centresofexcellenceforhigher
educationandresearchandmedicine,
prestigiousinstitutionsandprofessional
andbusinessorganisations,andworld
famousartsandculturalinstitutions,an
internationalsportingvenueandother
visitorattractions.Mostoftheseuses
arelocatedintheCoreCentralActivities
Zone.
POLICYS27BUILDINGSANDUSESOFINTERNATIONALANDNATIONALIMPORTANCE
Usesofinternationaland/ornationalimportance,andthebuildingsthataccommodate
themwillbeprotectedthroughoutWestminster,andnewinternationalandnationally
importantusesencouragedwithintheCoreCentralActivitiesZoneandOpportunity
Areas.
Theseuses,andthebuildingsthataccommodatethem,contributetoLondonsworld
classcitystatusandglobalcompetitiveness.Manyofthesebuildingsalsocontributeto
Westminstersheritageandareimportantinattractingvisitorstothecity,andtothe
Londontouristindustryasawhole.Newusesofinternationaland/ornationalimportance
inappropriatelocationswillenhancetheroleofWestminsterintheheartofLondon.
Page117
SUSTAINABLEANDINCLUSIVE
DESIGN
5.8 ManypartsofWestminsterareuniquelywellplacedtomaximisetheircontribution
tomitigatingclimatechangebecauseofthedensityofthecity,accessibilitybypublic
transport,andthecomplexmixofuses.Italsohasamajorroleinreducingtheimpactofthe
UrbanHeatIslandeffectinawiderLondoncontextthroughitsuseofpublicspacesand
streetdesign.
5.9 Westminsterisverymuchinthepubliceyeduetoitsroleattheheartofaworld
city,asacentreforgovernment,economicactivityandtourism.Westminster,andtheWest
Endinparticular,hashistoricallybeenatrendsetter.Takingastrongleadonsustainability
issues,andfindingsolutionswithinsuchahistoricanddenselyknitcontext,hasthe
potentialtohaveafarreachingimpactbychanging
perceptionsoftheissuesandthewayinwhichclimatechange
canbetackled,includingthelongtermreductionofcarbon
dioxideemissionsby80%by2050.
5.10 Westminstersuniquebuiltheritagedemandsparticular
attentionbegiventothequalityofdesignandarchitecture.
TheoutstandingqualityofWestminstersarchitectureand
visualenvironmentischaracteristicofthecity,andvaluedby
residents,workersandvisitorsalike.Itgreatlycontributesto
boththelocaleconomyandeconomicresilienceiii.New
buildingsmustbeofthehighestdesignqualityandcontribute
positivelytothecharacterofthecity,wherevertheyare
located.
5.11 Highqualityarchitectureanddesignnotonlyenhancesthebuiltenvironment;itcan
alsocontributetofeelingsofsafety,communityidentity,physicalandmentalwellbeing,
raisingaspirations,reducinginequalitiesandcontributingtowardssocialcohesion.Thereare
stronglinksbetweenthequalityofthelocalenvironment,widerdeterminantsofhealth,
andsustainablecommunitiesthatareparticularlyrelevantinaboroughwithsuchovert
inequalities.
5.12 Buildingsandspacesmustbedesignedfortheneedsandconvenienceofall.This
mustbeconsideredattheoutsetofthedesigntoensurethatthesameprovisionismade
foreveryoneaslatteradditionsandalterationsrarelyprovideequalityofaccessanduse.
Particularattentionshouldbegiventotheneedsofthosewithmobilitydifficulties,poor
Page118
visionandotherphysicaldisabilities,andparticulargroupssuchastheelderlyandfamilies
withsmallchildrenwhomayalsobeinconveniencedorevenexcludedbyinappropriate
development.Puttingpeopleattheheartofthedesignprocesscanencourageoccupiersto
makemoresustainablelifestylechoices,forexamplethroughincorporatingcyclestorageor
designingaccesspointsthatdonotleaddirectlytocarparking.
5.13 Designingforflexibleuseofthebuildingmeansthatbuildingscaneasilybe
converted,negatingtheneedforredevelopmentorextensiverefurbishment.
5.14 Sustainabledesignshouldbeattheheartofhighqualitydesignandarchitecturein
Westminster.Buildings,bothnewandold,mustbedesignedandrefurbishedtoensurethey
meethighstandardsofenvironmentalperformancehelpingtomitigatefor,andadaptto,
theimpactsofclimatechange.Settingclearstandardsofenvironmentalperformancein
ordertoinfluencethefuturesustainabilityofbuildingsinWestminsterisintegraltothe
developmentprocess.TosupporttheseaimsWestminsterisdeliveringproactivepolicies
andstrategiestomitigateandadapttoclimatechange.
5.15 Stepstominimiseandrecyclenaturalresourceusewithinadevelopmentcanbe
madebyfirstembeddingpassive,sustainabledesignatthecentreofthedesignprocess.
Thiswillhelptoreducetheenergyrequirementofabuilding.Subsequenttotheseare
measurestosupplyenergyefficientlyandthroughlowcarbonandrenewablesources.
Furthertechniquestoconserveandrecyclewater,managesurfacewaterrunoff,enhance
biodiversity,reducewasteandfacilitaterecycling,reduceairandnoisepollutionall
contributetoamoresustainabledevelopment.

FIGURE 42 E NERGY C ONSUMPTION 2007
Page119
5.16 SustainabledesigninWestminsterneedscarefulconsiderationandtailored
solutions.TherearefeweropportunitiesforlargescaleredevelopmentinWestminsterthan
thereareinotherpartsofLondonbecauseofitssignificantheritageassets,includinglisted
buildingsandconservationareas.Inthisrespect,retrofittingexistingbuildingisofcrucial
importance,astheexistingbuildingstockwillalwaysrepresentafarbiggerproportionof
thebuildingsinWestminsterthannewbuildings.Westminstershighlandvaluesandlimited
opportunitiesforlargerscaleredevelopmentinturnleadstogreaterpressureforextensions
toexistingbuildings.Itisimportantthattheseextensionsalsoadoptexemplarystandardsof
sustainabledesign.
POLICYS28DESIGN
Developmentmustincorporateexemplarystandardsofsustainableandinclusiveurban
designandarchitecture.Inthecorrectcontext,imaginativemodernarchitectureis
encouragedprovidedthatitrespectsWestminstersheritageandlocaldistinctivenessand
enrichesitsworldclasscityenvironment.
Developmentwill:
reduceenergyuseandemissionsthatcontributetoclimatechangeduringthelife
cycleofthedevelopment;and
ensurethereduction,reuseorrecyclingofresourcesandmaterials,including
water,wasteandaggregates.
Thiswillincludeprovidingforanextendedlifetimeofthebuildingitselfthrough
excellenceindesignquality,highqualitydurablematerials,efficientoperation,andthe
provisionofhighqualityfloorspacethatcanadapttochangingcircumstancesovertime.
Westminsterrequiresaspecialapproachtoarchitectureandurbandesigninorderto
deliverthecouncilsspatialvisionofcreatingaworldclass,distinctiveandsustainablecity.
Onlythebest,exemplarydesign,whichrespectsandenhancestheexistingqualitiesand
characterofthecitywillbeacceptable.
TheNPPFplacesarequirementonlocalplanningauthoritiestoadoptproactivepoliciesand
planstomitigateandadapttoclimatechange.Sustainabledesign,refurbishmentand
constructionmeasuresprovideoneofthemosteffectiveandefficientwaysinwhichto
reduceresourceuse,greenhousegasemissionsandlocalpollution,intermsofthematerials
usedandconstructiontechniquesemployed,aswellasthroughoutthelifetimeoperationof
thedevelopment.Furthermore,excellenceindesignqualityandfloorspaceadaptabilitywill
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increasethelifetimeofthebuildingandenableitsreusebyreducingtheneedfor
redevelopment.DetaileddesigncriteriawillbesetoutinCityManagementpolicy.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS25Heritage;S26Views;S29Health,SafetyandWellBeing;S31
AirQuality;S32Noise;S38BiodiversityandGreenInfrastructure;S39DecentralisedEnergy
Networks;S40RenewableEnergy;S41PedestrianMovementandSustainableTransport;
S42ServicingandDeliveries;S44SustainableWasteManagement.
BASEMENTDEVELOPMENT
POLICYCM28.1BASEMENTDEVELOPMENT
A. Allapplicationsforbasementdevelopmentwill:
1. demonstratethattheyhavetakenintoaccountthesitespecificground
conditions,drainageandwaterenvironment(s)intheareaofthe
development;
2. beaccompaniedby:
a) Adetailedstructuralmethodologystatementandappropriateself
certificationbyasuitablyqualifiedengineerwithseparatefloodrisk
assessmentwhererequired.Incaseswherethecouncilconsidersthereis
ahighpotentialriskthatthedevelopmentwillhavesignificantimpacts
onthematterscoveredbythispolicyorwhereworkwillaffecta
particularlysignificantand/orsensitiveheritageasset,thecouncilwill
havereportsindependentlyassessedattheapplicantsexpense.
b) AsignedproformaAppendixAwhichdemonstratesthattheapplicant
willcomplywiththerelevantpartsofthecouncilsCodeofConstruction
Practiceandawarenessoftheneedtocomplywith otherpublicand
privatelawrequirementsgoverningdevelopmentofthiskind.
3. safeguardthestructuralstabilityoftheexistingbuilding,nearbybuildingsand
otherinfrastructureincludingthehighwayandrailwaylines/tunnels;
4. notincreaseorotherwiseexacerbatefloodriskonthesiteorbeyond;
5. bedesignedandconstructedsoastominimisetheimpactatconstructionand
occupationstagesonneighbouringuses;theamenityofthoselivingorworking
inthearea;onusersofthehighway;andtrafficandhighwaysfunction;and
6. safeguardsignificantarchaeologicaldeposits.

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B. Basementdevelopmentto:
a) existingresidentialbuildings;
b) buildingsoriginallybuiltforresidentialpurposeswherethereisagardenand
adjoiningresidentialpropertieswherethereispotentialforanimpacton
thoseadjoiningproperties;
c) nonresidentialdevelopmentadjoiningresidentialpropertieswherethereis
potentialforanimpactonthoseadjoiningproperties;and
d) newbuildresidentialincorporatingbasementsadjoiningresidentialproperties
wherethereispotentialforanimpactonthoseadjoiningproperties;
will:
1. provideasatisfactorylandscapingscheme,incorporatingsoftlandscaping,
plantingandpermeablesurfacingasappropriate;
2. notresultinthelossoftreesoftownscape,ecologicaloramenityvalueand,
wheretreesareaffected,provideanarboriculturalreportsettingoutin
particularthestepstobetakentoprotectexistingtrees;
3. usethemostenergyefficientmeansofventilation,andlighting,involvingthe
lowestcarbonemissions.Whereverpracticablenaturalventilationandlighting
shouldbeusedwherehabitableaccommodationisbeingprovided;
4. incorporatesustainableurbandrainagemeasurestoreducepeakrateofrun
offoranyothermitigationmeasuresrecommendedinthestructural
statementorfloodriskassessment;
5. protectthecharacterandappearanceoftheexistingbuilding,gardensetting
orthesurroundingarea,ensuringlightwells,plant,vents,skylightsandmeans
ofescapearesensitivelydesignedanddiscreetlylocated;
6. protectheritageassets,andinthecaseoflistedbuildings,notunbalancethe
buildingsoriginalhierarchyofspaces,wherethiscontributestosignificance;
7. beprotectedfromsewerfloodingthroughtheinstallationofasuitable
pumpeddevice.
C. Basementdevelopmentto:
a) existingresidentialbuildings;
b) buildingsoriginallybuiltforresidentialpurposeswherethereisagardenand
adjoiningresidentialpropertieswherethereispotentialforanimpacton
thoseadjoiningproperties;
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c) nonresidentialdevelopmentadjoiningresidentialpropertieswherethereis
potentialforanimpactonthoseadjoiningpropertiesoutsideCoreCAZ,the
OpportunityAreasandtheNamedStreets;and
d) newbuildresidentialincorporatingbasementsadjoiningresidentialproperties
wherethereispotentialforanimpactonthoseadjoiningpropertiesoutside
CoreCAZ,theOpportunityAreasandtheNamedStreets;

will:
1. either:
a) notextendbeneathmorethan50%ofthegardenland;or
b) onsmallsites,wherethelongestdistancebetweentheexistingbuilding
andanysiteboundaryislessthan8m,thebasementmayextendupto4m
fromthebuildinginthatdirection.Onallothersidesofthebuilding,the
basementwillnotextendbeneathmorethanhalfofanyothergardenarea;
and
c)leaveamarginofundevelopedgardenlandproportionatetothescaleof
developmentandthesizeoftheaffectedgardenaroundtheentiresite
boundaryexceptbeneaththeexistingbuilding.WhereDbelowapplies,the
boundarywiththehighwayisexcludedfromthisrequirement.
2. provideaminimumof1msoildepth(plusminimum200mmdrainagelayer)
andadequateoverallsoilvolumeabovethetopcoverofthebasement;
3. notinvolvetheexcavationofmorethanonestoreybelowthelowestoriginal
floorlevel,unlessthefollowingexceptionalcircumstanceshavebeen
demonstrated;
a) thattheproposalrelatestoalargesitewithhighlevelsofaccessibility
suchthatitcanbeconstructedandusedwithoutadverseimpacton
neighbouringusesortheamenityofneighbouringoccupiers;and
b) thatnoheritageassetswillbeadverselyaffected.

D. Basementdevelopmentundertheadjacenthighwaywill:
1. retainaminimumverticaldepthbelowthefootwayorcarriagewayof900mm;
2. notencroachmorethan1.8munderanypartoftheadjacenthighway;and
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3. whereextendingorstrengthening/improvingexistingbasementshorizontally
underthehighway;
a) maintaintheexistingdepthbelowthefootwayorcarriagewaytoensure
nolossofexistingcoverlevelaboveavault;and
b) willnotbepermittedwheretheexistingbasementalreadyextends1.8m
ormoreunderthehighway.
PolicyApplication
Thispolicywillapplydifferentlyfordifferenttypesofapplication,withsomeprovisions
applyingtoallbasements,andsomedependingonthetypeofbasement.Intermsoflimits
onthedepthandextentofbasementexcavation,fornewbuildresidentialandcommercial
basements,theseapplytodevelopmentsadjoiningresidentialandwherethereispotential
forimpactonthoseproperties,wherethedevelopmentisoutsidetheCoreCAZ,
OpportunityAreasandNamedStreets.
GardenlandforthepurposeofpolicyCM28.1C1isthesiteareaexcludingthefootprintof
theoriginalbuilding.
Theoriginalbuildingisabuildingasitexistedon1stJuly1948,or,ifconstructedafter1stJuly
1948,asitwasbuiltoriginally.
Adjoiningmeansanybuildings,premisesorlandwhichshareacommonboundarywiththe
propertywherebasementdevelopmentisproposed.
Undevelopedgardenlandislandwhichdoesnothaveanyimpermeablesurfacinginstalled.
Asaguideforlargersites,themarginofundevelopedlandaroundthesiteboundary
expectedisaminimumof0.52metresdependingonthesite.Thismaybereducedon
smallersites,providedthatfloodrisk,inparticularsurfacewaterfloodrisk,canbe
adequatelydealtwithonsite.
Themostappropriateformofbasementextensionwillbenomorethanonestorey
(approximately2.7mfloortoceilingheight)belowthelowestpartoftheoriginalfloorlevel,
Anadditionalallowancemaybepermittedwhereexceptionalcircumstanceshavebeen
demonstrated,assetoutinthepolicy.
Tosupportsustainableplanting,soildepthrequiredoverbasementswillbeaminimum
1.0msoilplusadrainagelayerofnolessthan200mmdepthwithanoverallvolumeofsoil
sufficienttosupportspreadofroots.Insomecircumstances,forexamplewherethe
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basementareaproposedisextensive;wheretreeswillbeplantedinconfinedlocations;
wheretherootgrowthwillbeimpeded;orwhereparticularlylargenewtreesareproposed
soildepthsofupto1.5m(plusdrainagelayer)willbeneededtosupporttreegrowth.
Detailsoftheproposedsoilprofileandcompositionshouldalsobeprovided.Exceptions
maybeconsideredinsmallcourtyardgardens,whereSUDsorothermitigationmeasures
havebeenprovided.
ForthepurposesofpartC3a,thedefinitionoflargesiteswilldependonthecircumstances,
butshouldbeabletoaccommodateplantandmachineryandshouldincludeappropriate
access(e.g.rearorsideaccess)toenableconstructionwithoutanadverseimpacton
neighbouringusesoroccupiers.
Theentiregardenshouldincorporateplantingandincaseswheretheremovaloftreesis
permitted,thecouncilwillusuallyrequiretheirreplacementwithinthecurtilageofthe
property.Incaseswheretopsoilanddrainagelayers,and/orSustainableUrbanDrainage
Systemsareprovidedaboveanewbasement,theCityCouncilmayuseconditionsto
preventsubsequenthardlandscaping.
Wherenaturalventilationcannotbeachievedandmechanicalventilationisconsidered
acceptable,systemsshouldincludeheatrecoverytoensurethatheatfromevacuatedwarm
aircanbereusedtoprewarmincomingsupplyairwhenneeded.
ThesubmissionofasignedAppendixAoftheCodeofConstructionPracticebindsthe
applicanttocomplyingwiththerelevantpartsoftheCodeofConstructionPractice,
includingsubmittingaConstructionManagementPlan.
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ThestructuralmethodologystatementshouldbepreparedandcertifiedbyaCharteredCivil
Engineer(MICE)orStructuralEngineer(MIStruct.E),andgeohydrologistwhere
appropriate.Inthecaseoflistedbuildings,theengineershouldbeCARE(Conservation
AccreditationRegisterforEngineers)accredited.Thisstatementwillnotbeapprovedbythe
Council,butwillberequiredtodemonstratethatabasementlevelcanbeprovidedwithout
unduerisk.Thestructuralintegrityofthedevelopmentduringtheconstructionisnot
controlledthroughtheplanningsystembutthroughBuildingRegulationswithprivatelaw
rightsprotectedthroughthePartyWallAct.
Inrarecasesofhigherpotentialriskthecouncilmayrequireapplicantstofundan
independentassessmentofstructuralreports.Thisisparticularlylikelywhereproposalswill
affectlistedbuildingsofhighsignificanceorwithparticularlysensitivehistoricfabric,or
thoseinhighrisklocationswherebasementsarelocatedabovehistoricrivers/watercourses
orextendintoorareadjacenttopropertieswhichareclosetotheleveloftheUpper
Aquifer.
Applicantsarerecommendedtoappointasuitablyqualifiedmaincontractor,experiencedin
basementexcavation.Whilethecouncilcannotrecommendparticularcontractors,the
AssociationofStructuralUnderpinningContractors(ASUC)holdsdetailsofspecialist,
experiencedcontractors.
Minimisingtheamenityimpactatdesignandoccupationstagesonneighbourswillrequire
carefulsitingofpumpsandfans,andanyotherplant,toreducenoisenuisance.
ApplicationsadjacenttooraffectingtheTransportforLondonRoadNetwork(TLRN)or
publictransportinfrastructureshouldseekadvicefromTransportforLondon.Development
onlandwithinthelandidentifiedforCrossrail2Safeguardingshallbesubjectto
consultationwithTransportforLondonasdefinedintheSafeguardingDirections(2015).
TransportforLondonprioritisesthefreeflowofmovementofpeopleandtrafficonits
roads,andappliesastrictapproachtoavoidingdisruptivehighwayclosuresarisingthrough
basementdevelopment.DevelopersshouldengageinearlydiscussionswithTransportfor
LondonregardingthefeasibilityofundertakingbasementdevelopmentaffectingtheTLRN.
Applicantsforbasementexcavationworksarestronglyencouragedtoconsultwith
neighbouringoccupierspriortosubmittinganapplication.Evidenceofengagementwith
neighbouringoccupiers,includingascheduleandtimetableofworksmayberequestedas
supportinginformationwithplanningapplications.
TheEnvironmentAgencyclassesselfcontainedbasements,withoutinternalaccesstoupper
floorsabovethebreachlevelashighlyvulnerableuses,andthosewithaccesstoupper
floorsabovethebreachlevelasmorevulnerableandthispolicymustbereadinconjunction
withthefloodingpolicy.Furtherdetailedguidanceontheabove,includinginformation
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requirementsanddetailofcontentsofthestructuralstatementissetoutintheBasement
DevelopmentinWestminsterSPD.
Basementextensionshavebecomeanincreasinglycommonformofdevelopmentin
Westminsterinrecentyears.Althoughoftenhiddenfrompublicview,suchbasement
excavationcanhavesignificantimpactsontheamenityofneighbouringoccupiersandmay
affectgroundconditions,biodiversity,heritageassets,localcharacterandgardensettings.
Excavationinadenseurbanenvironmentismorecomplexthanmanystandardresidential
extensionsivandifitispoorlyconstructed,orhasnotproperlyconsideredgeologyand
hydrology,hasthepotentialtodamageexistingandneighbouringstructuresand
infrastructureandirreversiblyaltergroundconditions.
Cellarsandbasementscanalsobevulnerabletofloodingfromanumberofdifferent
sources,includingtheoverflowingofdrainsandnearbywatercourses,groundwaterflooding
andsurfacewaterfloodingv.Althoughunlikelytochangethegroundwaterregime,where
basementsarelocatedclosetogethertheircumulativeeffectcouldaltergroundwater
levelsvi.Giventheirnature,basementsaremoresusceptibletoflooding,bothfromsurface
waterandsewage,thanconventionalextensions.Fittingbasementswithapositivepumped
device(orequivalentreflectingtechnologicaladvances)willensurethattheyareprotected
fromsewerflooding.Fittingonlyanonreturnvalveisnotacceptableasthisisnoteffective
indirectingtheflowofsewageawayfromthebuilding.
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WhiletheBuildingRegulationsandbuildingcontrolsystemdeterminewhetherthedetailed
designofbuildingsandtheirfoundationswillallowthebuildingstobeconstructedandused
safely,theNPPFviistatesplanningshouldensuredevelopmentissuitableforitssite,taking
intoaccountissuessuchasgroundconditionsandlandinstability,andensuringadequate
siteinvestigationinformation,preparedbyacompetentpersonhasbeenpresentedto
demonstratetheimpactsoftheproposeddevelopmenthavebeenunderstood.We
thereforerequireinformationtobepreparedandcertifiedbyasuitablyqualifiedengineer
andincludesitespecificanalysistakingintoaccountanycumulativeimpacts.
Westminstersheritageassetsmaybesensitivetotheimpactofbasementdevelopment.
Whiletheseareprotectedbytheoverarchingheritagepolicy,listedbuildingsand
archaeologycanbeespeciallyvulnerabletodamagewhenexcavationtakesplace,giventhe
significantstructuralinterventionwhichmayberequired.SiteswithinArchaeological
PriorityAreasareparticularlyvulnerableduetothelikelihoodofarchaeologicaldeposits.If
notsensitivelyundertaken,thiscouldadverselyaffectdelicatehistoricfabricandfinishes
anddisturbarchaeologicaldeposits.Inadditiontostructuralconcerns,manyof
WestminsterslistedbuildingsareterracedhouseswhichdatefromtheGeorgianand
Victorianperiodsandthesepropertiesweredesignedwithaclearverticalhierarchyof
spaces.Thisverticalhierarchydoesinmanycircumstancescontributetotheirarchitectural
andhistoricinterestandsignificance,andcanbeunbalancedbylargebasement
extensionsviii.
PrivategardensalsomakeasignificantcontributiontoWestminsterscharacterix,the
characterofconservationareas,andthesettingofheritageassets;theyareimportant
visually,andhelpsupportbiodiversity,trees,greencorridorsandnetworks.TheLondon
Planrecognisestheimportantroleofprivategardensforthesefunctionsandasamuch
cherishedpartofLondonstownscape.LondonPlanPolicy5.3alsoseekstoincreasethe
amountofsurfaceareagreenedintheCentralActivitiesZoneby5%by2030.
Basementdevelopmentmayresultinthelossoftrees,othersoftlandscapingandgreen
corridors,whichmayalsoreducetheinfiltrationcapacityofthegroundtoactasastorefor
rainwatertherebyincreasingfloodrisksx.Thispolicythereforeseekstoensurenew
basementdevelopmentdoesnotoccupytheentiregardenareaandappropriate
landscapingisprovidedtomaintainandenhancegardensettingsandthatadequatesoil
depthisprovidedtoallowestablishedmatureandlargerscaleplantingtocontinuetogrow
naturallyxiandensuresurfacewaterdrainageismaintainedwithoutincreasingsurface
waterflowsontoadjoiningproperties.
Limitingtheextentanddepthofbasementdevelopmentcanhelpreduceboththerisks
associatedwithbasementdevelopmentandmitigateanynegativeenvironmentaland
amenityimpacts.Thepolicyalsoprovidesforbetteraccommodationwithnatural
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ventilation,andforreductionintheamountofexcavationandwastematerialgenerated
andintheimpactondrainage,biodiversityandlocalamenity.Standardsforextentofthe
gardenareintendedtostrikeabalancebetweenallowingdevelopment,whileensuringa
substantialarearemainsundevelopedtoensureadequatedrainage.Insmallergardens(less
than8m)anexceptionwillallowupto4mofthelargestgardenareatobedeveloped.In
largergardens,allowinganextensiontoextendunderhalfthelengthofagardenwillensure
asubstantialareaofgardenremainsundevelopedandthesoildepthrequiredabovethe
basementitselfwillallowforalandscapedgardensettingacrossthegardenasawhole.
Theconstructionworksassociatedwithbasementexcavationcanoftenhaveaserious
impactonqualityoflifeandoftenlastlongerthanotherresidentialextensionswiththe
potentialtocausesignificantdisruptiontoneighboursduringthecourseofworks.Thishas
ledtosignificantconcernandcomplaintsfromlocalresidentsinWestminsterinrecent
years.Planninghaslimitedpowerstocontroltheconstructionprocessanditsimpactsand
musttakeaccountofoverlapwithotherregulatoryregimes,butitdoeshaveanimportant
roleinprotectingamenity.Applicantsforbasementdevelopmentmusttherefore
demonstratereasonableconsiderationhasbeengiventopotentialimpactofconstruction
onamenityandthisislinkedtothecouncilsemergingCodeofConstructionpracticewhich
seekstocreateaclearlinkbetweenplanningandotherrelevantlegislationandprocesses,
ensuringtheseworktogetherandissuesarefollowedthroughandenforcedwhere
necessary.
Worktobasementvaultscanrestrictthespaceavailableforservicesinthehighwayand
maymakeitdifficulttoaccesscables,pipes,sewers,etc.formaintenanceandtoprovide
essentialitemsofstreetfurniture.Inordertoensurethatservicesandessentialstreet
furniturecanbeprovided,adequatespacemustbeavailablebetweenthehighwayandany
excavationproposedunderthehighway.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS25Heritage,S28Design,S29HealthSafetyandWellbeing,S30
FloodingandS38BiodiversityandGreenInfrastructure
i
ii
iii
iv
WCCResidentialBasementsReport(2013),AlanBaxterAssociatesforWestminsterCityCouncil
v
SeeBasementDevelopmentinWestminsterSPD,Section6.3forfurtherdetailonsourcesoffloodriskin
Westminster
vi
WCCResidentialBasementsReport(2013),AlanBaxterAssociatesforWestminsterCityCouncil
vii
NationalPlanningPolicyFramework,paragraph120
viii
BasementDevelopmentinWestminsterSPD,(2014),WestminsterCityCouncil
ix
WCCConservationAreaAuditsprovidedetailofcontributionofgardenstreesandlandscapingtolocal
character.
x
MayorsSustainableDesignandConstructionSPG(2014),MayorofLondon
xi
BasementRevisionSupportingInformation(2015),WestminsterCityCouncil
Page129
HEALTH,SAFETYANDWELLBEING
5.17 Ensuringahealthyandsafeenvironmentthatcontributestopeopleswellbeingisa
priorityandmustbeachievedbyalldevelopment.Itisakeyobjectiveformanyof
Westminsterspartners,includinglocalserviceprovidersandthevoluntarysector,andisthe
subjectofmanyofthewiderstrategiesofthecouncilanditspartners.Spatialplanninghasa
keyroletoplayindeliveringthesewiderstrategies.
5.18 Whereverpossible,developmentshouldalsocontributetowardsaddressingthe
widerdeterminantsofhealth,andsupportingpeopletochooseahealthylifestylei.Thereis
strongevidenceofthelinksbetweenthesewiderdeterminantsandhealthinequalities.

F IGURE 43 W IDERDETERMINANTSOF H EALTH ii
However,Westminsteralsofacessomesignificantthreatstohealth,safetyandwellbeing
thatarisedirectlyoutofitsuniquecontextandcircumstances.
5.19 Crimeandthefearofcrimearestronglyaffectedbythe24hournatureofthecity,
influxofpeople,anditsfunctionsrelatingtotheMonarchyandthestate.Thisresultsin
specificchallengesbothatalocallevelsuchascrimehotspotsinareaswithsignificant
eveningeconomies,andatabroaderlevelwithregardtothethreatofterrorismrelatingto
publicfunctions,theGovernment,andlargegatheringsofpeople.
5.20 Similarly,roadsafetyisstronglyaffectedbythehighlevelofactivitywithin
Westminster,particularlywithinthecentralareasofthecity.
5.21 MuchofWestminsterisamixeduseenvironmentinadenselydevelopedworldcity,
wheredifferentusesarelocatedclosetoeachotherandimpactuponeachother.
Page130
ResidentialandcommercialgrowthinWestminsterwillentailbuildingtohigherdensities,
includingextensionstoexistingbuildingsandinfilldevelopments.Inthemanyareaswithin
theCentralActivitiesZoneandNorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea,new
commercialusesareencouragedalongsidenewandexistinghomesanditisimportantthat
therearegoodlevelsofresidentialamenityforbothnewandexistingresidents.Some
typesofdevelopmentsuchasbasementextensionsinvolvesignificantexcavationand
removalofsoil,necessitatinganextendedconstructionphase,greatlyincreasedvehicle
movements,increasednoiseandvibrationwhicharelikelytoimpactonresidentialamenity
duringtheconstructionperiod.
5.22 ItisrecognisedthatnewdevelopmentinWestminsterislikelytohavesomeimpact
onresidentsandbusinesses,bothintermsoftheconstructionperiodandpostconstruction.
Newdevelopmentshouldtakemeasurestominimisenoise,light,urbanheatislandeffect,
andairpollution,toacceptablelevelsandmaintainorimprovetheamenityforneighbours
byaddressingissuesofprivacy,overlooking,naturallight,enclosure,anddisturbance.These
detailedmatterswillbedealtwithindetailinCityManagementpolicy.
5.23 Inmeetingthehousingtargets,caremustbetakentocreatelonglastinghomesthat
meetthedifferentneedsofoccupiers,includingthosewithmobilitydifficultiesandthe
elderly.ParticularcareandinnovativedesignsolutionsarerequiredintheWestminster
contextofdense,mixeduseenvironments,highdensityhousing,andareaswithapoor
externalenvironment,includingareaswhichsufferpoorairqualityorsignificantnoise
pollution.
POLICYS29HEALTH,SAFETYANDWELLBEING
Developmentshouldensurethattheneedtosecureahealthyandsafeenvironmentis
addressed,includingminimisingopportunitiesforcrime,includingtheriskofterrorism,
andaddressinganyspecificriskstohealthorsafetyfromthelocalenvironmentor
conditions.Developmentsshouldalsomaximiseopportunitiestocontributetohealthand
wellbeing,includingsupportingopportunitiesforimprovedlifechancesandhealthier
lifestylechoices.
Thecouncilwillresistproposalsthatresultinanunacceptablemateriallossof
residentialamenityanddevelopmentsshouldaimtoimprovetheresidential
environment.
Allnewhousing,andwherepossiblerefurbishmentofexistinghousing,willprovidea
welldesigned,highqualitylivingenvironment,bothinternallyandexternallyinrelation
tothesitelayoutandneighbourhood.
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Thedevelopmentofmajorinfrastructureprojectsandwhereappropriate,otherprojects
withsignificantlocalimpactswillneedtomitigate,avoidorremedyenvironmentaland
localimpacts,bothinconstructionandoperation,andthiswillbeachievedthrough
compliancewiththerelevantpartsoftheCouncilsCodeofConstructionPractice.
Westminstersuniquecircumstancesgiverisetoanumberofchallengestohealth,safety
andwellbeingwhichshouldbeaddressedbydevelopmentwhereverpossible.Well
designedplacesandspacescanmakeaconsiderablecontributiontoaddressingthese
challenges.Specificissuesinclude:thethreatofterrorism,andincreasedcrimeratesrelated
totheuniquefunctionsandroleofWestminstersCentralActivitiesZone;fearofcrime
experiencedinWestminstersmoredeprivedareas;roadsafetyissues,particularlythose
relatedtothesignificantvolumesoftrafficexperiencedinCentralLondon,andparticular
issuesrelatedtovisitorstothecity;andtheparticularchallengestoprovidingahealthy
livingenvironmentwithinadense,mixedusearea,oftenwithsignificantlocalairandnoise
pollutionandurbanheatislandeffects.

Localsolutionsalsoneedtobesoughttoaddressthewiderdeterminantsofhealth,suchas
ensuringaccesstoemployment,goodqualityhousing,arangeoflocalservicesandfacilities,
andopenspaces;andtheabilitytomakehealthylifestylechoicessuchasbeingactive.
GrowthintheWestminstercontextmeansmixeduseareasandsites,infilldevelopment
andhighdensityliving.Itisthereforevitalthatexceptionalattentionispaidtoprotecting
existingresidentialamenity,andprovidinggoodqualityresidentialaccommodationfor
futureresidents.Duringtheconstructionphasetheimpactonresidentialamenitywillbe
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managedthroughtheCodeofConstructionPractice,whichwillbephasedinforthose
thatcausegreatestimpacts.Poorqualityresidentialamenitycanmakehomesless
attractivetopermanentresidentsandthreatenthesustainabilityofresidential
neighbourhoods.HighstandardsofresidentialamenitywillbenefitWestminsters
residentsintermsofqualityoflife,healthandwellbeing.
Securinghighqualityhousingenablesoccupierstomeettheireverydayneedsforasafe,
healthyandfunctionallivingenvironment,andtacklesdeprivationissuessuchasfuel
povertyandovercrowding.Highqualityhomesalsoreducethelifetimecostsforoccupiers
intermsofenergyandresourceuse,medicalcosts,educationaldisruptionandothersocial
andeconomiccosts.Welldesigned,highqualityresidentialdevelopmentswillalsoimprove
thequalityofneighbourhoodsandmakeWestminsteramorepleasantlocationforworkers
andvisitors,benefitingthelocaleconomy.
CrossreferencetoPolicyCM28.1BasementDevelopment
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F LOOD R ISK
5.24 Asariversideborough,somepartsofWestminsteridentifiedbytheEnvironment
AgencyhavebeendesignatedFloodZone2andFloodZone3.FloodZone3,without
defences,hasahighprobabilityofflooding(1in100orgreaterannualprobabilityofriver
floodingora1in200orgreaterannualprobabilityoffloodingfromthesea).FloodZone2,
withoutdefences,hasamediumprobabilityofflooding,andcoversverysmallareasin
Westminster.LocalauthoritiesmustcarryoutaStrategicFloodRiskAssessment(SFRA)to
assessallformsoffloodingwithintheirareaanddevelopstrongpoliciestoreducerisk.
WestminstersSFRAidentifiesareasinFloodZones2and3,areasmostatriskofflooding
withinFloodZone3andfromothersources.TheEmbankmentWallandtheThamesBarrier
provideWestminsterwithexcellentflooddefenceswhichdecreasefloodrisktoabout1in
1,000annualprobability.Ifhoweverthesedefencesweretobesignificantlybreached,those
lowlyingareasthatareclosesttotheThameswouldfloodveryquickly.Thisareais
identifiedonthemapbelowastheRapidInundationZone.Thiswasidentifiedby
WestminstersSFRAwhichmodelledthetiminganddepthoffloodingfollowingbreachesin
thetidalflooddefencewall.

F IGURE 44 F LOOD Z ONE 3 AND A REASMOSTATRISKOFRAPIDINUNDATION
5.25 SiteswithinFloodZone3arenotsuitableforHighlyVulnerableUsesasdefinedby
theTechnicalGuidancetotheNationalPlanningPolicyFramework(NPPF).Thisincludes:
Page134
basementdwellings;police,ambulanceandfirestationsandcommandcentresand
telecommunicationsinstallationsthatwouldberequiredtobeoperationalduringflooding
andemergencydispersalpoints.
5.26 ThereareninestrategicsitesidentifiedfordevelopmentwithinFloodZone3which
includeapreferreduseforresidentialaccommodationand/orsocialorcommunityuseon
partorallofthesite,includingonewithintheVictoriaOpportunityArea.Residential
accommodationisaMoreVulnerableUse(asdefinedintheTechnicalGuidancetothe
NPPF)and,intermsoffloodrisk,shouldideallybeplacedinthelowestpossibleriskarea.To
bringforwardanadequatesupplyofhousing,giventhehighlycomplexnatureofthebuilt
environmentandthegenerallackofavailablelandinWestminster,theprovisionof
residentialaccommodationisrequiredinalmostallschemesinWestminster.
5.27 Tosupportresidentsandachievesustainablecommunities,socialandcommunity
usesalsoneedtobelocatedinareaswheretheyservethelocalpopulation.Therefore,the
identifiedsiteswithinFloodZone3andothersitesthatmaycomeforwardfromwindfall
developmentareconsideredtohavepassedtheSequentialTestsetoutintheNPPF.
ProposalsmustthenbeconsideredagainsttheExceptionTestassetoutintheNPPFfor
MoreVulnerableUsesandforEssentialInfrastructure.However,tobuildinresilience,
groundandbasementflooruseswillbecarefullyconsidered.
5.28 InadditiontofloodingfromtheRiverThames,thereareotherpotentialsourcesof
flooding;fromsurfacewater,sewers,groundwater,canals,waterfeaturesandwatermains.
GiventhedenselybuiltupnatureofWestminster,alikelysourceisfromsurfacewater
floodingwhererainwaterisunabletosoakintothegroundordrainaway.Thismaybecome
amorecommonoccurrenceinthefutureasclimatechangeresultsinanincreaseinthe
incidenceandseverityofheavyrainfall.
POLICYS30FLOODRISK
HighlyVulnerableUseswillnotbeallowedwithinFloodZone3,andinFloodZone2will
berequiredtopasstheExceptionTest.
ProposalsforEssentialInfrastructureandMoreVulnerableUseswithinFloodZone3will
berequiredtopasstheExceptionTest.WithintheRapidInundationZone,newresidential
unitsbelowthetidalbreachfloodlevelandextensionstoresidentialatbasementlevel
willnotbeacceptable.
Alldevelopmentproposalsshouldtakefloodriskintoaccountandnewdevelopment
shouldreducetheriskofflooding.
Page135
Thisensuresthatdevelopmentislocatedinthemostappropriatelocationintermsofriskof
floodingfromtheRiverThamesandvulnerabilityclassification,takingintoaccountthe
constraintsondevelopmentpotentialacrossthewholeofWestminsterandthelackof
opportunitiestodevelopinotherpartsoftheborough.
Whilstthereisaneedtoadapttotheeffectsofclimatechange,thisapproachalso
acknowledgestheexcellentflooddefencesinplace,whichwillcontinuetobenecessaryin
thefuturetoprotecttheexistingbuiltinfrastructurealongtheriverside.
Thepolicyensuresthatallsourcesoffloodingaretakenintoaccountandthatpotential
floodriskinWestminsterisreducedthroughmitigationmeasures.
ProposalsshouldprovideFloodRiskAssessmentsasrequiredbytheNationalPlanningPolicy
Framework.
CrossreferencetoPolicyS45FloodrelatedInfrastructure;Appendix1ProposalsSitesin
VictoriaOpportunityAreaandStrategicSiteswithinFloodZone3.
A IR Q UALITY
5.29 Westminsterhassomeofthepoorestairqualityinthecountry.Forthisreason,the
wholeboroughwasdeclaredanAirQualityManagementArea(AQMA)in1999fornitrogen
dioxide(NO2)andparticulates(PM10).InWestminster,concentrationsofNO2and
particulatesregularlyexceedtheAirQualityObjectivesassetoutinthenationalAirQuality
StrategyandinEuropeanlegislation.

F IGURE 45 2010 M ODELLED A NNUAL A VERAGE P OLLUTION E XCEEDANCESFOR N ITROGEN D IOXIDE ( LEFT )
AND P ARTICULATES ( RIGHT )
Page136
5.30 Airpollutiondamageshumanhealthcausinganincreasedriskofcardiovascularand
respiratorydiseases,anincreasedriskofcancer,andexacerbatingasthma.Evidenceiii
showsthatatleast3,500peopleinLondondieprematurelyeachyearduetopoorair
quality(althoughthisfigurecouldbeashighas8,000)andthatparticularlyvulnerable
individualscouldhavetheirlivescutshortbyupto9years.Arecentstudyintothemortality
impactsofparticulatepollution,suggeststhatin2008,whentheairqualitywasrelatively
good,thefigurewaslikelytobe4,267,andcouldhavebeenashighas8,000iv.Thisimpact
onmortalityisgenerallyattributedtolongtermexposuretofineparticlepollution.Air
pollutionalsodirectlyaffectsecosystemsandthelocalenvironment,causingsoilingand
damagetobuildings,unpleasantodoursandreducingvisibility.Therearealsostronglinks
betweenlocalairpollution,maintainingahealthyandcomfortableinternalenvironment,
andenergyuse.Poorairqualityconstrainstheoptionsavailableforbuildingdesign,
includingventilatingandcoolingpremises,potentiallyincreasingtheuseofmechanical
ventilationandairconditioning.
5.31 PoorairqualityinWestminsteristhe
resultofthehighnumbersofvehicles,emissions
fromplantandmachinerysuchasboilers,andthe
densityofroadsandbuildingswhichprevents
dispersalofthepollutants.Inadditiontothe
pollutionemittedwithinthecity,asignificant
amountisgeneratedelsewhereandcontributesto
theconcentrationsthataremeasuredin
Westminster.Thisisespeciallythecasewithparticulates.Sourcesarebothmanmadeand
natural,andareverycloselylinkedtoweathersystems.
5.32 Thefocusofactiontoimproveairqualityhaslargelybeenonroadtransport.Road
trafficremainsthemainsourceofparticulatematteremissionsfromwithinWestminster.
ForNOx,inadditiontotrafficemissions,gascombustion(whichcomesprincipallyfrom
domesticandcommercialboilers)isaverysignificantsource,tothepointwhere
commercialanddomesticgascombustiontogetherarepredictedtoaccountfor44%ofthe
NOxemissionsinWestminsterby2015makingNOxcombustionemissionsslightlygreater
thanthosefromroadtraffic.
POLICYS31AIRQUALITY
Thecouncilwillrequireareductionofairpollution,withtheaimofmeetingtheobjectives
forpollutantssetoutinthenationalstrategy.
Page137
Developmentswillminimiseemissionsofairpollutionfrombothstaticandtraffic
generatedsources.
Developmentsthatincludeusesthataremorevulnerabletoairpollution(AirQuality
SensitiveReceptors)willminimisetheimpactofpoorairqualityonoccupantsthroughthe
designofthebuildingandappropriatetechnology.
Improvingairqualityisanationalandregionalobjective,andisofparticularimportanceto
Westminster.IfWestminsteristoachieveareductioninairpollutionthenitmustrequirea
reductioninemissionsfromallsources.
Requiringconsiderationofairpollutioninthebuildingdesignstageanduseofappropriate
technologyisthemosteffectivewayofachievingareductioninnonroadtransport
emissions.Thiscomplementspoliciestoreduceemissionsfromroadtransport.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS28Design;S41PedestrianMovementandSustainable
Transport;S42ServicingandDeliveries;S43MajorTransportInfrastructure.
N OISE P OLLUTION
5.33 WestminsterissignificantlynoisierthanmanyotherpartsofLondon.Likemost
urbanareas,noiselevelsinthecityexceedtheguidelinelevelssetbytheWorldHealth
Organisation.Noisecanleadtoannoyanceandhaveanegativeimpactonsleep,learning
andcommunication,andhealthandwellbeingmoregenerally.
5.34 Westminstersdiversebuiltform,mixandpatternofcommercialandentertainment
activities,concentrationoftransportinfrastructureandvolumesofmovementcombineand,
insomelocations,leadtohighlevelsofnoise.Thisisexacerbatedbythe24hournatureof
activitiesinsomepartsofthecity.Becauseofthis,reducingaveragenoiselevelsinthecity
continuestobeanimportantobjective.
5.35 However,itisnotnecessarilytheloudestorcontinuousnoisethatcausesthemost
annoyance;someindividualnoiseincidencesareaproblembecausetheyareintermittent
andunpredictable;othernoiseshavetonalcharacteristicsthatmostpeoplefindunpleasant,
suchasscreechingordeep,vibratingtones.Noiseisalsomoreobtrusivewhenitisinan
areathatpeopleexpecttobequieter.Individualresponsestonoisevaryandaredependent
ontimeandplace.Averagenoiselevelemissionstandardsornoiseexposurecategoriescan
onlyeverbeapartialresponse.
Page138
5.36 Despitetheseriousproblemsofnoisepollutionaffectingthe
city,therearerelativelyquietareasandpositiveaspectsof
Westminsterssoundscape(thequalityoftheacousticenvironment).
Forexample,manyofthecitysopenspacesarerelativelytranquil
andproviderespitefromnoisepollutionandlowernoiselevelscan
beexperiencedattherearfacadesofmanybuildings.Likethecity
itself,thenoiseenvironmentinWestminsteriscomplexandunique.
Aholisticapproachmanagingnoiseacrossthecityisnecessary;noise
reductionmeasuresareessential,butmitigatingimpactsofdifferent
noisesourcesandimprovingtheoverallqualityofthesound
environmentisalsoimportant.
POLICYS32NOISE
ThecouncilwillworktoreducenoisepollutionanditsimpactsandprotectNoiseSensitive
Receptorsfromnoiseby:
Requiringdevelopmenttominimiseandcontainnoiseandvibration;
Ensuringdevelopmentprovidesanacceptablenoiseandvibrationclimatefor
occupantsandisdesignedtominimiseexposuretovibrationandexternalnoise
sources;and
SecuringimprovementstoWestminsterssoundenvironment,includingprotecting
openspacesofparticularvaluefortheirrelativetranquillity.
Thiswillcontributetothebroaderaimofreducingtheimpactofnoiseonhealthandwell
being.Thisalsolinkstofundamentalobjectivestoprovidecomfortableandhealthy
environmentsdesignedtominimiseadverseenvironmentalpollution.
NoisepollutionisaparticularprobleminWestminsterbuttherearepositivefeaturesof
Westminsterssoundenvironment,notleasttherelativetranquillityofsomeofthecitys
openspaces.Recognisingexisting,andidentifyingpotentialpositivesoundfeaturesofthe
city,willalsocontributetomoreeffectivemanagementofWestminsterssound
environment.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS11RoyalParks;S35OpenSpace.
Page139
INFRASTRUCTUREAND
DEVELOPMENTIMPACTS
5.37 Managingtheimpactofdevelopmentonthesocioeconomic,naturalandbuilt
environmentisessentialtoensureWestminstersdevelopmentissustainable.Animportant
aspectofthisisprotectingexisting,andsecuringnewsupportinginfrastructure.
5.38 Unlikemanyotherpartsofthecountry,growthdoesnottendtobeconstrainedby
infrastructureneedsasdevelopmentsareinsertedintoanexistingcitywherethereare
existinginfrastructurefacilitiesandnetworks.However,theinfrastructureisofvariedage,
qualityandfitnessforpurposeandoftenunderconsiderablepressurefromexisting
residentsandtheworkersandvisitorsthatexpandthepopulationtooveronemillionduring
theday.
5.39 Westminsterisacomplexanddynamic
environmentandassuchrequiresanequally
dynamicandflexibleapproachtoinfrastructure
planning.Thekeyinfrastructurenecessaryto
deliverWestminstersCityPlanvisionare
highlightedintheSpatialStrategysection,in
relationtopoliciesthroughoutthedocument,and
alsoconsideredinthesectiononRiskandReview.
5.40 Thecouncil,itspartnersincludingotherinfrastructureproviders,haveacriticalrole
toplayindeliveringhighqualityservicesandensuringthecitysinfrastructureismaintained,
improvedandwherenecessary,expanded.Theinfrastructurestrategiesofthesepartner
organisationshavehelpedinformthisplanandarealsoconsideredintheinfrastructure
assessmentpublishedalongsideit.Infrastructureplanningisnecessarilyanongoingprocess
andthecouncilwillcontinuetoworkcloselywiththesepartnersandthedevelopment
industrytoassessandmeetexistingandemerginginfrastructureneeds.Thisincludesthe
necessarycommunicationsinfrastructure,particularlyhighspeedbroadband,andreliable
andsustainableenergysupplynecessarytosupporteconomicgrowth.
5.41 Fundingformanyinfrastructureprojectswillbefrommainstreamsources,butfor
someinfrastructuretypes,anelementofthisfundingmayincludecontributionsfrom
developers.Thiscontributionwouldbesecuredthroughalocalcommunityinfrastructure
levy(CIL)orwheretheinfrastructurerequirementisnecessarytomakeadevelopment
acceptableinplanningtermsthroughplanningobligations.
Page140
5.42 ByApril2014thecouncilwilladoptalocalCILthatwillbechargeableon
developmentinthecity.Moneyraisedthroughthelevywillbeusedtosupport
developmentbyfundingtheprovision,improvement,replacement,operationor
maintenanceofinfrastructurethatthecouncil,localcommunityandneighbourhoods
considerisrequiredtohelpaccommodatenewgrowthfromdevelopment.Inalmostall
circumstancesthepaymentofCILismandatoryoncommencementofadevelopment.It
differsfundamentallyfromplanningobligationsinthatthefundscollectedarenottiedtoa
specificdevelopmentortheprovisionofspecificinfrastructure.
5.43 Planningobligationsarespecificrequirementsadeveloper,thecouncilorother
partiesmustagreetoundertaketoallowaplanningapplicationtobegrantedpermission.
Securedthroughalegalagreement(Section106)orunilateralundertaking,theyareusedto:
mitigatetheimpactsofadevelopment;prescribetheformitmaytake;orcompensatefor
anylosscausedbyit.Planningobligationshaveakeyroleinmanagingtheimpactsof
developmentonWestminstersinfrastructureandsocial,economicandphysical
environment.Usedeffectively,planningobligationscontributetotheachievementofthe
councilsvisionforthespatialdevelopmentofthecitybyensuringdevelopmentsaccord
withrelevantplanningpolicyrequirements.
5.44 PlanningobligationswillstillexistafterthecounciladoptsalocalCILbutwillbemore
limitedinhowtheycanbeusedinrelationtotheprovisionofinfrastructure.FromApril
2014orifearlieronadoptionofalocalCILplanningobligationscannotbepooledfrom
morethanfiveplanningobligationsfortheprovisionofinfrastructureorusedatallto
deliverinfrastructurethatthecouncilhaspublishedonitsCILRegulation123listwouldbe
fundedviaitsCIL.InaccordancewiththeCILRegulations,planningobligationsfromthis
datewillonlybeusedtodeliverinfrastructureinrelationtospecificdevelopmentswhere
theprovisionofthatinfrastructureisnecessarytomakethedevelopmentacceptablein
planningterms;isdirectlyrelatedtothedevelopment;isfairlyandreasonablyrelatedin
scaleandkindtothedevelopmentandnomorethanfiveplanningobligationshavebeen
enteredintofortheprovisionofthatparticularinfrastructureproject.
POLICYS33DELIVERINGINFRASTRUCTUREANDPLANNINGOBLIGATIONS
Developmentwillbesupportedbyupgradestoexistinginfrastructureandtheprovisionof
newinfrastructuretoenableittobesustainable.Workingwithitspartners,thecouncil
willidentifythisinfrastructure,itscostsandanyshortfallsinfundingandwillensurethis
infrastructureis:
Phasedanddeliveredinatimelymannertosupportgrowth;and
FundedthroughtheCommunityInfrastructureLevyorplanningobligations,where
thiscomplieswithrelevantlegislation.
Page141
Whennegotiatingplanningobligations,thecouncilwillsecurethemitigationofthe
directlyrelatedimpactsofdevelopment;ensurethedevelopmentcomplieswithpolicy
requirementswithinthedevelopmentplan;and,ifappropriate,seektheprovisionor
contributionsforsupportinginfrastructure.
PlanningobligationsandCommunityInfrastructureLevycontributionswillbesoughtata
levelthatensurestheoveralldeliveryofappropriatedevelopmentisnotcompromised.
Cumulativelyalmostalldevelopmentputsadditionalpressureoninfrastructureandshould
contributetoaddressingthatimpact.Whilesomeinfrastructurecanbedirectlyprovidedby,
anddirectlyserveaspecificdevelopment,orgroupofdevelopments,inmanycasesitwill
benecessarytopoolfundingfromseveraldevelopments.FromApril2014theprimary
mechanismtopoolfundingforthedeliveryandimprovementofinfrastructurethat
addressesthiscumulativeimpactwillbethroughtheadoptionofalocalCommunity
InfrastructureLevy(CIL).
InpreparingaCILforadoptionthecouncilwillprepareachargingschedulewhichwillset
outlevyratesthatwouldbeappliedtodevelopmentinthecity.Theschedulewillbesubject
toconsultationaswellasanindependentpublicexamination.
TheMayorofLondonisalsoempoweredtochargeaCILforstrategictransportinaddition
tothecurrentMayoralplanningobligationrequirementforcontributionstowardsCrossrail;
althoughtheMayorhassetoutacommitmentnottodoublechargeviabothmechanisms.
Thispolicyprovidesframeworkforthedevelopmentoftransparentandequitable
mechanismsthatimprovethelinkbetweengrowthandtheinfrastructureandenable
developmenttofundinfrastructureneededtomakeitacceptable.Italsosetsthecontext
fornegotiatingplanningobligationswheretheyarerequiredtosecureonsitepolicy
requirementsaswellastomitigatethesiteandwhereappropriateanywiderimpactsof
development.
Planningobligations,usedinlinewithrelevantlegislationandgovernmentguidance,can
playanimportantroleinmanagingdirectsitespecificandlocalimpactsofadevelopment
andensuringthatWestminstersCityPlanandotherdevelopmentplanpoliciesare
achieved.CILandplanningobligationsbothhavearoleincontributingtotheprovisionof
supportinginfrastructure.
CrossreferencetoPartVIPartnerships;PartVIRiskandReview;Appendix3Key
Partnerships.
Page142
SOCIALANDCOMMUNITYINFRASTRUCTURE
5.45 AsWestminstergrowsandchanges,socialandcommunityfacilitiesmustbe
providedtomeetthechangingneedsofthecitysdiversecommunities.Newdevelopment
willplacepressureonexistingsocialandcommunityfacilities.Therefore,newfacilities
and/orinvestmentintoexistingfacilitieswillberequired.
5.46 Westminsterisunusualinthatconsiderabledemandsareplacedonitssocialand
communityfacilitiesbyworkersandvisitors,particularlyforhealth,childcareandleisure
facilities.CertainfacilitieswithinWestminster,suchasplacesofworship,educationalor
medicalinstitutions,alsoserveamuchwidercatchmentthanWestminster,withasub
regional,nationaloreveninternationalrole.
5.47 Publicserviceproviders,suchastheNationalHealthService,MetropolitanPolice
andthecouncil,allproducetheirownassetmanagementplanswhichsetsouthowtheir
respectiveestateswillbemanaged.Thecouncilsupportsthedeliveryofproposalsinthese
plans.
5.48 Theprivatesectoralsoplaysanimportant
andvaluedroleinprovidingserviceswithinthecity.
Forexample,theyprovideawiderangeofleisure,
health,childcareandeducationalservices,ranging
frominternationalcentresofexcellencefor
medicineandeducation,throughtolocalchildcare
andgymfacilities.Whilstthesefacilitiesprovide
servicesforlocalcommunities,theyareessentially
businessesandtheirservicesareavailabletothe
publiconacommercialbasisratherthanmeeting
theneedsofallsectorsofthelocalcommunity.Finally,itislikelythatthevoluntarysector
willhavemoreofaroletoplayindeliveringlocalservicesinthefuture.However,thissector
hasitsownparticularpropertyneedswhichareoftendifficulttomeetduetothehigh
propertyvalueswithinthecity.
5.49 Inallcases,socialandcommunityfacilitiesneedtobeinappropriatebuildingsthat
meettheneedsoftheserviceandthosewhousethem,andwhichfacilitatemodernmodels
ofserviceprovision.Thismayincludecolocationofanumberofdifferentsocialand
communityfacilitiestoasinglelocationand/oruseofflexiblecommunityfloorspace
availabletoarangeoforganisations.ThecouncilwillworkcloselywithLocalService
Providerstoestablishtheseinfrastructurerequirementsaspartofitsinfrastructure
planningprocess.
Page143
POLICYS34SOCIALANDCOMMUNITYINFRASTRUCTURE
Allsocialandcommunityfloorspacewillbeprotectedexceptwhereexistingprovisionis
beingreconfigured,upgradedorisbeingrelocatedinordertoimproveservicesandmeet
identifiedneedsaspartofapublishedstrategybyalocalserviceprovider.Inallsuchcases
thecouncilwillneedtobesatisfiedthattheoveralllevelofsocialandcommunity
provisionisimprovedandthereisnodemandforanalternativesocialandcommunityuse
forthatfloorspace.Inthosecaseswherethecouncilacceptsalossorreductionofsocial
andcommunityfloorspacethepriorityreplacementusewillbethepriorityuseforthe
area.
NewsocialandcommunityfacilitieswillbeencouragedthroughoutWestminsterandwill
beprovidedonlargescaledevelopmentsites.
Theprovisionofsocialandcommunityfacilitiesisintegralto
supportingsustainablecommunities.BecauseofWestminstershigh
landvaluesandbecausetheseusestypicallygeneratehighlevelsof
footfallfromvisitingmembersofthepublic,itcanoftenbedifficult
toestablishnewfacilitiesinappropriatelocations.Itistherefore
importanttoprotectexistingfloorspace(includingexternalspaces).
Insomecases,however,localserviceprovisioncanbesignificantlyimprovedbyrationalising
accommodation,colocatingarangeoflocalserviceprovidersontoasinglesite(s)or
providingpurposebuiltflexiblecommunityfloorspace.Thismayresultinanoveralllossof
floorspace,whichmaybeacceptableifitispartofapublishedstrategyandbringsoverall
benefitstothelocalcommunityorisnecessarytodeliveraneworimprovedfacility.The
policyapproachwillensurefacilitiesarefitforpurposeandprovidesufficientflexibilityto
meettheneedsofboththeprovidersandlocalcommunities.Ifforanyreasonanewsocial
andcommunityusecannotbefoundforanexistingsite,ortheplannedreprovisionofthe
neworimprovedfacilitywouldnototherwisebeviable,thesesiteswillbeexpectedto
providehousingwherethisisthepriority.However,inCoreCAZ,theNamedStreetsand
OpportunityAreas,theprioritywillbecommercialdevelopment.Largescalenew
developmentwillbeexpectedtocontributetotheprovisionofnewsocialandcommunity
facilitiessoastomitigatetheirimpactonexistingservices.
CrossreferencetoPolicyS3PaddingtonOpportunityArea;S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;S5
TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea;S7WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea;S12North
WestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea;S18CommercialDevelopment;S21Retail;S33
DeliveringInfrastructureandPlanningObligations;S35OpenSpace.
Page144
O PEN S PACEAND G REEN I NFRASTRUCTURE
OPENSPACENETWORK
5.50 Westminsterhasauniqueopenspacenetworkwhichmakesanimportant
contributiontotheheritage,townscape,economyandenjoymentofWestminsterand
Londonasawhole.
5.51 TheopenspacenetworkinWestminstersCentralActivitiesZoneisdifferentto
elsewhereinLondoninthatinadditiontoprovidinggreenlungsandparksandgardensfor
residents,theRiverThames,canals,RoyalParksandLondonSquaresmakeavital
contributiontoLondonseconomybycontributingtothesettingforLondonsprimeoffice
market,andbyprovidingmeetingandsittingoutareasforthousandsofworkersand
visitors.
5.52 OpenspacesareanintegralpartofWestminstersarchitecturalheritageand
essentialtotheuniquecharacterofthecitysneighbourhoods.TheRoyalParksandRiver
ThamesformthesettingsofworldfamouslandmarkssuchasthePalaceofWestminster
andBuckinghamPalace,andWestminstersopenspacesfeatureinmanyofthecitys
importantviews.OverhalfofWestminstersopenspaceshaveheritagedesignations;
Westminsterhas85LondonSquaresand21EnglishHeritagelistedparksandgardens,
includingfiveRoyalParks.
5.53 WhilstbeingfortunateinhavingfiveRoyalParkswithinthecity,providing250
hectaresofopenspace,otherparks,withtheexceptionofPaddingtonRecreationGround,
aresmall.ThirtyeightpercentofopenspacesinWestminsterareprivateandnotaccessible
tothepublic,andresidentssharetheirpublicspaceswiththemassiveinfluxofvisitorsand
Page145
workerswhocomeintothecity.Pressureon
Westminstersopenspacesisparticularly
evidentintheparksandsquaresinthecentral
areaandinitsnationallyandinternationally
importantcivicspaces,suchasTrafalgar
SquareandLeicesterSquare.
5.54 Conventionalcalculationofthe
amountofpublicopenspaceper1,000head
ofpopulationisnotausefulmeasurein
Westminsterduetothepressureonopen
spacesfromnonresidents,thegeographicalconcentrationofopenspaceintheRoyalParks,
andthedeficienciesinthenorthwestandsouthofthecity.Thereisbothanoveralland
localisedshortageofopenspaceinWestminster.

F IGURE 46 O PEN S PACE N ETWORK
5.55 SomepartsofWestminsterhavealsobeenidentifiedasbeingAreasofWildlife
Deficiency,astheyaredeficientinaccesstoMetropolitanorBoroughSitesofImportance
forNatureConservation.
Page146

F IGURE 47 A REASOF D EFICIENCYIN P UBLIC O PEN S PACEAND A CCESSIBLE A CTIVE P LAY S PACE
POLICYS35OPENSPACE
ThecouncilwillprotectandenhanceWestminstersopenspacenetwork,andworkto
developfurtherconnectionsbetweenopenspaces.Thecouncilwillseektoaddress
existingpublicopenspacedeficiencies,includingactiveplayspacedeficiency,andcurrent
andfutureopenspaceneedsby:
Protectingallopenspaces,andtheirquality,heritageandecologicalvalue,
tranquillityandamenity;
Mitigatingadditionalpressureonopenspacesbysecuringnewimprovedpublic
openspaceinnewdevelopments;spaceforchildrensactiveplay;andseeking
publicaccesstoprivatespaces;and
Securingcontributionstoimprovingthequality,ecologicalvalueandaccessibilityof
localpublicopenspacesanddeliveringnewopenspacesfromunderusedland.
LandinWestminsterisscarce,underintensecompetition,hasahighmonetaryvalueandis
builtupon,withtheexceptionofopenspaceandpublicrealm/highway.Thismeansthat
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newopenspacetoalleviatecurrentdeficienciesandmeetgrowingdemandsisverydifficult
toachieve,andthereforeallopenspacesmustbeprotected.
ThecouncilhasassessedWestminstersopenspaceprovision,needanddeficiency,andset
outaframeworktoaddressthedeficiencies,includingdesignatingpriorityareasfor
additionalopenspaceandactiveplayspace,andforimprovingthequalityandaccessibility
ofopenspacesandtheopenspacenetworkv.
Theoverallandlocalisedshortageofopenspaceandthedifficultyoffindingappropriate
newsitesmakeitessentialtoresistthelossofeventhesmallestopenspaces.
Thequalityandnetworkofopenspacesprovidesopportunitiesforincreasedactivityin
relationtoorganisedsport,recreation,childrensactiveplay,andwalkingandcyclingboth
forrecreationandasameansoftransport.Thereareclearlinksbetweenlowlevelsof
physicalactivityandtheincreasedriskofobesity,withitsassociatedimpactonhealth.Itis
thereforeamatterofconcernthatthemostdeprivedareasofthecityareoftendeficientin
openspaceprovision.Ninetypercentofresidentsliveinflats,furtherincreasingthe
importanceofopenspacesasaparticularlyvaluableresourcetothesocialwellbeingand
healthylivesofWestminstersresidents.
Thereislittlescope,intermsof
suitablesites,toaddresstheidentified
deficienciesinDistrictParksandLocal
Parks.Thecouncilwillthereforefocus
onincreasingthesupplyofSmallOpen
Spaces,PocketParksandCivicAmenity
Spaces,includingfacilitiesforsitting
out,playandnatureconservation,to
reduceidentifiedopenspace
deficiencies,andtopreventadditional
deficienciesoccurringcitywide.This
willalsoreducetheimpactoftheurbanheatislandeffect.Similarly,wherethereareunder
usedareasofland,theymaybeabletomakeacontributiontoopenspaceprovision.
SITESOFIMPORTANCEFORNATURECONSERVATION
5.56 WestminsterhasfiveMetropolitanSitesofImportanceforNatureConservation
(SINCs)comprisingthefiveRoyalParksandBuckinghamPalaceGardens,andtheBlue
RibbonNetwork.ThecityalsohasfiveGradeIBoroughSINCs(oneofwhichisalso
designatedasaLocalNatureReserve),nineGradeIIBoroughSINCsand17LocalSINCs.
Thesesitesarerecognisedfortheirparticularvaluefornatureconservation.Aswellasthe
Page148
intrinsicvalueofnatureconservation,interactionwithnaturecontributestomentaland
physicalwellbeing.SINCsprovideopportunitiesforpeopletointeractwithnatureand
educateandbringpeopletogether.TheRoyalParksarealsodesignatedMetropolitanOpen
Landandhavesignificantheritagevalue.
POLICYS36SITESOFIMPORTANCEFORNATURECONSERVATION
SitesofImportanceforNatureConservation(SINCs)willbeprotectedandenhanced.
Proposals,bothtemporaryandpermanent,willneedtodemonstratethattheydonot
haveadetrimentalimpactonthehabitatsorpopulationssupportedinthesesites.
SINCswillbeprotectedandmanagedfortheirecologicalvalueasthepriority.
ProtectionofSINCsservestoprotectthesignificantareasofrecognisedhabitatandspecies
withinWestminster.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS11RoyalParks;S38BiodiversityandGreenInfrastructure.
BLUERIBBONNETWORK
5.57 TheBlueRibbonNetworkwithinWestminsterisofstrategicimportancetoLondon.
TheRiverThamesformsthesouthernboundaryoftheboroughandthesettingforthe
PalaceofWestminsterandotherhistoricbuildingsandareasincludingthebridges
themselves.InrecognitionofthestrategicimportanceoftheRiverThames,aThamesPolicy
Areahasbeendesignated.WestminstersBlueRibbonNetworkalsocomprisestheGrand
UnionandRegentscanalstowardsthenorth,theSerpentineandLongWaterinHydePark
andKensingtonGardens,andlakesintheotherRoyalParks.ManyofWestminsters,and
indeedLondons,mosticonicviewsincludetheThamesandthelakesintheRoyalParks.
Theyarealsoimportantforprovidinghabitatandwildlifecorridors,andfulfilother
environmentalfunctionssuchasdrainage.TheThamesandcanalsaredesignatedGreen
Corridors.
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F IGURE 48 B LUE R IBBON N ETWORKINCLUDING T HAMES P OLICY A REA
5.58 TheBlueRibbonNetworkalsoplaysimportantrolesintransport,recreationand
education.Itcanprovideamuchneededrespitefromthebuiltupnatureofthecity,and
alsoprovidesimportantlinearwalkingandcyclingroutes.
POLICYS37WESTMINSTERSBLUERIBBONNETWORK
TheBlueRibbonNetworkwillbeprotectedandimprovedby:
Enhancingbiodiversityandwatersidehabitats;
Protectingandenhancingthecharacter,appearance,heritageandlandscapevalue
oftheBlueRibbonNetworkanditssetting;and
EnhancingthelinearqualitiesoftheBlueRibbonNetwork,particularlyinrelationto
heritage,landscapeandviews,biodiversity,andmodesofsustainabletransport;
and,whereitisconsistentwiththesepriorities;
Improvingaccessforpedestriansandcyclists,useforleisure,sportandeducation
especiallyforlocalcommunities;and
Waterbasedtransport.
Page150
DevelopmentalongsidetheBlueRibbonNetworkmustaddressthewaterside,witha
focusonenhancingthewatersidelocationandimprovingaccesstoandenjoymentofthe
waterfront.
DevelopmentswithintheThamesPolicyAreawillneedtodemonstratethattheyhave
particularreferencetotheirriversidelocationandlocalarchitecturalreferences,including
longviewsoftheriverside.
TheBlueRibbonNetworkisafiniteresourcewith
manyinterdependentandcompetingfunctions.Itis
necessarytoprioritisethesefunctionsinorderto
protectitsmostvaluableaspects.
OTHERGREENINFRASTRUCTURE
5.59 Greeninfrastructurecomprisestheparksandgardens(includingresidential
gardens),linearopenspaces,treesandlivingroofsandwallsthatindividuallyand
collectivelyprovidehabitatforadiverserangeofspecies,andcontributetotownscapeand
wellbeing.Provisionofprivatespaces,roofterraces,balconiesandgreenroofscanalso
makeacontributiontogreeninfrastructure.
5.60 Althoughitisadenselydevelopedarea,Westminsterhasadiverseecology.The
capacityforbiodiversityheldwithinopenspacesandthewidergreeninfrastructure
providesessentialnetworksthathelptocontributetonewhabitatcreationandprovidea
keyrangeofecosystems.
5.61 Treesandprivategardensalsomakeanimportantcontributiontothequalityof
biodiversity,andtogetherwithothergreeninfrastructure,formanimportantnetwork
whichcanprovidehabitatforplantsandanimalsandopportunitiesforwildlifetospread
acrossthecity.
5.62 Thebuiltenvironmentisalsorecognisedasanimportanthabitatwithin
Westminster,withabout70%ofthecitycomprisingbuiltstructures.Thisincludeshabitat
andstructuressuchasstreettrees,theexteriorofbuildings,roofs,terracesandwalls.This
habitatiscurrentlydeficientinwildlife,butrepresentsoneofthebestopportunitiesto
improvebiodiversityacrossthecityastheavailablesurfacesexceedmuchmorethanthe
650hectaresofgreenopenspace.
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F IGURE 49 A REASOF W ILDLIFE D EFICIENCY
POLICYS38BIODIVERSITYANDGREENINFRASTRUCTURE
Biodiversityandgreeninfrastructurewillbeprotectedandenhancedthroughout
Westminsterandopportunitiestoextendandcreatenewwildlifehabitataspartof
developmentwillbemaximised.
ProposalswithinAreasofWildlifeDeficiencyshouldincludefeaturestoenhance
biodiversity,particularlyforpriorityspeciesandhabitat.
Wheredevelopmentswouldimpactonspeciesorhabitat,especiallywhereidentifiedin
therelevantBiodiversityActionPlanatnational,regionalorlocallevel,thepotentialharm
shouldfirstlybeavoided,secondlybemitigated,orfinallyappropriatecompensationwill
besought.Whereharmcannotbeprevented,sufficientlymitigatedagainstoradequately
compensatedfor,permissionwillberefused.
Thisapproachrespondstotheneedtoprotectallaspectsofthenaturalenvironmentandto
provideforanimalandplantspeciesandtheirinterconnectedecosystems.
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Improvingbiodiversityandprovidingandprotectinghabitatsincreasestheresilienceof
ecosystemsandhelpsthephysicalenvironmenttochangeandadapttodifferentstresses,
andwillbecrucialinadaptingtotheeffectsofclimatechange.
Provisionofprivatespaces,roofterraces,balconies,andlivingroofsandwallscanalsomake
acontributiontogreeninfrastructure.Utilisingopportunitiestoenhancebiodiversityis
importantthroughoutWestminster,particularlyintheAreasofWildlifeDeficiency.
Decreasingtheareasdeficientinwildlifehelpstodevelopthenetworkofwildlifehabitat
acrossWestminster,andcontributestothesocialandpersonalwellbeingofpeoplelivingin
thoseareas.
ThespecificprotectionofspeciesandhabitatsidentifiedinrelevantBiodiversityAction
Planswillhelppreventthedeclineof,andimproveconditionsfor,thosespeciesand
habitatsthatareaconservationpriority.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS11RoyalParks;S29Health,SafetyandWellBeing.
E NERGY I NFRASTRUCTURE
HEATANDPOWERNETWORKS
5.63 BecauseofthedensecharacterandmixofusesacrossmuchofWestminster,itis
particularlywellsuitedtodecentralisedheatandpowernetworks.Thesenetworksare
usuallypoweredbyalargeandefficientCombinedHeatandPower(CHP)plant,generating
bothelectricityandheatforspaceheatingandhotwaterorinsomeinstancesproviding
cooling.Theelectricityisusedeitherlocally,orsoldtothenationalgrid.Thesesystems
achievesignificantlyhigherefficienciesthancentralisedpowersuppliesfromthenational
gridbecausetheydonotwastetheheatfromgeneratingenergyorelectricitylossesby
transmission.Inordertooperatemostefficiently,amixofusesisrequiredsothatheatand
energyaretakenfromthesystemthroughouttheday,notjustinthemorningandevening.
Forallsuchsystems,arangeofresidential,commercialandcommunitypropertieswill
maximiseefficiency.
5.64 ThePimlicoDistrictHeatingUndertaking(PDHU),locatedinthesouthof
Westminster,istheoldestdistrictheatingsystemintheUK,andprovidesheatandpowerto
alargenumberofhomestogetherwithcommercialandotherpremisesinthesouthofthe
borough.PowergeneratedatthePDHUisalsosoldtothenationalgrid.Thissystemis
significantlymoreefficientcomparedtothenationalgridandalsoachievesconsiderable
Page153
carbonsavings.WestminstercurrentlyhasasecondsystematWhitehalloperatedbythe
OfficeofGovernmentCommercewhichcanprovideheatandelectricityforWhitehall
including18governmentdepartments.However,thissystemmaywellhavethepotentialto
benetworkedmorewidely.AthirdsystemwithintheVictoriaOpportunityAreawouldallow
theentiresouthernareaoftheboroughtohaveanavailablenetwork,andthecouncilwill
workwithlandowners,energyprovidersandCityWestHomestoachievethis.

F IGURE 50 E XTENTOF P IMLICO D ISTRICT H EAT U NDERTAKING 2008
5.65 Thelargerthenetwork,thegreaterthesynergiesandsavingsthatcanbeachieved,
andthemoreefficientthesystemcanbecome.Therefore,allopportunitiesfornewand
upgradedexistingheatsystemsinlargeresidentialorcommercialbuildingsshouldbetaken
toprovideaseriesofnodesforafuture,districtwideenergynetworkas,particularlyfor
Westminster,thesenetworksareasignificantpartofthestrategytodeliverradical
reductionsingreenhousegasemissionsvi.AreassuchasthePaddingtonOpportunity
Area/NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea,wheresignificantopportunitiesfor
newdevelopmentexist,alsoofferparticularpotentialfornetworkedenergysystems.
DecentralisedCHPorCCHP(includescooling),particularlynetworkedsystemswhichallow
forgreaterefficiencies,shouldalsobedeliveredinotherpartsoftheboroughwherethere
ismixeduse.AreassuchasSohoarewellsuitedtonetworkingsmallerCHP/CCHPsystems
installedonindividualsites,andthismayrepresentthemosteffectivewayofaddressing
energyefficiencywithinthehistoricbuiltenvironment.
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5.66 WestminstersCoreCAZisparticularlyvulnerabletotheurbanheatislandeffect.
Becauseofitsconcentrationofcommercialbuildings,thisareahasahighercoolingload
thansurroundingareas.WithinWestminster,thisiscompoundedbytheconcentrationof
eveningandlatenighttimeactivitythatuseenergy,andhaveheatingandcoolingloadsand
emissionsoveramuchlongerperiodthannormalcommercialhours.Theareaiseffectively
aheatislandontopofaheatisland.Theabilityforpremisestoutilisepassiveventilation
(openingwindowsorvents)canalsobeconstrainedbythelocalenvironment,particularly
noiseandairquality.Forthisreason,greaterconsiderationneedstobegiventocooling,
bothintermsofmaintainingacomfortableinternalenvironmentessentialtoWestminster
asanattractivelocationforbusinesses,andadaptingtoclimatechange.vii
POLICYS39DECENTRALISEDENERGYNETWORKS
Infrastructurethatisorhaspreviouslybeeninuseaspartofaheatingnetworkwillbe
protected.
Majordevelopmentshouldbedesignedtolinktoandextendexistingheatandenergy
networksinthevicinity,exceptwherethecouncilconsidersthatitisnotpracticalor
viabletodoso.
Whereitisnotpossibletolinktoanexistingheatandenergynetwork,major
developmentwillberequiredtoprovidesitewidedecentralisedenergygenerationthat
minimisesgreenhousegasemissionsandhasthepotentialtobeextendedtoserveother
developmentsitesinthevicinity,exceptwherethecouncilconsidersthatitisnot
practicalorviabletodoso,includingwhereallavailabletechnologieswouldhavean
unacceptableimpactonlocalairquality.
Smallerdevelopmentswillbeencouragedtobeenabledtoconnectintoheatandenergy
networks.
Followingtheuseoflessenergyinthefirstinstance,thesupplyofefficientenergy
representsoneofthemosteffectivewaystocontributetothemitigationofclimatechange
inWestminster.Decentralisedenergynetworksmakeamoreefficientuseofenergythan
largescalegenerationviathenationalgrid.Thepolicyapproachwillnotonlyenablethe
protectionandexpansionofthePDHUandWhitehallnetworks,butalsoensurethe
developmentofnewnetworkswithinWestminster.Thehighdensityandmixofusesin
Westminsterallowfurtherefficiencygainstoberealised,andenableoptimumloadstobe
reached.
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Theuseofrenewablefuelsourcesisimportanttofurtherensuretheefficiencyof
decentralisedenergynetworks,aslongasthesefuelsourcesdonotcompromiseother
climatechangeprioritiesorthelocalenvironmentsuchaslocalairquality.
RENEWABLEENERGYGENERATION
5.67 Whereverpossible,decentralisedenergygenerationthroughCHP/CCHPsystems
shouldbesupplementedbyonsiterenewableenergygeneration.Insomepartsof
Westminstertherearereducedoptionsforrenewableenergygenerationduetothehistoric
urbanfabricandlackofenergysource(forexample,alackofwindinbuiltupareasorroof
areasshadedformuchoftheday)viii.However,ahistoricurbanfabricinitselfdoesnot
discounttheinstallationofrenewabletechnologies.Nationalplanningpolicyincludesan
expectationtomaximiserenewableandlowcarbonenergydevelopmentanda
responsibilityonlocalauthoritiestoplananddeliverenergygenerationwithintheirlocal
area.
POLICYS40RENEWABLEENERGY
AllmajordevelopmentthroughoutWestminstershouldmaximiseonsiterenewable
energygenerationtoachieveatleast20%reductionofcarbondioxideemissions,and
wherefeasible,towardszerocarbonemissions,exceptwherethecouncilconsidersthatit
isnotappropriateorpracticableduetothelocalhistoricenvironment,airqualityand/or
siteconstraints.
TheuseofrenewableenergywillenabledevelopmentinWestminstertocontributetothe
necessaryradicalreductioningreenhousegasesandreducerelianceonfossilfuels.
However,itisrecognisedthattherecanbechallengesinachievingonsiterenewableenergy
generation.Sustainabledesignandenergyefficiencymeasureswhichreduceenergy
demandthroughenergyefficiencyshouldbeconsideredbeforetheuseofrenewable
energy,thoughthisshouldnotpreventtheinstallationofrenewabletechnologieswhere
achievable.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS3PaddingtonOpportunityArea;S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;
S12NorthWestminsterEconomicDevelopmentArea;S31AirQuality;S32Noise.
Page156
T RANSPORTAND P UBLIC R EALM I NFRASTRUCTURE
SUSTAINABLETRANSPORT
5.68 SustainabletransportoptionsareparticularlyrelevantforWestminster.Some
streetswithintheboroughhavesomeofthepoorestairqualityinthecountry,impactingon
healthandwellbeing.ItisalsoimperativethatWestminstersupports,encourages,and
providespeoplewithrealopportunitiesforbehaviouralchangetoreducecarbonemissions.
Becauseofthehighlevelsofmovementinandoutoftheborough,increasinguseofmore
sustainabletransportoptionswithinWestminsterwouldhaveasignificantimpact.
5.69 ThedensityoflanduseandmovementwithinWestminstermeansthatmany
journeysareshortandcanbemadeonfoot.Aswellasthelargenumberofjourneysmade
solelyonfoot,walkingformspartofmostjourneys:forexample,fromabusstoporstation
orvehicle/cycleparkingspacetothefinaldestination.TwentypercentofWestminster
residents(aged1674)walktowork,comparedto8%forLondonix.Furthermore,between
2007/8and2009/10,49%ofresidentsmainmodeoftravelwaswalking,comparedto31%
forGreaterLondonx.Walkinghasakeyroletoplayincreatingahealthy,accessibleand
vibrantcity.WithincentralWestminsterthereissuchadensityofwalkingactivitythatall
streetsarepartofthewalkingnetwork.
5.70 VisitorstoLondonareoftenunfamiliarwiththegeographyofthecity,andoftenuse
theLondonUndergroundmapasamethodoffindingtheirwayaround.Thisleadsto
touristsmakingshortjourneysbyUndergroundthatcouldmoreeasily,andoftenmore
quickly,bemadeonfoot.Commutersundertakesimilarshorttripsastheycompletetheir
journeytoandfrommainlinestationstravellingoneortwostopsontheUndergroundora
bus.DemandisthereforeplacedonbusservicesandtheUnderground,andcongestionat
thebusiestinterchangesisundulyincreased.
Page157
5.71 Withinallpartsof
Westminster,creatingasafeand
attractiveenvironmentfor
pedestriansplaysacrucialrolein
addressingclimatechange,
improvinghealth(includingtackling
obesity),andcreatingcohesive
communities.Someareassimply
haveenormouspedestrian
volumes.Forexample,therearea
quarterofamillionpedestrian
movementsonaverageacrossLeicesterSquareeverydayequivalenttotheentire
populationoftheUKpassingacrossthesquareevery9months.Thismakestheareaexciting
formany,butisunwelcomingtoothers,especiallyolderpeopleandfamilies.
POLICYS41PEDESTRIANMOVEMENTANDSUSTAINABLETRANSPORT
Alldevelopmentswillprioritisepedestrianmovementandthecreationofaconvenient,
attractiveandsafepedestrianenvironment,withparticularemphasisinareaswithhigh
pedestrianvolumesorpeaks.
Sustainabletransportoptionswillbesupportedandprovidedfor,includingthefollowing
priorities:
Providingforcyclingfacilitiesaspartofallnewdevelopment,includingfacilitiesfor
residents,workersandvisitorsasappropriate;
Reducingrelianceonprivatemotorvehiclesandsinglepersonmotorvehicletrips;
Prioritisingparkingprovisionfordisabled,carsharingandalternativefuelvehicles;
Encouraginguseofalternativesustainablefuelsandtechnology;
Developingwaterbasedrivertransportwherelandprovisionandbiodiversity
considerationsallow.
InWestminster,walkingisthemostefficientmeansofmovementforshortjourneys,
includingthosefromothertransportmodestofinaldestinations.Walkingshouldtherefore
beprioritisedaboveallothers,particularlyduetothecongestionandhighvolumesof
pedestriantrafficthatareexperiencedinpartsofthecity,andshouldalsobeprioritisedin
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thedesignandlayoutofnewdevelopment.Thisisalsothebestwaytotackleother
prioritiessuchasimprovinghealthandroadsafety,andhelpingtoreduceairandnoise
pollution.
Supportforwalkingandothersustainabletransportmodesencouragesbehaviouralchange.
ThiswillallowWestminstertoaccommodatetheprojectedgrowthovertheplanperiod,
reduceexistingdemandsonthehighwaynetworkandmakethebestuseofthelimited
spaceavailableformovementandtransport.Itwillalsocontributetowardsbroader
environmentalandhealthobjectives,includingreducinggreenhousegasemissions,localair
andnoisepollutionandencouragingphysicalactivity.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS28Design;S29Health,SafetyandWellBeing;S31AirQuality;
S32Noise;S37BlueRibbonNetwork.
SERVICINGANDDELIVERIES
5.72 Thehighconcentrationofcommercialactivityinterspersedwithresidential
development,andparticularcharacteristicsofWestminstersdense,historicurbanfabric
createparticularchallengesinrelationtoservicinganddeliveries.Westminsterssubstantial
economyrequiresgoodstobeefficientlydeliveredandservicestobeprovidedwithout
unduedelayorcost.Solutionstoservicinganddeliveriesmustensurethatdaytoday
operationsdonotcompromisethesafetyofotherusersofthepublichighwayorpublic
realm,particularlyvulnerableroaduserssuchaspedestrians.Thesesolutionsmustalso
ensurethatotherroadusersarenotundulyinconveniencedorobstructed.
POLICYS42SERVICINGANDDELIVERIES
Developmentsmustdemonstratethatthefreight,servicinganddeliveriesrequiredwillbe
managedinsuchawaythatminimisesadverseimpacts.Thismayincludetheprovisionof
offsiteconsolidationcentres,shareddeliveryarrangements,and/orrestrictionsonthe
typesofvehiclesortimingofdeliveries,especiallywherethequalityofthepublicrealm,
localpollution,and/orfunctionandreliabilityofthetransportnetworkwouldbe
otherwisecompromised.
Servicinganddeliveryneedswillbefullymetwithineachdevelopmentsite,exceptwhere
thecouncilconsidersthatthisisnotpossible,inwhichcasetheservicinganddelivery
needswillbemetinsuchawaythatminimisestheadverseeffectsonotherhighwayand
publicrealmusers,andotherresidentialorcommercialactivity.Wheresomeorallofthe
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servicinganddeliveryneedsaremetthroughuseofthepublichighway,thedevelopment
willmeettheinitialandongoingcostsassociatedwiththatuseofthepublichighway.
Thisapproachrecognisestheimportanceofandconstraintsassociatedwithaccommodating
theservicingneedsofaworldclasscity,withinadense,mixedandhistoricurbanfabric.
CrossreferencetoPoliciesS25Heritage,S31AirQuality;S32Noise.
THETRANSPORTNETWORK
5.73 TheCityofWestminsteristhemostcomprehensivelyservedlocationbypublic
transportinthecountry.
Therearefourmainrailtermini;32Undergroundstationswith10ofthe12tubelines
runningthroughthecity;threepierswithcommuterservices;andsome157busroutesalso
passthroughWestminster.TheCentralLondonlocationanditsexcellentaccessibility
featuredinthetopfourreasonsbusinesseschoseaWestminsterlocation.However,over
crowdingonpublictransportandcongestiononpavementswerethetoptwonegative
aspectsxi.Further,relativeaccessibilitywithinWestminstervariessignificantlyand
improvementtothetransportnetworkisneededacrosstheborough.
5.74 ThepopulationofWestminsterswellsfromaresidentialpopulationofapproximately
250,000tooveronemillionpeopleinthedaytime.Victoriaisoneofthebusiesttransport
interchangesintheUK,followedbyWaterloo(acrosstheRiverThamesfromWestminster),
andthenOxfordCircus.Overhalfofthe14Undergroundstationsthatexceed30million
passengermovementsayearliewithinWestminster.
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F IGURE 51 W ESTMINSTER S C ONNECTIONS
5.75 Westminstersfunctionasacentreofbusinessandgovernmentrequiresthe
movementofpeopleandgoodsonalargescale,andwithoutunduedelay.Thetransport
systemalsogivesaccesstothecitysshopping,entertainmentanduniquehistoricareasand
visitorattractions.TheexistingtransportnetworkswithinWestminsterdonotalwaysmeet
theseneeds.Theybringhundredsofthousandsofpeopleintothecityeachdaybytrain,
bus,coach,car,taxi,motorcycle,cycleandfoot,butsometimestooslowly,unsafelyorin
overcrowdedconditions.Thehighlevelofdemandfortransport,togetherwiththe
movementofpeopleinto,outofandaroundWestminster,hasadetrimentaleffectonthe
localenvironment,andtheexperienceofresidents,workersandvisitorssuffers.
5.76 Workisrequiredduringthelifetimeofthisplantoimprovetheeffectivenessand
efficiencyofthetransportinfrastructureservingWestminster,andthemanagementof
streetworks,particularlyinareaswherethereisgrowthinthenumberofresidents,workers
orvisitorsandwhosecapacityisheavilypressurised.Crossrail2andHighSpeed2whichwill
affectWestminsterarelongertermprojectsforatimehorizonto2026andbeyond.
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POLICYS43MAJORTRANSPORTINFRASTRUCTURE
Thecouncilwillsupportandpromoteimprovementstotransportinfrastructure,
includingthepublicrealmandservicingimprovementsnecessarytomitigatethe
impactsofincreasedpassengernumbersandintegratetheinfrastructureintothecity
andbroaderimpactsofthosecentralLondonnetworksthatimpactonWestminster,
includingthefollowingmajorprojectsoverthelifetimeoftheplan:
Crossrail,includingnewstationsatPaddington,BondStreetandTottenhamCourt
Road;
HighSpeed2,whichwillimpactonWestminster;
Improvementstostations,prioritisingaccessforall,reducingpedestrian
congestionwithinandaroundthestation,andprovidingasafe,convenientand
attractiveenvironment,includingVictoria,Paddington,Marylebone,Tottenham
CourtRoadandBondStreet;
Improvementstothepublicrealm,focusingonmeetingtheneedsofpeoplewith
disabilitiesandmorevulnerablepeople,andenablingpeopleandbusinessesto
makemoresustainablechoices;
Increasingcycleparkingandimprovingsafetyforcyclistswherethiswouldnot
compromisepedestrianmovementincludingpubliccyclehireschemesthroughout
Westminster,andindoorcyclestorageandsupportingfacilitiesatmajortransport
interchanges;
ImprovingwayfindingandlegibilityaroundWestminstertofacilitatepedestrian
movement;
Improvingtheconvenience,connectivity,attractivenessandsafetyof
Westminsterslinearwalkingroutes,includingtheBlueRibbonNetworkand
connectionswithinandbetweenWestminstersopenspaces;
Improvementstolocalbusandtaxiinfrastructure;and
Improvementstoriverservicesandpiers,subjecttoPolicyS37BlueRibbon
Networkandtheabilitytosecureadequatespacetoaccommodatethepeakflows
to/fromboats.
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Goodpublictransportinfrastructureisessentialformeetingtheeconomic,socialand
environmentalneedsofthecitysresidents,businesses,workersandvisitors.
Improvementstotheexistingbusandtrainservicesandtheprovisionofnewrailandlight
raillinksareurgentlyneeded.Theywillhelpimproveefficiencyandreliabilityandincrease
capacity,therebyreducingcongestiononbothroadandrailnetworksandensuringthe
cityremainscompetitiveinaglobaleconomy.Itisalsonecessarytoimprovethe
accessibilityofpublictransportandreliabilityofthetransportnetwork.
Keyinfrastructureandpublicrealmimprovements,togetherwithgoodlegibilityandway
findinginformationarealsoneededtosupportsustainabletransportmodes,encourage
greateruseandtoensurethe
increaseinthenumberofpeople
dispersingaroundtransportnodes
doesnothaveanadverseimpact.
Thereisacontinuingneedtoreview,
planandfundforimprovementstokey
transportinfrastructureinorderto
maintainandimproveaccessibilityand
coordinatewithcommercialand
residentialdevelopmentschemes.
F IGURE 52 P UBLIC T RANSPORT A CCESSIBILITY L EVELS 2008

CrossreferencetoPoliciesS1MixedUseintheCentralActivitiesZone;S3Paddington
OpportunityArea;S4VictoriaOpportunityArea;S5TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunity
Area;S7WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea;S11RoyalParks;S28Design;S33Planning
ObligationsandDeliveringInfrastructure;S35OpenSpace;S37BlueRibbonNetwork.
W ASTE I NFRASTRUCTURE
5.77 WestminsterCityCouncilisaUnitaryWasteAuthorityresponsibleforthecollection,
recyclinganddisposalofwaste.WestminstersCityPlanpoliciesinrelationto:the
minimisationofwaste;planningforwastemanagementfacilities;andformonitoringofsites
thatwillcomeforward,shouldbeviewedalongsidetheMunicipalWasteManagement
Strategy(20042016)whichsetsouthowwasteismanaged.
Page163
5.78 ItisrecognisedthatthereisaneedforgreaterwasteselfsufficiencyinLondon.
TheLondonPlanseekstoensurethattherearefacilitiestodealwith100%ofwastearising
inLondonby2031,includinganincreaseinthecompostingandrecyclingofmunicipalwaste
to60%by2031,andcommercialandindustrialwasteto70%by2020.Thecouncilstrongly
supportstheneedtopreventtheproductionofwasteinthefirstinstance,followedbythe
reuseandrecyclingofwastematerialsandrecoveryofenergyfromwaste,beforethe
disposalofwasteasalastresort.TheamountofhouseholdwasterecycledinWestminster
hasbeenincreasing(to23%in2007/8)whilstjust14%ofmunicipalwasteiscurrentlysent
tolandfill.
5.79 Inordertofullycontributetowasteselfsufficiency,thecounciliscommittedto
ensuringsufficientopportunitiesfortheprovisionofwastemanagementfacilitiesin
appropriatelocations.However,inaboroughwithverylittleindustriallandandhighland
costs,thecouncilhastoavoidunrealisticassumptionsontheprospectsforthe
developmentofwastemanagementfacilities.
5.80 TheLondonPlansetsoutboroughlevelapportionmentofwastetobeplannedfor,
inordertodeliveralmost12milliontonnesofwastecapacityacrossLondonby2031:
2016 2021 2026

MSW C&I Total MSW C&I Total MSW C&I Total
49 78 126 58 84 142 68 92 160
Municipalsolidwaste(MSW)andcommercial/industrial(C&I)waste
requiringmanagement(thousandtonnesperannum)
F IGURE 53 B OROUGH L EVEL P ROJECTIONS
5.81 AcrossLondonitisestimatedthatthereisaneedfor22hectaresofadditionallandin
ordertoeffectivelymanagewastexii.However,theactuallandrequirementwilldependupon
thenumber,type,scaleandlocationofwastemanagementfacilities.Thecouncilisnotina
positiontodictatetheexactrangeofpotentialwastemanagementfacilities,althoughbased
ontypicaltonnagethroughputandlandtakeofdifferenttypesoffacilities,smaller
facilitiessuchascompostersaremorelikelytobeappropriatethanlarge
gasification/pyrolysisfacilities.
5.82 AlthoughWestminstercontainsnoStrategicIndustrialLocations,detailedanalysisof
potentialwastelocationshasbeenundertaken,usingcriteriasetoutinnationaland
regionalguidancexiii.Thisillustratesthatanypotentialsitesarecurrentlyunsuitableduetoa
combinationofproximitytoresidentialuses,noaccesstorailandwatersustainablemodes
oftransport,sitesthathavebeenallocatedtodeliverhousing,orsignificantly,arewithinthe
areasafeguardedforthedeliveryofCrossrail.Despitethis,thecounciliscommittedto
tacklingitswasteapportionmentthrough:
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Designatingandprotectingexistingwastesites,includingwastecleansingdepotsand
microrecyclingcentres;
Rollingoutaprogrammeofinvesselcomposterswhichisprojectedtomeetthe
municipalwasteapportionmenttarget;
Identifyingnewsitesinlinewithlocationalcriteriaduringthelifetimeoftheplan
period;and
Requiringnewdevelopmenttoprovidenewwastemanagementfacilities;and
JointworkingwithotherLondonboroughstopoolwasteapportionment.
FIGURE54WASTEMANAGEMENTFACILITIES
POLICYS44SUSTAINABLEWASTEMANAGEMENT
Thecouncilwillrequiretheminimisationofwaste,theincreaseinthereuse,recycling
andcompostingofwaste,andthereductionintheamountofwastedisposedatlandfillin
ordertocontributetowardsthewastereductiontargetssetoutintheLondonPlan.
Inordertoensuresufficientopportunitiesfortheprovisionofwastemanagement
facilitiesinappropriatelocations,inaccordancewiththeLondonPlanwaste
apportionment,thecouncilwill;
Protectexistingwasteandrecyclingmanagementsites,protectanynewstreet
cleansingdepots,microrecyclingcentresandinvesselcomposterswhichare
securedduringthelifetimeoftheplan,andrequiretheequivalentorincreased
capacityaspartofanydevelopmentthatwouldresultinthelossofanyorallofa
designatedwastesite.
Requiremajornewdevelopmenttoprovideonsiterecyclingandcompostingwaste
managementfacilities,exceptwherethecouncilconsidersthatitisinappropriateor
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unfeasibletodoso.Insuchcases,newfacilitieswillbeprovidedoffsiteandmay
includesharedprovisionwithanotherdevelopmentoranexistingwastefacilityin
thevicinitythathascapacity,exceptwherethecouncilconsidersthatitis
inappropriateorunfeasibletodoso.Whereitisnotpossibletoprovideeitheron
site,offsiteorsharedwastefacilities,apaymentinlieuwillberequiredtoaWaste
ManagementFundtoallowthecounciltoprovidesuitablefacilitiesinthevicinity.
Identifypotentialnewlocationssuitableforwastemanagementfacilitiesduringthe
lifetimeofWestminstersCityPlanusingthefollowingcriteria:
Proximitytosourceofthewaste;
Thenatureandscaleofthefacility;
Anypotentialimpactonthesurroundingareaincludingnoise,emissions,
odourandvisualimpact;
Thefulltransportimpactofallcollection,transferanddisposalmovements,
includingmaximisingopportunitiesfortransportbyrailorwater;and
Theneedtousesitesthatarecurrentlyinindustrialuseorareexistingwaste
managementsites.
Secureanynewwastesitesidentifiedduringthelifetimeoftheplan,otherthan
streetcleansingdepots,microrecyclingcentresandinvesselcomposters,withina
WasteDevelopmentPlanDocument.
Workinpartnershipwiththeobjectiveofsecuringjointworkingarrangementswith
otherLondonBoroughsinordertopoolwasteapportionment,andsetoutthese
arrangementswithinaWasteDevelopmentPlanDocument.
Thispolicyapproachaimstosupporttheobjectiveofselfsufficiencyasfaraspractically
possible,throughthereductionofwaste,andtheprotectionandincreaseofrecycling
facilities.Itrepresentsapragmaticandrealisticapproachtoensuringsufficient
opportunitiesfortheprovisionoffuturewastemanagementfacilitiesinappropriate
locations,recognisingthebuiltupcharacterof,andlackofindustriallandwithin
Westminster.Italsoprovidesforanappropriatepolicyframeworktobeputinplaceinthe
eventthatinnovativesolutionstoaddressingwastearefoundonsiteswhichdonotmeet
nationalorregionalwastesitecriteriaandwhicharenototherwiseaffordedprotection
throughWestminstersCityPlan.
Page166
F LOOD R ELATED I NFRASTRUCTURE
5.83 Asariversideborough,Westminsterispotentiallysusceptibletotidalandfluvial
floodingfromtheRiverThames.However,Westminsterhasexcellentflooddefencesfrom
theEmbankmentWallandThamesBarrierwhichgreatlyreducetheriskofflooding.The
EnvironmentAgencyisreviewinghowfloodriskwillbemanagedoverthenext100years,
includinghowflooddefenceinfrastructurewillneedtobeupgradedwhenexisting
infrastructurecomestotheendofitsusefullifeduringtheperiod20302060.Thiswillneed
totakepotentialimpactsofsealevelriseasaresultofclimatechangeintoaccount.The
councilwillworkwiththeEnvironmentAgencytoensureflooddefenceinfrastructureisin
placetoprotectthecity.
POLICYS45FLOODRELATEDINFRASTRUCTURE
Developmentwillensurethatfloodrelatedinfrastructureisprotectedandaccessfor
maintenanceisretained.
Thecouncilwillworkwithitspartnersataregionaland,wherenecessary,multiregional
leveltoensurefloodrelatedinfrastructureremainsfitforpurpose.
Thisapproachacknowledgestheexcellentflooddefencesinplace,whilstacknowledging
thatthereisaneedtoadapttotheeffectsofclimatechangeinthelongterm,whichwill
continuetobenecessaryinthefuturetoprotecttheexistingbuiltinfrastructurealongthe
riverside.
THAMESTUNNEL
5.84 MostofWestminster,likemostofLondon,is
servedbycombinedsewersdesignedinthe1860s,
whichreceivefoulwater,andwaterfromroofs,hard
standingandsometimesthehighways.Duringrainy
periodsthesewersfillupandoverflowthroughaseries
ofoverflowoutletsfromthecombinedsewersintothe
RiverThamesanditstidaltributaries.Thisoverflowresultsinthereleaseof38million
tonnesofrawsewageeachyearintotheriver,affectingwaterqualityandbiodiversity.
Specialistbargesarecurrentlyusedtooxygenatetherivertomitigatefortheimpactsof
Page167
combinedseweroverflowsonwildlife;howeverthisstillresultsinabreachofthe
requirementsoftheEUUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(1991).
5.85 InLondon,giventhegrowthindevelopmentandpopulation,thestrainonthe
existingsystemcantriggeranoverflowinthecombinedsewersevenfromrelativelymodest
rainfall.Duringwetspells,thesewersfillupwithrainwaterveryquickly.Theimpactof
climatechange,intermsofintensifiedrainfallevents,islikelytoincreasethenumberof
combinedsewerdischargesintheRiverThames.
5.86 ThamesWaterisdevelopingplansforaThamesTunnel,aschemetoreduceand
limitpollutionfromtheseweragesystemforthewholeofLondon,inordertocomplywith
EUUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentDirective(1991).TheThamesTunnelproject,if
approved,isduetocommenceafter2012andbecompletedby2025.Thecouncilsupports
necessaryinfrastructureofthisnature,subjecttotheirdetailandassessmentofimpacts.
POLICYS46THAMESTUNNEL
ThecouncilwillworkwithThamesWaterandtheotherrelevantauthoritiestosupport
thetimelyimplementationoftheThamesTunnelproject,includingtheconnectionofthe
combinedseweroverflowsinthecity.
TheThamesTunnelprojectwillhelptoreduceandlimitpollutionnecessarytocomplywith
theEUUrbanWasteWaterTreatmentObjective(1991).
i
PublicHealthAnnualReport2006/2007pg87recommendationsforhealthinequalitiesinWestminster
ii
AdaptedfromPublicHealthAnnualReport2006/2007includingdiagramfromDahlgrenandWhitehead1991
iii
DEFRAAirpollution:ActioninaChangingClimate2010
iv
Reportonestimationofmortalityimpactsofparticulateairpollution2010
v
OpenSpaceStrategySupplementaryPlanningDocument,2007
vi
RetrofittingSoho,2008,paragraphs5.63to5.90
vii
RetrofittingSoho,2008,paragraphs3.53to3.61and5.68to5.71,aswellasothersections
viii
RetrofittingSoho,2008,paragraphs5.107to5.117
ix
Census2001
x
TfLLondonTravelDemandSurvey
xi
xii
DraftLandforIndustryandTransportSPG
xiii
LondonPlanPolicies5.16and5.16
Page168
PART VI:
IMPLEMENTATION
THEPRESUMPTIONINFAVOUROFSUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT
6.1 TheNationalPlanningPolicyFrameworkincludesapresumptioninfavourof
sustainabledevelopmentwhichisthegoldenthreadrunningthroughbothplanmaking
anddecisiontaking.
POLICYS47THEPRESUMPTIONINFAVOUROFSUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT
Whenconsideringdevelopmentproposalsthecouncilwilltakeapositiveapproachthat
reflectsthepresumptioninfavourofsustainabledevelopmentcontainedintheNational
PlanningPolicyFramework.Itwillalwaysworkproactivelywithapplicantsjointlytofind
solutionswhichmeanthatproposalscanbeapprovedwhereverpossible,andtosecure
developmentthatimprovestheeconomic,socialandenvironmentalconditionsinthe
area.
PlanningapplicationsthataccordwiththepoliciesinthisLocalPlan(and,whererelevant,
withpolicesinneighbourhoodplans)willbeapprovedwithoutdelay,unlessmaterial
considerationsindicateotherwise.
Wheretherearenopoliciesrelevanttotheapplicationorrelevantpoliciesareoutofdate
atthetimeofmakingthedecisionthenthecouncilwillgrantpermissionunlessmaterial
considerationsindicateotherwisetakingintoaccountwhether:
Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably

outweighthebenefits,whenassessedagainstthepoliciesintheNationalPlanning
PolicyFrameworktakenasawhole;or
SpecificpoliciesinthatFrameworkindicatethatdevelopmentshouldberestricted.
Toachievetheoptimumbalanceofeconomic,socialandenvironmentalplanningroles
whichconstitutethethreedimensionsofsustainabledevelopmentandensuredeliveryof
thisbalancedapproachalocallevel.Toensuredeliveryofsustainabledevelopment,
includingthroughneighbourhoodplanning.
Page169
PartIVImplementation
POLICYCM47.1LANDUSESWAPSANDPACKAGES
Planningpermissionfortheswappingofusesbetweensitesandforlandusepackages
(swapsbetweenmorethan2sites)whicharelocatedintheCentralActivitiesZonewillbe
appropriatewhere:
1. thesitesareinthevicinityofeachother;
2. themixedusecharacteroftheimmediateareaissecuredatafinegrain;
3. thereisnonetlossoffloorspacewhichisprotectedbyotherpoliciesintheplan
acrossthesitestakenasawhole;
4. theusesareappropriatewithineachareaandthereisnolossofamenityresulting
fromtheintroductionorintensificationofauseintoanarea;
5. anyresidentialaccommodationisofahigherqualitythancouldhavebeenachieved
withoutthelanduseswaporpackage;
6. theapplicationsforallsitesaresubmittedatthesametimeandallelementsofthe
schemearecompletedwithinatimeframeagreedbytheCityCouncil.
Thispolicydoesnotprejudicetheapplicationofanyotherpoliciesintheplan,and
requirementsforfloorspacetobeprovidedmustbemetinfull.
Ifagreed,thesitessubjecttothelanduseswaporpackagewillbetreatedasthoughthe
developmentisonasinglesite,includingforconsiderationofviability.
Applicationsmustbeaccompaniedbyafullscheduleoftheexistingandproposed
floorspaceincludingthefollowing:
1. thefloorspaceofeachuse(GrossInternalArea)proposedforeachsite,andforallof
thesitestakenasawhole;
2. inthecaseofresidentialfloorspace,thebreakdownoffloorspaceprovidedin
accordancewith1.(immediatelyabove)bythetenure,unitfloorspace,andthenumberof
bedroomsofeachunit,andthetotalfloorspaceforallofthesitestakenasawhole;
3. detailsofanydrawdownsofcreditsinaccordancewithPolicyCM47.2;and
4. calculationsofanyfloorspaceshortfallsbeingmetfromPaymentinLieu.
InordertomaximisethepotentialofsiteswithinthecommercialareasofWestminsters
CentralActivitiesZone,flexibilityisprovidedthroughlanduseswapsandpackagesto
ensureamixofusesisretainedlocally,butmaximisingthepotentialofeachindividualsite.
Page170
Dueconsiderationwillbegiventopackageswhereoneormoreofthesitesarenotwithin
thevicinityofeachotheragainstmixeduseandmixedandsustainablecommunity
objectives.Thesewillbeconsideredonasitebysitebasisandtherefore,whilethe
objectivesofthispolicywillbeaconsideration,theycannotbetreatedasthoughtheywere
asinglesiteforplanningpurposesastheirvariedlocationswillneedtobetakeninto
account.
Itisimportantthatsufficientdetailisprovidedwithanyapplicationusingthismechanismto
allowaproperassessmenttobemade.Inthecaseoflandusepackages,calculationscan
becomeverycomplexanditisimportanttransparencyismaintained.
POLICYCM47.2CREDITS
A) RegisteringCredits
InadditiontoPolicyS1inthecaseofmixedusecredits,creditsmust:
1. beagreedasacreditatapplicationstageandregisteredasacreditatthetimeof
permissionbeinggranted,orhavebeengrantedpermissionpriorto[revision
adoptiondate]andhavenotbeenimplemented;
2. establishanominalfloorspacevalueforthecreditinagreementwiththecouncil,
witheachcreditequatingto1sqm;
3. fundthedevelopmentandmaintenanceofacreditmonitoringdatabasewhichwill
bethedefinitivelistofcreditsites;
4. notbelistedinAppendix1ProposalsSiteswiththatuseasaPreferredUse;
5. complywiththefollowingpolicies;
ResidentialMixedUse S14OptimisingHousingDelivery;PolicyS16
Credits AffordableHousingexcludingPaymentsinLieu
CommercialMixedUse S18CommercialDevelopment;S19Inclusive
Credits LocalEconomyandEmployment;andwhere
relevantS21Retail
Inconsideringifaproposalshouldbeagreedasacreditscheme,thecouncilwilltakeinto
accounttheschemeslocation,scaleandqualityandinthecaseofresidentialfloorspace,
thetype,tenure,mixandnumberofunitstobeprovidedandthetype,tenureandmixof
uses/housinginthelocalarea.
Page171
B) DrawingDownCredits
InadditiontoPolicyS1inthecaseofmixedusecredits,whendrawingdowncredits:
1. Theymustbedrawndownwithin7yearsofregistration;
2. Thefloorspaceregisteredbythecreditsmustbecompleted,andthecompletion
certificateprovidedtothecouncil;
3. OnlyvaluesuptothenominalvaluereferredtoinA)2.abovecanbeusedinany
viabilityassessmentforthehostscheme;
4. Creditsmaybepooledfrommorethanonecreditscheme,orusedincombination
withonsite,offsiteorpaymentinlieuprovision;
5. Thecreditsmustbeavailablefordrawdown,asfollows;
i. Creditsareallocatedtoahostschemeatthetimetheplanningapplicationis
submittedforthehostscheme.Afterthis,theywillnotbeavailableforany
otherhostschemeuntiltheyarereleased.
ii. Toreleasecreditsthecouncilmustbenotifiedinwritingthat:
a) thehostschemeplanningapplicationhasbeenrefusedandthetimefor
anappealhasexpired,oranappealdismissed;
b) thehostschemeplanningapplicationhasbeenwithdrawn;
c) thehostschemehasbeensupersededbyanalternativehostschemeand
thecreditsaretransferredtothelatterscheme;
d) thehostschemehasbeensupersededbyanalternativeschemethat
doesnotusethecredits;or
e) thehostschemeplanningpermissionhasexpired.
iii. Creditscanonlybedrawndownonce,andthecredithasbeendrawndown
whenthecouncilisnotifiedinwritingthatthehostschemeiscompleted.
PolicyApplication
Anappropriatenominalvaluewillbeagreedusingthefollowinginputs:
Thecreditsitevalue,equatingtothemarketvalueforthecreditlanduse(s).Inthe
caseofaresidentialmixedusecredit,thiswillbethemarketvalueofthehousing
includingtheaffordablehousing.Inthecaseofacommercialmixedusecredit,this
willbethemarketvalueofthecommercialfloorspacebeingprovided.
Page172
Developmentcosts,basedonappropriateindustrybenchmarks.
Areturnofupto20%.
PlanningobligationsandanyCommunityInfrastructureLevy.
Hopevalueforalternativeusesandanyopportunitylosswillnotbetakenintoaccountin
theestablishmentofthenominalvalue.
ThenominalvaluewillbelinkedtotheAllinTenderPriceIndexpublishedbytheBuilding
CostInformationServiceoftheRoyalInstitutionofCharteredSurveyors.
Landusecreditsenabledevelopmenttobeboughtforwardearlywhichcanthenmeet
policyrequirementsofalaterscheme,referredtoasthehostscheme.Thisprovides
additionalflexibilitytosupportdevelopersindeliveringmixeduse.However,itisimportant
thatthecreditsprovideadditionalitytocontributetowardstheobjectivesofthemixeduse
policy.
Itisalsoimportantthatthereiscertaintyaroundthevalueofthecreditbothatthetimeof
thecreditapplicationandatthetimeofthehostapplication,toensurethedrawingdownof
thecreditatalaterdatedoesnotimpactonthebookviabilityofthehostschemeandto
avoidvalueescalation.Itisalsoimportantthatthecreditisusedinatimelywaytoensure
thatthemixofusescanbemonitoredatafinegrain,withanypipelineofdevelopmentand
creditstakenintoaccounttoinformdecisionmakingandplandevelopment.
Allcostsassociatedwithmanagingacreditschemeneedtobeabsorbedintothescheme
itselftoensurethatthisadditionalflexibilityforthebenefitofdevelopmentdoesnotcost
thepublicpurse.
Page173
PARTNERSHIPS
PARTNERSHIPWORKING
6.2 Thecouncilisoneofanumberoforganisationsworkingtomanageanddeliver
changeacrossWestminster,andmanyofWestminstersissuesrequirepartnershipworking
witharangeoforganisationsandacrosslocalauthorityboundaries.Thecouncilhasastrong
recordofeffectivepartnershipworkingandworksclosely,bothformallyandinformally,
withotherlocalauthoritiesandstakeholdersassetoutthroughoutWestminstersCityPlan
andsummarisedinAppendix3.
6.3 Issuessuchashousing,affordablehousingandwastecanonlybeaddressedina
regionalcontext.Similarly,environmentalactionandinfrastructuredeliveryrequiresan
approachthatextendsbeyondtheimmediatecityboundary.Deliveryoflargeinfrastructure
projectsrequirespecificjointworkingarrangements.Forexample,theCityCouncilworks
jointlywithTransportforLondonthroughtheLocalImplementationPlanandotherfunding
andimplementationmechanisms.
6.4 Neighbourhoodsdonotconformtolocalauthorityboundaries,andajointapproach
tocrossboundaryissues,design,streetscapeandpublicrealmimprovements,andlocal
servicedeliverywillcontinuetobeimportant.Thishasbeenformalisedthroughthedutyto
cooperatesetoutintheLocalismAct2011.
6.5 Whereappropriate,deliveryoftheobjectivesinthisplanwillbemanagedthrough
establishedornewpartnerships,particularlywithinmajordevelopmentareasorareaswith
crossboundaryimplications.
6.6 PartnershipworkingwillbenecessarytodeliverthespatialvisionofWestminsters
CityPlan,andmanyofitspolicies.Thecouncilembracesthisapproachandtheroleofthe
planningprocessinestablishingandworkingwithinagenuinepartnershipframework.
NEIGHBOURHOODPLANNINGANDCOMMUNITYGOVERNANCE
6.7 Communitygovernancehasanimportantroleinplacemakingandspatialplanning.
Legislativechangesin2007allowedthecreationofthefirstmoderndayparishcouncilin
London.ThisparishcouncilwascreatedinQueensPark,innorthwestWestminster.The
LocalismAct2011introducedotheradditionalopportunitiesforcommunitygovernance,
throughneighbourhoodplanning.Thisallowslocalpeopletoapplytothecounciltohavea
neighbourhoodareadesignated,andthentoapplytobetheneighbourhoodforumfor
thatarea.Aneighbourhoodforumorparishcouncilcanprepareplanningdocumentswhich,
ifadopted,formpartofthestatutorydevelopmentplanforthatarea(seealsoparagraph
Page174
1.2andfigure1).Enablinglocalcommunitiestopreparetheirowndevelopmentplan
documentsisasignificantchangedevolvingpowertolocalcommunities.
6.8 Theselocalplanningdocumentsareneighbourhoodplansandneighbourhood
developmentorders.Neighbourhoodplanscontainlocalplanningpolicieswhichareread
alongside,andhavethesamestatusas,thislocalplanandtheLondonPlan.Thesepolicies
applytoanyplanningapplicationmadeintheneighbourhoodorparishcouncilarea.
Neighbourhooddevelopmentordersallowdevelopmentinaccordancewiththatorderto
takeplacewithoutneedingplanningpermission(althoughlistedbuildingconsentwouldstill
berequiredwhererelevant).Neighbourhoodplansanddevelopmentordersmustbein
generalconformitywiththestrategicpoliciesintheLocalPlan,whichforWestminsterare
allofthepoliciesinthisplan.Althoughlocalcommunitiespreparethesedocuments,the
councilhasanongoingroleingivingadviceandassistance,andhelpingtoadministerthe
relevantprocedures.
6.9 Neighbourhoods,businesses,communitiesandindividualsalsoexercisecommunity
governancethroughparticipationinconsultationthroughdevelopmentofthislocalplan.
Manyoftheideasandrequirementssetoutinthisdocumentaretheresultofthis
engagement,andwebelievethespatial
strategysetoutreflectswhatour
communitieswantandtheirvisionofthe
future.
6.10 Thecouncilalsoworkswith
BusinessImprovementDistrictswithinthe
cityi.Thesearelocallycontrolledgroups
ofbusinesseswhoimprovethe
environmentandeconomicperformance
ofanareafundedbyalevyonthesebusinesses.Theyprovideawelcomepartnership
mechanismtobothimprovethecityandengagewithbusinessesonoperationalandpolicy
mattersandparticipateinneighbourhoodplanningtorepresentbusinessinterests.
6.11 ArangeofotherneighbourhoodinitiativesoperatewithinWestminster,facilitating
localdemocracy,localenvironmentalimprovements,supportinghealthierlivingandtackling
localcrimeandsafetyissuesii.
6.12 Thecouncilwillcontinuetoencourageandsupportaneighbourhoodapproachto
localdecisionmaking,neighbourhoodrenewalandtacklinginequalities,environmental
improvementandserviceprovision.
Page175
WESTMINSTERSSUSTAINABLECOMMUNITYSTRATEGY
6.13 ThisdocumentisthespatialexpressionofWestminstersSustainableCommunity
Strategy,andthevisionofthecommunitystrategyanditskeyobjectiveshavehelped
informandarecloselyalignedwithit:
OursharedvisionforWestminsteristhatby2016itwillbethebestcitytolivein,workand
visitintheUK,avibrantcitywithgreatqualityoflife,strong,unitedcommunitiesand
excellentservices,offeringrealopportunitiesforeveryonetoachieveabetterfuture.
Strong,unitedand
Betterlifechances
engagedcommunities Abettercityforchildrenand
Amoreunifiedcity youngpeople
Astrongervoicefor Acityofopportunitywhere
Animprovingcity localpeopleinshaping
everyonecanimprovetheirlife
Asafercity their city chances,wellbeingandhealth
Amore
sustainable,cleaner Astrongcityeconomywitha
skilledworkforceand
&greenercity Customertailored
Awelldesigned& successfulbusinesses
services Awelldesigned&distinctive
Accessibleservices city
Locallyfocused
RISKANDREVIEW
6.14 Thisdocumentdoesnotprovideacomprehensivepolicyframeworkinitselfas
currentlydraftedasitdoesnotincludethedetailedpoliciesnecessarytomanagethecity.
SavedUnitaryDevelopmentPlanpoliciesthatarenotreferredtoinAppendix5are
currentlyfulfillingthispurpose.However,afurtherrevisiontothisplanwillinsertthe
detailedcitymanagementpoliciesintoWestminstersCityPlan,creatingacomprehensive
policyframeworkforWestminster.
6.15 Likefinancialanalystsandweatherforecasters,itisnotpossibleforthecouncilorits
partnerstopredictwhattheworld,orindeedWestminster,willbelike1520yearsinthe
future.Thisplanhasbeenbasedonthemostuptodateinformationavailable,and
considerationofpastpolicyapproachesandtheiroutcomes.Itisalsobasedon
considerationofwhatwewouldlikeWestminstertobe,andsetsaframeworktowards
achievingthat.
Page176
6.16 ThekeyareasofrisktoimplementingWestminstersCityPlanareidentifiedinthe
tablebelow.Thistablealsoincludestheactionstakenintheplantominimisetheriskand
providethegreatestlikelihoodofdelivery.
F IGURE 55 R ISK A SSESSMENT
Area Risk Reason Actions KeyPartners

Housing Inabilityto Difficultybringing Undertakeregular Development
meethousing housingforwardas reviewsofhousing industry.
target highexistinguse delivery,andin
values,lackof appropriatelocations,
brownfieldsites,and comparethistodelivery
widereconomic againstcommercial
downturns.Less targets.Thepolicy
housingdelivered approachenables
fromchangesof approvalsofresidential
use/redevelopments fromofficelossesonce
involvingoffice thecommercialtargets
losses. arebettermet.
Inabilityto Affectedbyviability, Changedthresholdfor WestminsterCity
secure particularlyhigh requiringaffordable Council(Housing),
significant existingusevalues, housing(1,000sqm),and CityWestHomes,
amountsof increasingreliance amountsought Registered
affordable onviabilitytesting, (proportionfloorspace). Providers,Mayorof
housing competingplanning HousingRenewal London(previously
obligationsdemands Programmetoprovide Homesand
andwidereconomic about500affordable Communities
downturns. homes.Affordable Agency).
Uncertaintyabout HousingFundtotopup
futurefunding Mayoral/Registered
regimes.Proportion Provideraffordable
targetstrongly housingfunding.
affectedbysmall Workingtodevelopan
schemesbelow appropriateaffordable
threshold. rentproductfor
Westminsterandwiden
IntermediateHousing
productstobettermeet
needsoflowand
mediumincomefamilies
(throughHousing
StrategyandCity
Managementpolicy).
Waste Inabilityto Lackofavailable Protectallexistingsites. WestminsterCity
secure landforthisuse. Seeknewlargerscale Council(Waste),
sufficientwaste site.Seeksmallscale WestminsterCity
sites provisionaspartof Council(Housing),
existingandnew GreaterLondon
development. Authority,
development
industry,other
Page177
businesssectors
particularlythose
thatgeneratea
significantamount
ofcommercial,or
throughpeoples
behaviour,
municipalwaste,
localbusiness
partnerships.
Sustainable Continuedloss Strongperformance Inclusionofstrategicjobs Development
Economy ofoffices,loss oftheresidential targetandstrategic industry
ofeconomic market officejobstargets,and KeyEmployment
diversity,and protectionofofficesin Sectors
lossofkey appropriate Business
business circumstances Improvement
agglomerations Districts
,resultingisa
lesssustainable
economy,
economic
resilienceand
lossof
characterand
reputational
damageinthe
longerterm
Major Nondeliveryof Changesinpolitical Supportsafeguarding Government,
Transport increasesin priorities.Funding anddesignationof Transportfor
Projects publictransport shortfalls. Crossrailsites.Provision London,Mayorof
infrastructure forworksinOpportunity London,Crossrail,
capacity, Areas.Partnership NetworkRail.
particularly workingonCrossrailand
Crossrail deliveryofothermajor
infrastructure.
Other Nondeliveryin Fundingshortfalls Robustinfrastructure LocalService
Infrastructure other andcompetition planningthroughoutthe Providers,utilities
infrastructure betweencompeting plantotheextent companies,
tosupport demands.Lackof possible.Ongoing development
developmentor longtermplanning. engagementwithpublic industry,national
changed Shorttermfunding andprivateproviders andregional
demographics/ regimes. throughongoing government
behaviour. infrastructurework. includingnational
regulatorybodies,
otherinfrastructure
providers.
Inequalities Increased Economic NorthWestminster Government,
deprivationand downturns.Changes EconomicDevelopment WestminsterCity
widening inpoliticalpriorities. Area.Identificationof Council,NHS,Job
inequalities infrastructureneed. CentrePlus,
Specificpolicyforhealth voluntarysector.
Page178
andwellbeing.
Climate Inabilitytocope Abruptchangesin Policiestomaximise Government,
Change withchanged localconditionssuch contributiontoadapting emergency
climate asweatherorsea toandmitigatingclimate services,NHS,
level(tippingpoint change(withfurther WestminsterCity
passed).Extreme detailinCity Council,energyand
localweather Managementpolicy). water
events. infrastructure
sectors.
6.17 ThepolicieswithinthisdocumentwillbereviewedannuallythroughtheAuthoritys
MonitoringReporttoenablechangeswherenecessarytoensuretheplancontinuestobring
usclosertoourvisionanddeliversourspatialstrategyforthefuture.Itwillalsoenableusto
adjustthatvisionifsignificanteventsmakethisnecessary.Therewillalsobeongoing
monitoringofinfrastructuredelivery,whichwilleitherbewithintheAuthoritysMonitoring
Report,orinseparatedocumentation,possiblylinkedtotheCommunityInfrastructureLevy.
MONITORINGFRAMEWORK
6.18 Anoutlineoftheplanmonitoringframeworkissetoutbelow.Theheadline
objectivesagainstwhichtheperformanceoftheplanpolicieswillbeassessedarethoseset
outinSection1ofWestminstersCityPlan(andlistedinsummaryformbelow).Against
theseobjectivesaseriesofindicatorswillbeselectedtoassessthedegreetowhichtheplan
objectivesarebeingachieved.Theseindicators,alongwithrelatednationalindicatorsand
relevantregionalindicatorsortargets,willbedefinedspecificallyintheAuthoritys
MonitoringReport(AMR).Theinitialframeworkwillincludethekeyindicatorsidentifiedin
thetablebelow;thiswillberefinedanddevelopedwherenecessaryandasnewdata
becomesavailable.
6.19 TheAMRwillalsoincludeanassessmentofthesustainabilityeffectsofthepolicies.
ThisassessmentframeworkforthiselementwillbederivedfromtheSustainability
Appraisalofthisplan.Inadditiontothis,thecouncilwillalsoregularlyreportonhousing
andinfrastructuredeliveryandonreceiptsanduseofplanningobligationsand,if
introduced,CommunityInfrastructureLevy.
F IGURE 56 M ONITORING F RAMEWORK
HeadlineObjectives KeyIndicatorsTopics PolicyRef

Objective1:Toaccommodate Deliveryofcommercialfloorspaceacrossthe 1,2,3,4,5,6,
sustainablegrowthandchangethatwill CoreCAZ,NamedStreetsandOpportunity 7,8,9,10,11,
contributetoWestminstersroleasthe Areas 12,13,18,20,
heartofapreeminentworldclasscity, DeliveryofofficefloorspaceacrosstheCore 21,22,23,24,
buildingonitsinternationallyrenowned CAZ,NamedStreetsandOpportunityAreas 25,26,27,33,
business,retail,cultural,tourismand RetaildevelopmentintheWestEndSpecial 2.1,2,2,2.3,
entertainmentfunctionswithinthe RetailPolicyArea(WESRPA),andother 2.4,2.5,47.1,
Page179
CentralActivitiesZone;tosupportthe shoppingcentres,andoutsideshoppingcentres 47.2

uniqueeconomicbreadthanddiversity Hoteldevelopmentbyarea
oftheWestEndanditsfringeareas Developmentofnewartsandculturalusesby
includingtheOpportunityAreas;whilst area
maintainingitsuniqueandhistoric Entertainmentusedevelopmentbyarea
character,mix,functions,and DevelopmentinPaddington,Victoriaand
townscapes. TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityAreas
progressagainsthousingandjobtargets;and
deliveryofkeysocialandtransport
infrastructureidentifiedintheplanpolicy
ChangeinlandusesinSpecialPolicyAreas.
Developmentaffectingidentifiedviews.

Objective2:Tosensitivelyupgrade Designquality(qualitativeassessment) 25,26,28,
Westminstersbuildingstocktosecure Sustainableandinclusivedesignmeasuresas 28.1,29,30,
sustainableandinclusiveexemplary partofapplicationsand,includingwhere 31,32,33,35,
designwhichminimisesenergyand relevant,CodeforSustainableHomeslevel 36,37,38,39,
resourceconsumptionandthe Protectionandcreationofheatingnetworks 40,41,44,45
productionofwaste,reducesthe Creationofnewheatandcoolingnetworks
impactsoflocalenvironmentalpollution Extensionofexistingheatandcoolingnetwork
andmeetsbothtodaysneedsandthose Achievementof20%renewableenergy
ofthefuture,includingtheeffectsofa generation
changingclimate;creatingattractive Newwasteandrecyclingfacilities
placesthatfunctionwellwhilstensuring Numberofdevelopmentspermittedagainst
thatthehistoriccharacterandintegrity EnvironmentAgencyadviceonfloodrisk
ofWestminstersbuiltfabricandplaces grounds,InstallationofSUDSmeasures.
isenhanced. Numbersofappealsupheldonthegroundsof
impactonheritageassetsorimpactonthe
hierarchyofspaces;Investigationand
enforcementrelatingtothedamageoflisted
buildingsduringconstructionofabasement,
Numbersofappealsforbasementswherethe
refusalrelatestononcompliancewiththe
basementspolicy,
Enforcementinvestigationrelatingto
basementsconstructednotinaccordancewith
theapprovedpermission,
Numbersofbasementpermissionswhich
includethelossordamagetoatreeof
townscapeofamenityvalue;andenforcement
investigationsrelatingtodamagetotrees
duringconstructionofabasement;
Proportionofapplicationspermittedwhichdo
notincludeanadequatevolumeandminimum
soildepth(of1mplusdrainagelayer).
Objective3:Tomaintainandenhance Businessspacedevelopmentbyarea(Economic 1,3,4,5,6,8,
thequalityoflife,healthandwellbeing DevelopmentArea,CentralActivitiesZoneand 9,10,12,13,
ofWestminstersresidential OpportunityAreas) 14,19,28,
communities;Ensuringthat NumberofvacantunitsinDistrictShopping 28.1,29,30,
Westminstersresidentscanbenefit CentresintheEconomicDevelopmentArea 31,32,33,34,
fromgrowthandchange,providingmore (ChurchStreet/EdgwareRoadandHarrow 35,36,37,38,
employmentandhousingopportunities, Road) 41,42,43,44,
safetyandsecurity,andbetterpublic Socialandcommunityinfrastructure 45
transportandlocalservices;towork improvementsanddevelopment
withourpartnerstofostereconomic NewentertainmentusesintheEconomic
vitalityanddiversity,improvedlearning DevelopmentArea
andskills,andimprovedlifechancesin NoofCodeofConstructionPracticecompliant
Page180
areasofdeprivation. schemes.Numbersofbasementconstruction
complaintsreceivedbyEnvironmentalHealth,
Numbersofenforcementinvestigations
relatingtothedischargeofpre
commencementconditions,
Numbersofbasementsinimminentdangerof
collapseundertheLondonBuildingAct.
Objective4:Toincreasethesupplyof Newhomesdeliveredagainsttargetof 7,700 1,14,15,16,
goodqualityhousingacrossallpartsof Affordablehousingdevelopmentonsite,off 17
thecitytomeetWestminstershousing siteorfinancialcontributions
target,andtomeethousingneeds Familyhousingunits
includingtheprovisionofaffordable Proportionofnewhomesmeetinglifetime
housingandhomesforthosewith standards
specialneeds. Newcareunitsforelderlypeople
Objective5:Tomanagethepressureson Tourismrelatedandvisitoraccommodation 1,2,3,4,5,6,
thecityfromitsnationaland uses 7,8,11,18,19,
internationalrolesandfunctions, EntertainmentuseswithinStressAreas 20,21,22,23,
supportingbusinesscommunitiesand Crimeratesassociatedwiththe24hour 24,25,26,27,
tourism,andensuringasafeand economy 28,29,31,32,
enjoyablevisitorexperience. 33,34,35,36,
37,41,42,43
Objective6:Toaccommodatethesafe Publictransportdevelopmentsand 3,4,5,6,7,41,
andefficientmovementofgrowing improvementschemes 42,43,44
numbersofpeopleenteringandmoving Walkingandcyclinginfrastructureschemes
aroundWestminsterbyfacilitatingmajor
improvementstothepublictransport
system,improvingthepublicrealmand
pedestrianenvironment,managing
vehiculartraffic,andmakingwalkingand
cyclingsaferandmoreenjoyable.
Objective7:Toprotectandenhance Netchangesitesofnatureconservation 11,32,35,36,
Westminstersopenspaces,civicspaces importance 37,38,41
andBlueRibbonNetwork,and Netchangeopenspace
Westminstersbiodiversity;including Improvementstoparks,playareasandother
protectingtheuniquecharacterand openspaces(includingmeasurestoprotector
opennessoftheRoyalParksandother enhancetranquillity)
openspaces;andtomanagethese GreenFlagAwards
spacestoensureareasofrelative
tranquillityinacitywithadaytime
populationincreasedeverydaybyover
onemillionworkersandvisitors.
i
BusinessImprovementDistricts2012:HeartofLondon,NewWestEndCompany,Paddington,Bayswater,
Piccadilly&StJamessandVictoria
ii
Page181
Appendix1ProposalsSites
SUPPORTING
INFORMATION
APPENDIX1:PROPOSALSSITES
ThesitessetoutinthisAppendixareofstrategicimportancetothedeliveryof
WestminstersCityPlan.Itincludessitesnecessaryforthedeliveryofmajorinfrastructure
projects,orfortheregenerationofanarea.Italsoincludesmajorhousingsiteslocated
withinFloodZone3,andhousingsiteswiththecapacityforover100units,ofwhicha
failuretodeliverwithintheplanperiodwouldhaveimplicationsforthehousingtargetand
thehousingtrajectory.
A)STRATEGICSITESFORPADDINGTONOPPORTUNITYAREA
REF. SITE PREFERREDUSES AREA MAJORITY NOTES
NO. (HA) OWNERSHIP

A1 Paddington Transport 6.52 NetworkRail GradeIlistedstation.Crossrailsite.
Station,and infrastructure /Sellars SubjecttoPlanningBrief
Environs SupplementaryPlanningDocument
(including 2009.CoordinatedwithTransportfor
PaddingtonMail London.Permissionsubjectto
Centre,W2) completionofS106legalagreement.
Sitesold,anticipatedfuture
application.

A2 StMarys Teaching 4.44 NHS/ Containstwolistedbuildings.Principal
Hospital,Praed hospital.Also Imperial existingusesareStMarysHospital,
Street,W2 residential, College ImperialMedicalCollegeofScience,
leisure,offices TechnologyandMedicine.Subjectto
andretailuse. PlanningBriefSupplementary
PlanningDocument.
A3 North Prioritytosocial 1.0 Cityof SubjecttoPlanningBrief
Westminster andcommunity. Westminster SupplementaryPlanningDocument
Community Residentialalso 2010.Planningpermissiongranted
Schoolsite, likely. subjecttoS106.
NorthWharf
Road,W2
A4 5565North Offices, 0.43 Derwent PermissionsubjecttoS106.
WharfRoad,W2 residential. Valley
Page182
A5 DudleyHouse, Residential, 0.34 Cityof SubjecttoPlanningBrief

NorthWharf communityuse Westminster SupplementaryPlanningDocument
Roadand139 andopen 2009.HousingRenewalsite.
147Harrow space/play
Road,W2 space.
A6 1Merchant Residential,hotel 0.22 European Permissiongranted.
Square,W2 Land

PropertyLtd
A7 6Merchant Residential, 0.28 European Permissiongranted.

Square,W2 retail,socialand Land

community PropertyLtd

B)STRATEGICSITESFORVICTORIAOPPORTUNITYAREA
NO. (HA) OWNERSHIP

B1 VictoriaRailway Transportand 4.76 NetworkRail SubjecttoPlanningBrief
Station,SW1 commercial and SupplementaryPlanningDocument.
uses. Transportfor WithinFloodZone3.
London
B2 PortlandHouse, Office,retail, 1.8 Land SubjecttoPlanningBrief
Bressenden theatre,caf, Securities SupplementaryPlanningDocument
Place,SW1 restaurant, 2011.WithinFloodZone3.Permission
publichouse, granted2009.Compulsorilypurchased
hotel, in2012.
residentialand
socialand
community
B3 TerminusPlace, Offices,retail, 0.73 Transportfor SubjecttoPlanningBrief
WiltonRoad/ transport. London SupplementaryPlanningDocument
VictoriaStreet, 2011.WithinFloodZone3.
SW1
C)STRATEGICSITESFORTOTTENHAMCOURTROADOPPORTUNITYAREA
NO. (HA) OWNERSHIP

C1 Tottenham Transportuse, 0.32 Transportfor Crossrailsite.SubjecttoPlanningBrief
CourtRoad retail,offices, London, SupplementaryPlanningDocument
Station(Eastern residential. Crossrailand 2009.PermissionsubjecttoS106.
TicketHall):Site Derwent
boundedby123 Land
OxfordSt,16
Falconberg
Page183
Court,157165
CharingCross
Roadincluding
theAstoria
Theatrethe
Astoriasite,
WC2.
C2 Tottenham Theatre/ 0.17 Crossrail Crossrailsite.SubjecttoPlanningBrief
CourtRoad performance SupplementaryPlanningDocument
Station(Eastern venue.Retail, 2009.PermissionsubjecttoS106.
TicketHall):135 offices
155Charing andresidential.
CrossRoadand
12SuttonRow
theGoslettYard
site,WC2
C3 Tottenham Crossrail 0.24 Crossrail Crossrailtickethallunderconstruction
CourtRoad infrastructure, withoversitedevelopment
Station(Western retail,officeand permissiongranted.Duetobe
TicketHall):Site residential. completedbyDecember2018.
boundedby91
101Oxford
Street,93102
DeanStreet,1
12GreatChapel
Streetand
DiademCourt,
W1.
C4 448Oxford Mixedlanduses 0.59 Land Permissiongrantedforpartofsite,
Street,15 suchasretail Securities/ underconstruction.
Tottenham andoffice Frognall
CourtRoad,W1 floorspace.
D)STRATEGICSITESFORWESTENDSPECIALRETAILPOLICYAREA
NO. (HA) OWNERSHIP

D1 1819Hanover Transportuse, 0.21 Great Crossrailtickethallunder
Square,W1 office, Portland constructionwithoversite
residential, Estates developmentpermissiongranted.
retail. DuetobecompletedbyDecember
2018.
D2 65DaviesStreet, Transportuse, 0.17 Grosvenor Crossrailtickethallunder
W1 office, Estate constructionwithoversite
residential. developmentpermissiongranted.
DuetobecompletedbyDecember
2018.
Page184
E)STRATEGICSITESFORNORTHWESTMINSTERECONOMICDEVELOPMENTAREA
NO. (HA) OWNERSHIP

E1 PaddingtonNew Transport 7.00 National Crossrailsiteduetobecompletedby
Yard,W9 Infrastructure Rail/ December2018.SubjecttoPlanning
Crossrail BriefSupplementaryPlanning
Document2009,duetoberevisedfor
postCrossraildevelopment.
E2 TheTravis Residential, 1.01 Travis SubjecttoPlanningBrief
PerkinsBuilding, commercialand Perkinsand SupplementaryPlanningDocument
149157Harrow community Westminster 2004.
Road. uses,open CityCouncil
space.
E3 EdgwareRoad Transport, 1.02 Transportfor SubjecttoPlanningBrief.Principal
Station,Chapel infrastructure, London existinguse:LondonUnderground
Street,NW1 andstation station.
improvements,
housing,retail
E4 Landbounded Retail, 1.00 Berkeley Permissiongranted.
by129147 residential. Homes
ChurchStreet,
283317
EdgwareRoad,
1113
Paddington
Greenand
NewcastlePlace,
(WestEnd
Green)W2
E5 Siteboundedby Schoolormixof 0.27 Westminster Potentiallycapableof35newhomes
ShrotonStreet, residentialand CityCouncil subjecttoaddressingtheinprinciple
CoswayStreet, commercial requirementsofPolicyS34.Subjectto
BellStreet,and usesifthe draftPlanningBriefSupplementary
Stalbridge schoolcanbe PlanningDocument2012.Housing
Street,NW1. provided Renewalsite.
elsewhereand
subjecttoPolicy
S34
Page185
E6 Siteboundedby Extend 0.58 Westminster Potentiallycapableofanetgainin86

LutonStreet, sheltered CityCouncil additionalhomes(102newhomes
BedlowClose, housingand and16losses).Subjecttodraft
CaplandStreet, provideother PlanningBriefSupplementary
and60Penfold newresidential, PlanningDocument2012.Housing
Street,NW8, social/ Renewalsite.
community
floorspace,play
space,new
north/southlink
between
SalisburyStreet
andFisherton
Street.
E7 Siteboundedby Residentialand 0.58 Westminster Potentiallycapableofproviding56
EdgwareRoad, enhanced CityCouncil newhomes.SubjecttodraftPlanning
HallPlaceand communalopen BriefSupplementaryPlanning
Crompton space,alongside Document2012.HousingRenewal
Street,knownas refurbishment site.
ParsonsHouse ofParsons
North,W2, House.
E8 Siteboundedby Residential, 0.45 Westminster Permissiongranted.
LilestoneStreet social/ CityCouncil
andLisson community
Grove,NW8. floorspaceand
enhanced
communalopen
space.
E9 Westbourne Residential, 14.64 Westminster Permissiongranted.
Green,bounded social/ CityCouncil
byrailway, community
GrandUnion floorspace
canaland includinga
Westbourne nursery,retail.
GreenPark
E10 291Harrow Residential, 0.53 NHS Permissiongranted.
Road,1and2 amenityand Property
ElmfieldWay, playspace Services
W9 Ltdand
Departme
ntof
Health

Page186
F)STRATEGICSITESWITHINFLOODZONE3
NO. (HA) OWNERSHIP

F1 Queen Residential, 1.0 Trusteesof Existinguseforadministrativeand
Alexandra culturaland TateGallery storagepurposesforTateBritain.
Military officeuse,green
Hospital,John openplay
IslipStreet,SW1 space.
F2 EburyBridge Residential, 1.88 Westminster HousingRenewalsite.Permission
social/ CityCouncil grantedsubjecttoS106.
community
floorspace,
refurbished
retailand
improvedpublic
realm
F3 Southern Residential 1.14 Westminster HousingRenewalsite.
Westminster including CityCouncil
shelteredcare,
retailand
social/
community
including
refurbishment
ofschool.
F4 33Horseferry Residential, 0.60 GMNNo2 Permissiongranted.
Road,SW1 retail Ltd

F5 ErgonHouse Residential, 0.62 Permissiongranted.
cornerof retail
HorseferryRoad
andDean
BradleyStreet
and
9Millbank,SW1
F6 4856Ebury Refuelling 0.09
BridgeRoad, station,
SW1 residential
Page187
G)STRATEGICHOUSINGSITES(OUTSIDETHE3OPPORTUNITYAREAS,NORTH
WESTMINSTERECONOMICDEVELOPMENTAREA,ANDFLOODZONE3)
NO. (HA) OWNERSHIP

G1 St.JohnsWood Residentialwith 1.86 StJohns Permissiongranted.
Barracks,NW8 community Wood
uses. SquareLtd
G2 TollgateGardens Residential 1.22 Westminster HousingRenewalsite.Permission
CityCouncil granted.
G3 Knightsbridge/ Residential 1.15 Changeofusefrombarracksto
HydePark residential,includingfullonsite
Barracks provisionofaffordablehousingand
thefullrangeofhousingsizes.
H)AREASOFSURFACEINTEREST(CROSSRAILLINE2)
ThefollowingsitesareproposedCrossrail2workssites,subjecttoSecretaryofState
decision,ratherthansitesforredevelopment.ProposalsSites6(VictoriaRailwayStation)
and8(TerminusPlace)arealsosafeguardedasareasofsurfaceinterest.

NO. OWNERSHIP
(HA)

EburyGateand Crossrail2
H1 1.22 NetworkRail
BelgraveHouse workssite
Lower
Crossrail2 Grosvenor SafeguardedMarch2015,subject
H2 Grosvenor 0.29
workssite Estate toreviewwinter2015/2016.
Gardens
Partofeasterncorner
Crossrail2
H3 ChelseaBarracks 0.10 QatariDiar safeguardedforCrossrail2works
workssite
site.
Page188
Western
portion
RathbonePlace/ Crossrail2 RoyalMail
H4 0.64
EvelynYard workssite Eastern
portion
private
Shaftsbury
Crossrail2
H5 Avenue 0.47 Private
workssite
(Cinema)
VictoriaCoach
Station Crossrail2 Transportfor
H6 1.44
Departures workssite London
Terminal
TerminalHouse,
Crossrail2
H7 Buckingham 0.15 NetworkRail
workssite
PalaceRoad
Highwayaround Crossrail2
H8
SohoSquare workssite
Page189
Appendix2:RetailHierarchy
APPENDIX2:RETAILHIERARCHY
INTERNATIONALSHOPPINGCENTRES
PrimaryShoppingFrontages
WestEnd 3535and4556OxfordStreet
49259and50270RegentStreet
181and87180NewBondStreet
1A50(consec.)OldBondStreet
Knightsbridge 226and44130BromptonRoad
127129Knightsbridge
KnightsbridgeGreen(includingarcade)
WESTENDSPECIALRETAILPOLICYAREA
WestEndSpecialRetailPolicyArea WESRPAcoverstheWestEndInternationalShopping
(WESRPA) CentreandwiderWestEndareaincludingSohoand
CoventGarden,asshownonthePolicyS7map(page
46)andthedetailedboundaryonthePoliciesMap.
CAZFRONTAGES
CharingCrossRoad,WC2(part) Thesecentresareconsideredappropriateforthe
CoventGarden/Strand,WC2 provisionofstrategicallyimportanttowncentre
VictoriaStreet,SW1 facilitiesasdesignatedintheLondonPlan
BakerStreet(south),W1
EdgwareRoad(south),W1,W2
MaryleboneRoad,NW1,W1
MaryleboneHighStreet,W1
WarwickWay/TachbrookStreet,SW1
OTHERSHOPPINGCENTRESWITHINTHECENTRALACTIVITIESZONE
Piccadilly,W1 ThesecentresfallwithintheCoreCentralActivities
CharlotteStreet/Fitzrovia,W1 Zone,alocalitywhichcontainsarangeofdistinct
WigmoreStreet,W1 shoppingareas,andwhereretailfloorspaceis
ShepherdMarket,W1 encouraged.TheyarenotdesignatedasCAZShopping
SouthAudleyStreet/MountStreet,W1 Frontages,butdocontributetoWestminstersunique
JermynStreet,W1 andvariedworldclassretailofferand,alongwith
Westminstersdesignatedshoppingcentresarethe
subjectofHealthCheckSurveysbytheCouncilevery
5years.
Page190
MARYLEBONEANDFITZROVIA CoreShoppingFrontages SecondaryShoppingFrontages

ChilternStreet/GeorgeStreet 339and260ChilternStreet 4367ChilternStreet
/BlandfordStreet,W1 4851DorsetStreet 5563and4864Blandford
3553BlandfordStreet Street
1731,3739,3648,and
5264GeorgeStreet
510,46,47,5255Dorset
Street
2434,3541(consec.)
PaddingtonStreet
ClevelandStreet,W1 87125and139151
ClevelandStreet
publichouseoncornerof
ClevelandandClipstoneStreet
30ClipstoneStreet
CrawfordStreet/Seymour 5053CrawfordStreet 1549,5461and81117
Place/YorkStreet,W1 145161SeymourPlace (consec.)CrawfordStreet
85YorkStreet 94a116and161a163a
SeymourPlace
74108,6583and87York
Street
7,7a,9WyndhamPlace
GreatTitchfieldStreet,W1 5369aand7086Great
TitchfieldStreet
2425LanghamStreet
NewCavendishStreet,W1 132146and150168New
CavendishStreet
4563ClevelandStreet
1FoleyStreet
28and29HansonStreet
NewQuebecStreet,W1 113and1425(consec.)
NewQuebecStreet
69UpperBerkeleyStreet
SeymourPlace,W1 323and230Seymour
Place
27and51aUpperBerkeley
Street
6064SeymourStreet
PIMLICO CoreShoppingFrontages SecondaryShoppingFrontages

LupusStreet,SW1 105129LupusStreet 5084,79103and131133
LupusStreet
8595CharlwoodStreet
134AlderneyStreet
MoretonStreet,SW1 3254and3759Moreton
Street
32and34LupusStreet
Pimlico,SW1 91103TachbrookStreet 8789TachbrookStreetplus
adjacentpublichouse,and
Pimlicolibraryand
Page191
undergroundstation
17and28LupusStreet
StruttonGround/Artillery 240and751Strutton 123ArtilleryRow
Row,SW1 Ground 10,12,14and15Greycoat
Place
5056GreatPeterStreet
3StruttonGround,
416ArtilleryRow,
2GreencoatPlace
MAJORSHOPPINGCENTRES
CoreShoppingFrontages SecondaryShoppingFrontages
Queensway/Westbourne 2186,and1171Queensway 120134BayswaterRoad
Grove,W2 (includingWhiteleysCentre) 118120WestbourneGrove
1131and2112Westbourne 13and218Chepstow
Grove Road
7183BishopsBridgeRoad 112aand112b,and175181
Queensway
2426and3941and4347
HerefordRoad
8898BishopsBridgeRoad
DISTRICTSHOPPINGCENTRES
ChurchStreet/EdgwareRoad, 1127and2140ChurchStreet 304352,454466,and349
W2 354452and283289plus 405EdgwareRoad
adjacentmajorsiteoncornerof 325BellStreet
EdgwareRoadandChurch 123127BoscobelStreet
Street 93105and102110
FramptonStreet
HarrowRoad,W9,W10 480606and355411Harrow 341a351,353a,353,413
Road 419HarrowRoad
470478,and608618
HarrowRoad
28FernheadRoad
2ElginAvenue
416GreatWesternRoad
26WoodfieldPlace
PraedStreet/Paddington,W2 5199,1274,and120164
(partlyintheCentralActivities PraedStreetplusGreat
Zone) WesternHotel
224and119CravenRoad
15SouthWharfRoad
318BouveriePlace
133NorfolkPlace
221and2527London
Street
134,41and42SpringStreet
Page192
StJohnsWood,NW8 179and62142StJohns 210StAnnsTerrace

WoodHighStreet 98105StJohnsWood
119and218CircusRoad Terrace
40WellingtonRoad 2028CircusRoad
98CochraneStreet 128132AllitsenRoad
3945BarrowHillRoad
60StJohnsWoodHighStreet
LOCALSHOPPINGCENTRES
AbbeyRoad/BoundaryRoad, 6381AbbeyRoad 5361AbbeyRoad
NW8 81113BoundaryRoad
15BelgraveGardens
BakerStreet/Melcombe 137and1422Melcombe 186236and185245Baker
Street,NW1 Street Street
28MelcombeStreet
416and19Glentworth
Street
BlenheimTerrace,NW8 113and426Blenheim
Terrace
37and39AbbeyRoad
CharlbertStreet,NW8 3749CharlbertStreet 51and53CharlbertStreet
74AllitsenRoad
37and38StJohnsWood
Terrace
CliftonRoad,W9 113,1733,and418Clifton 15,and2034CliftonRoad
Road 4347MaidaVale
15LanarkPlace
ConnaughtStreet,W2 941,5159a,and1238 10a,6165,and4050
ConnaughtStreet ConnaughtStreet
1531KendalStreet 218and39Porchester
Place
47and48KendalStreet
23AlbionStreet
CravenRoad/CravenTerrace, 3444CravenRoad 32,46and2945Craven
W2 Road
1a3,924aand2730
(consec.)CravenTerrace
46and77GloucesterTerrace
EburyBridgeRoad,SW1 337EburyBridgeRoad PublicHouseat46EburyRoad
andpetrolfillingstationon
cornerofEburybridgeRoad
andBarnabusStreet
ElizabethStreet,SW1 34a58and6579Elizabeth 42432,3563and81
Street ElizabethStreet
114EburyStreet 139147and116Ebury
Street
15a27ElizabethStreet
FernheadRoad,W9 6181FernheadRoad
Page193
FormosaStreet,W9 218FormosaStreet 17FormosaStreet

HarrowRoad(East),W9 336372HarrowRoad
111and26dMaryland
Road
212and5and7Sutherland
Avenue
publichouseoncornerof
AmberleyRoadandFoscote
Mews
HarrowRoad/Bourne 264292HarrowRoad
Terrace,W2 100108BourneTerrace
KilburnLane,W9 336354KilburnLane 312334KilburnLane
KilburnParkRoad,NW6 227239KilburnParkRoad 241243KilburnParkRoad
LauderdaleRoad/Castellain 1a12aLauderdaleParade 7381CastellainRoad
Road,W9
LedburyRoad,W11 4868LedburyRoad
170176WestbourneGrove
ChurchatcornerofLedbury
RoadandWestbourneGrove
LeinsterTerrace,W2 2833LeinsterTerrace 1835andpublichouseat17,
LeinsterTerrace
LissonGrove,NW8 3151,5759,and1846
LissonGrove
111BellStreet
MaidaVale,W9 237255and290304Elgin 288and306318Elgin
Avenue Avenue
168170RandolphAvenue 166and166aRandolph
Avenue
MoscowRoad,W2 816and2129MoscowRoad 3351MoscowRoad
MotcombStreet,SW1 18,1123,2428(consec.) 9and10MotcombStreet
MotcombStreet 19KinnertonStreet
26and712HalkinArcade 1417HalkinArcade
4,8and911WestHalkin
Street
12a,14and1518Lowndes
Street
NugentTerrace,W9 1a11and210Nugent
Terrace
PimlicoRoad,SW1 2030a,4074and37107
PimlicoRoad
190204and225231Ebury
Street
2and4StBarnabusStreet
PorchesterRoad,W2 343and2638Porchester 40,4464and45Porchester
Road Road
8486BishopsBridgeRoad
218Queensway
ShirlandRoad/Chippenham 174182ShirlandRoad 185195,201207,and213
Road,W9 219ShirlandRoad
9399and120124
ChippenhamRoad
Page194
ShirlandRoadJunction,W9 117131ShirlandRoad
97and128ElginAvenue
WestbourneParkRoad,W2 6983WestbourneParkRoad 89,109,125133,and137
WestbourneParkRoad
Supermarketatgroundfloor
BrunelEstate,Westbourne
ParkRoad
75,104110ChepstowRoad
Page195
Appendix3KeyPartnerships
APPENDIX3:KEYPARTNERSHIPS
PARTNERSHIP LEVEL EXAMPLESOFPROJECTS/ACHIEVEMENTS STAKEHOLDERS
INVOLVED
ChiefExecutives Citywide Thegroupsmainobjectiveistosupportkey WestminsterCity
Stakeholder localorganisationsinworkingtoimprovethe Council,Metropolitan
Group qualityoflifeandwellbeinginWestminster. Police,NHS,JobCentre
Thegroupmeetstoshareintelligenceand Plus,Westminster
ideasandtobuildpositiveandmutually EqualitiesPartnership,
supportiverelationships. VoluntaryAction
Westminster,
communitygroups,
andthebusinessand
housingsectors.
Westminster Citywide ThroughtheHealthandWellbeingBoard,the WestminsterCity
Healthand councilhasaresponsibilitytojoinuplocal Council,NHS,
WellbeingBoard healthservices,socialcareandhealth Westminster
improvementservices.Themainfunctionsof CommunityNetwork,
theBoardincludeassessingtheneedsofthe WestminsterLocal
localpopulationanddevelopingastrategyto InvolvementNetwork,
tacklethoseneeds. CentralLondon
ClinicalCommissioning
Group,WestLondon
ClinicalCommissioning
Group
GreaterLondon Regionaland Statutorybodieswhoarekeydeliverypartners GreaterLondon
Authorityand national fortheLocalPlan. Authority,andthe
central respectively widerGLAfamily
Government includingTransportfor
London.Various
departmentsat
nationalgovernment
levelwhooftenhave
fundingand
monitoringfunctions.
CentralLondon SubRegional CentralLondonForwardisanorganisation WestminsterCity
Forward createdandfundedbysevenofthecentral Council,Cityof
(Established Londonboroughstoensurethatthey,and London,Royal
2008) otheragenciescanconsidermattersonasub BoroughofKensington
regionalbasis.Itprovidesaforumforboroughs &Chelsea,London
tocometogethertoensuretheirplansfit BoroughofIslington,
withintheCentralLondoncontext,aswellas LondonBoroughof
ensuringcrossboundaryissuesareresolved. Southwark,London
Itsprimaryobjectivesaretoinfluencepolicyon BoroughofCamden,
majorissuesaffectingCentralLondon,to LondonBoroughof
promotethestrategicimportanceandneeds Lambeth.
ofCentralLondon,andtoidentifyandfacilitate
coordinatedworkingonareasofmutual
interesttopartners.
Page196

CrossRiver SubRegional Thepartnershipwasoriginallyformedto WestminsterCity
Partnership delivercrossriverinfrastructureprojectssuch Council,London
(Established astheMillenniumBridgeandtheGolden BoroughofLambeth,
1995) JubileeFootbridges.Ithassincediversifiedto LondonBoroughof
deliverawiderangeofcrossborough Southwark,Cityof
regenerationprojectstofacilitateeconomic London,London
growth,sustainableemployment,carbon BoroughofCamden,
reductionandqualityplacemaking. LondonBoroughof
Islington,Royal
BoroughofKensington
andChelsea,Greater
LondonAuthority,
TransportforLondon,
NetworkRail,
GroundworkLondon,
LondonandPartners,
SouthBankEmployers
Groupandnine
BusinessImprovement
Districts.
Subregional SubRegional EstablishedbytheGreaterLondonAuthority, WestminsterCity
housing thispartnershipworkstoassesshousing CouncilandLondon
partnership needs,marketsandcapacitytoprovidethe BoroughsofCamden,
strategichousingevidencebase(Strategic Islington,Enfield,
HousingLandAvailabilityAssessment,Strategic Barnet,Hackneyand
HousingMarketAssessment)requiredbythe Haringey.
NationalPlanningPolicyFramework,and
informregionalhousingtargetsassetoutin
theLondonPlan.
Crossborough Subregional WestminsterCityCouncilworkscloselywith Neighbouring(or
working /LocalAreas neighbouringboroughs.Thisincludes wider)local
preparationofjointevidencebase,deliveryof authoritiesas
areabasedpublicrealmimprovements,and appropriate
coordinationofregenerationprojectsand
designatedshoppingcentresnearborough
boundaries.TheLocalismActPlacesadutyto
cooperateinrelationtoplanningsustainable
development.
QueensPark LocalArea Aparishcouncilestablishedforthegovernance ResidentsofQueens
Community oftheQueensParkward,formingalocaltier Parkward
Council ofgovernment.Thecommunitycouncilleviesa
preceptonthecounciltaxintheareatofund
itsactivitiesandcantakeonarangeofpowers
includingneighbourhoodplanning.
Neighbourhood LocalArea Communitygroupsmadeupofthosewholive, Groupsdesignatedby
Forums workorareelectedmembersofa thecounciltoactin
neighbourhoodarea,createdforthepurpose relationto
ofneighbourhoodplanningunderthe neighbourhoodareas
provisionsoftheLocalismAct. thatarentcoveredby
aparishcouncil
Page197
Appendix3KeyPartnerships
TheBiodiversity Citywide Apartnershipoforganisationsandindividuals,WestminsterCity

Partnership themainobjectiveofthepartnershipisto Council,andseveral
(Established ensureahealthyfutureforwildlifein adjoiningcouncils
2000) Westminster.Thispartnershiphasproduced CityWestHomes,
WestminstersBiodiversityActionPlan, EnvironmentAgency,
writing,producingandmonitoringtheseven NaturalEngland,
HabitatActionPlans. LondonWildlifeTrust,
severallandowners,
BritishHedgehog
PreservationSociety,
Greenspace
Informationfor
GreaterLondon,Living
Roofsorg,LondonBat
Group,RiverThames
Society,RoyalSociety
fortheProtectionof
Birds,ThamesEstuary
Partnership,Thames
21,TheBritishTrust
forOrnithology,The
ThorneyIsland
Society,Volunteers
workinginassociation
withpartner
organisationsand
manymore
Areabased LocalArea WestminsterCityCouncilworkswitharangeof WestminsterCity
steeringgroups stakeholderstodeliverarangeofareabased Councilworkswitha
initiativesand/orprojectstoimprovethe rangeofstakeholders,
qualityofareaswithinWestminster.Someof theseinclude
thesesteeringgroupshaveactionplansthese landowners,Greater
includeOxford,RegentandBondStreet(ORB), LondonAuthority,
Chinatown,EdgwareRoad,CoventGarden, TransportforLondon,
TheatreLandandLeicesterSquare.While BusinessImprovement
othergroupshavebeendevelopedtomanage Districts,Local
areas,forexampletheSavileRowStrategic DevelopmentAgency
Group.Thisgroupoverseeslanduseissuesand andothers
publicrealmprojects,anddevelopstraining
andskillsopportunitieslocally.
Business LocalArea Theselocallycontrolledpartnershipsaremade WestminsterCity
Improvement upofgroupsofbusinesses.Theseinclude Councilandgroupsof
Districts(from Paddington,BakerStreet,NewWestEnd localbusinesses
2001) Company(aroundOxfordRegentandBond
Street),HeartofLondon(aroundLeicester
SquareandPiccadillyCircus),NorthBank
(aroundtheStrand),VictoriaandPiccadilly&
StJamess.Withintheseareasbusiness
occupierspayanadditionallevytofund
improvementstotheirlocalareas,oftenin
conjunctionwithvoluntarycontributionswith
Page198
landowners.
SW1st LocalArea Aschemetoplacelocalpeopleintojobswith WestminsterCity
(Established existingemployersandthosejobscreatedby Councilandpartners
2008) theconstructionandsubsequentoccupationof
newdevelopments.
Paddington LocalArea Itaimstomaximisethebenefitsof Locallandowners,
Waterside developmentforsurroundingcommunities.Its developersand
Partnership primaryfunctionsaretomanageaco occupiers
(Established
ordinatedapproachtodevelopment,toassist
1998)
companiestodelivertheircorporatesocial
responsibility(CSR)activitiesatalocallevel,
andtodeliverprojectsandservicesonbehalf
ofPaddingtonBusinessImprovementDistrict
(BID).
Paddington LocalArea Thesecommunityfundswereestablishedwith WestminsterCity
(Established theaimtoenhancethebenefitsofnew Council,landowners
1998)&Victoria developmentsintheareasandtointegrate developersand
(Established developmentsintothelocalcommunity.The occupiers
2006)Social ownersanddevelopersofmajorsitesinthese
andCommunity OpportunityAreasandadjacentareasmake
FundAccounts financialcontributionstowardsthisaccount.
Thelevelofcontributionissetoutinlegal
agreements.Localcommunitiesandvoluntary
organisationsareinvolvedinthebiddingfor
grantsfromtheSocialandCommunityFund.In
Paddingtonthisschemehassuccessfully
securednearly3millionforlocalprojects.
MyWestminster Citywide Mechanismtoinvolvelocalresidentsand WestminsterCity
Forums/ businessesinlocalpolicydecisions,amethod Council
Westminster tofindoutwaystoaccessservices,identify
AreaForums peoplesviewsontheseservicesandtofind
(Established outwhatpeoplethinkofthecouncil.
2001)
Page199
Appendix4HousingDelivery
APPENDIX4:HOUSINGDELIVERY
Thetablebelowsetsouttheprojecteddeliveryofhousingforthe20yearperiod2016/17
2036/37.Thecouncilanticipatesanetincreaseinconventionalhousingof22,041,anda
further4,578fromnonconventionalsources.Thisisbasedonannualestimatesof183
vacantunitsboughtbackintouse,35nonselfcontainedunits,anaverageof260windfalls
ofover10units,and150unitsfromschemesof<10units.
TheseallowancesaccordwiththeLondonStrategicHousingandLandAvailability
Assessment2013.Howeveritisnotedthatdeliveryofunits,particularlynonselfcontained
unitsis,inreality,verylumpy.Theannualallowancefromallsourcesofhousingincludesa
5%buffer,althoughasmostsitesinWestminsterareappropriateforhousing,thereis
alreadyasignificantdegreeofchoiceandcompetition.
ThesearetherawfiguresshowninFigure37WestminstersHousingTrajectory,todeliver
againsta20yeartargetof21,360newunits.
Year Total Cumulative
Nonselfcontained
schemesunder10
homesfrom515
windfallssitesof
homesbackinto
yearlandsupply
Bringingvacant
Allowancefor
Allowancefor
Conventional
conventional TOTAL
10+units
units
units
units
1 2016/1 948 200 100 1248 183 35 1,466

7
2 2017/1 1324 200 100 1624 183 35 3,308
8
3 2018/1 1324 150 150 1624 183 35 5,150
9
4 2019/2 389 150 150 689 183 35 6,057
0
5 2020/2 389 150 150 689 183 35 6,964
1
6 2021/2 389 150 300 839 183 35 8,021
2
7 2022/2 389 150 300 839 183 35 9,078
3
8 2023/2 389 150 300 839 183 35 10,135
4
9 2024/2 120 150 300 570 183 35 10,923
5
Page200
10 2025/2 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 12,231

6
11 2026/2 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 13,539
7
12 2027/2 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 14,848
8
13 2028/2 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 16,155
9
14 2029/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 17,463
0
15 2030/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 18,771
1
16 2031/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 20,079
2
17 2032/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 21,387
3
18 2033/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 22,695
4
19 2034/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 24,003
5
20 2035/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 25,311
6
21 2036/3 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 26,619
7
TOTAL 13,341 3,250 5,450 22,041 3,843 735 26,619
F IGURE 57 P ROJECTED H OUSING S UPPLYFROMALLSOURCES 2016/17 2036/37
WINDFALLDEVELOPMENTS
ThereareanumberofuniquelocalcircumstancesinWestminsterwhichjustifytheinclusion
ofwindfallsandsmallerschemes(whicharenearlyalwayswindfalls)whendemonstrating
deliverabilityintermsofhousinglandsupply,andproducingthehousingtrajectoryfor
WestminstersCityPlan.
1. Westminster,beingattheheartofCentralLondon,isalreadydenselybuiltup,and
hasonlyhasbrownfieldsites,andveryfewlargesites.Anylargesitescomingforwardwill
beexpectedtoprovideeithersolelyhousing(withsupportingcommunityfacilities),e.g.
ChelseaBarracks;ormixedusestoincludehousing,e.g.thethreeOpportunityAreas
designatedformixedusetoprovidesignificantemploymentusesandhousing.
2. BecauseWestminsterisintensivelybuiltup,over90%ofhousingschemes
completedinthecityhavelessthan10additionalresidentialunits.Smallschemesofless
than10unitsproduced3,283unitsinthetwelveyears2002to2013/14,andmakeupabout
Page201
33%ofadditionalresidentialunitscompleted.Thisequatedtoanaveragefigureof274units
perannumfromthesesmallsites.Anallowanceof200unitsperyearforsmallschemesis
thereforeconsideredtorepresentarealisticestimateoflikelyunitsarising.
Period Noof< Netunitsfrom< Totalnetunitsfrom Percentageofconventional

10unit 10unitschemes conventionalhousing housingfrom<10unit
schemes schemes
2002 27 109 703 16%
2003 89 192 1,318 15%
2004 103 234 596 39%
2005/06 169 360 1,809 20%
2006/07 124 252 665 38%
2007/08 92 206 671 31%
2008/09 118 274 850 32%
2009/10 110 243 653 37%
2010/11 134 309 831 37%
2011/12 198 458 837 55%
2012/13 127 286 591 48%
2013/14 163 360 527 68%
Total/ 1,454 3,283 10,051 33%

Average
F IGURE 58 R ESIDENTIALSCHEMESWITH 1 TO 9 ADDITIONALRESIDENTIALUNITS
3. Themarketwillalsodictatewhenitisviabletoredevelopexistinghousingsitestoa
higherdensity.Mostoftheseapplicationswillbewindfalls;thoughanexceptionwillbe
existingRegisteredProvider/CityWestHomessites,butthemajorityoftheseestatesare
alreadyhighdensity.
4. Westminstersmixedusepolicyrequiresanequivalentamountofresidential
floorspacebeprovidedinproposalsforincreasesinofficefloorspaceofover30%ofthe
originalbuilding(orlessthan400sqm,whicheverisgreater).Thispolicyalsothereforeleads
tonewhousingunitsinthecity,butaswithchangeofuseschemes,mixeduse
developmentscannotalwaysbeanticipated.
5. Between2002and2009/10,windfallsi.e.developmentsonsitesnotincludedinthe
UDPschedulesofMajorDevelopmentSitesorOpportunitySiteshaveaccountedfor80%of
housingunitsdeliveredinWestminster.However,thenewsystemofpreparing515year
Page202
LandSupplyAssessmentswillcapturemanysitesthatwerepreviouslyconsideredtobe
windfalls.Soareducedallowanceforwindfallssiteswiththecapacityfor10plus
residentialunitsneedstobemade.Inthenineyearperiod20022010/11,5,917
completedunitsweretheresultofwindfallsitesof10ormoreunits.Itistherefore
reasonabletomakeanallowanceof130unitsperannum,whichrepresentsabout20%of
thisfigure,reflectingthefactthatwindfallswillbesignificantlyreducedinthefuturedueto
theimprovedsitecaptureaffordedbythepreparationofthe515yrsupplylist.However,
atthetimeofpreparationofthisPlanmostsiteswhichwilldeliverhousinginthecity
beyond2021/22areunknowntothecouncilandthereforemustbetreatedaswindfalls,
hencethewindfallallowanceincreasesovertimeintheassessment.
MEETINGHOUSINGTARGETS
ThehousingtargetsforWestminsterareupdatedovertime,includingthoughchangesto
theLondonPlan.ThishasmadeitdifficulttoassessperformanceagainsttheLondonPlan
targetsbecausetheoveralltimeperiodhasneverbeencompletedbeforethetargethas
beenchanged.Wheneveranewtargetisintroduced,anysurplushousingthatmayhave
beenbuiltinpreviousyearsdoesnotcountagainstthenewtarget,andtheborough
essentiallystartsfromzeroagain.
ThehousingtrajectorysetoutatFigure37assumesanannualtargetof1,068units.It
appliesthesetargetscumulativelyoverthe20yeartimeperiodoftheplan.However,the
LondonPlantargetsareactuallyasfollows:
19992003 NoLondonPlantarget
20042006/07 970p.a.19972016or2,910forthethreeyearperiod
2007/082010/11 680p.a.2007/082016/17or2,720forthefouryearperiod
2011/122014/15 770p.a.2011/122021/22or7,700forthetenyearperiod
2015/162036 1,068p.a.,or21,360forthetwentyyearperiod
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1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0

F IGURE 59 H OUSING D ELIVERYAGAINST T ARGETS 19992026/27
Thefigureaboveshowspastandprojectedperformanceagainstthesetargets.Italsorolls
outthetargetof1,068unitsperyearbeyondthe2034/35timeperiodoftheLondonPlanto
covertheentireCityPlantimeperiod.Thisfigureshowsthat,althoughthetargetmaynot
bereachedinanyoneyear,cumulativelysufficientsurplusisbuiltupinotheryearstocover
thetargetoverthelongerterm.Whenthenew680p.a.targetwasintroducedin2007/08,
thesurplusthathadbeenbuiltuppreviouslywasessentiallydeleted,althoughinthatyear
thetargetwasexceeded(1,011homesweredelivered)andthereforeasurpluswasstill
recordedforthatyear.
Overall,thefiguredemonstratesthatWestminsterhasalwaysmetitsLondonPlantarget,
andisconfidentofdoingsointhefuture.
Page204
APPENDIX5:UNITARY
DEVELOPMENTPLANPOLICIES
REPLACEDBYWESTMINSTERSCITY
PLAN
Policy Title
STRA1 WorldClassCityStatus
STRA2 CapitalCityStatus
STRA3 WestminstersCentralArea
STRA4 MixedUseDevelopment
STRA5 RegenerationandEconomicDevelopment
STRA6 PublicandPrivateSectorPartnerships
STRA7 PlanningObligationsandBenefits
STRA8 PaddingtonSpecialPolicyArea
STRA9 SpecialPolicyAreas
STRA10 ShoppinginWestminster
STRA11 ShoppingintheWestEndandKnightsbridgeInternationalShoppingCentres
STRA12 Tourism,HotelsandVisitorAttractions
STRA13 Arts,CultureandEntertainment
STRA14 ProtectingandProvidingHousing
STRA15 AVarietyofHousingTypes
STRA16 TheResidentialEnvironment
STRA17 Noise
STRA18 CrimeandSecurity
STRA19 LocalCommunityServices
STRA21 Walking,CyclingandPublicTransport
STRA22 ReducingtheEnvironmentalEffectsofTransport
STRA23 ReducingTrafficCongestionandImprovingSafety
STRA24 Servicing,DeliveryandCollection
STRA26 ImprovingAccesstoFacilitiesandBuildings
STRA27 StandardsofDesign
STRA28 ConservationAreasandtheWorldHeritageSite
STRA29 ListedBuildings,HistoricParksandGardens,andArchaeology
STRA30 ViewsandHighBuildings
STRA31 TheRiverThamesandCanals
STRA35 WasteManagementandRecycling
STRA36 MetropolitanOpenLandandOpenSpace
STRA37 NatureConservationandBiodiversity
STRA39 TakingEnforcementAction
Page205
Appendix5:UDPPoliciesReplacedbyCoreStrategy
Policy Title
CENT1 TheCentralActivitiesZone
CENT2 TheCentralActivitiesZoneFrontages
CENT4 CentralLondonSupportingActivitiesandLocalServices
COM1 Provisionforofficerenewalandgrowth
COM2 OfficesandMixedUseDevelopmentinCentralWestminster
COM3 RelocationofUses
COM6 ProvisionforInstitutionalUses
COM12 RetentionofWholesaleShowrooms
H1 PreventingtheLossofHousing
H9 SitesforGypsies
SOC5 PrivateMedicalFacilitiesandtheHarleyStreetSpecialPolicyArea
SS1 ProtectingA1Retail
SS2 ProtectingNonA1Retail
SS15 Servicing
PSPA1 EncouragingAreaWideRegeneration
PSPA2 EnsuringMixedUseDevelopment
PSPA3 EnsuringaMixofBusinessUse
PSPA5 TransportinthePSPA
PSPA6 EnsuringaHighQualitySustainableEnvironment
PSPA7 RetainingandImprovingStMarysHospitalFacilities
ENV11 WasteManagement
Page206
GLOSSARY
A1UseClass(A1 Shopsshops,hairdressers,undertakers,travelandticketagencies,
retailuse) postoffices,petshops,sandwichbars,domestichireshops,dry
cleaners,funeraldirectorsandinternetcafsinaccordancewiththe
TownandCountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order1987andits
subsequentamendments.
A2UseClass Financialandprofessionalservicesbanks,buildingsocieties,estate
andemploymentagencies,professionalandfinancialservicesand
bettingofficesinaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning
(UseClasses)Order1987anditssubsequentamendments.
A3UseClass RestaurantsandcafsForthesaleoffoodanddrinkfor
consumptiononthepremisesrestaurants,snackbarsandcafsin
accordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order
1987anditssubsequentamendments.
A4UseClass DrinkingestablishmentsPublichouses,winebarsorotherdrinking
establishments(butnotnightclubs)inaccordancewiththeTownand
CountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order1987anditssubsequent
amendments.
A5UseClass HotfoodtakeawaysForthesaleofhotfoodforconsumptionoff
thepremisesinaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning(Use
Classes)Order1987anditssubsequentamendments.
Accessibility Theabilityofallpeople,includingelderlyanddisabledpeople,those
withyoungchildrenandthosecarryingluggageandshopping,to
reachplacesandfacilities,andtomovearoundandusethoseplaces
andfacilities.
Activefrontages Agroundfloorfrontagewhichgeneratespassingtradeandprovidesa
shoptypewindowdisplaywithinterestatstreetlevel.
Adjoining Adjoiningmeansanybuildings,premisesorlandwhichsharesa
commonboundarywiththepropertywherebasementdevelopment
isproposed
AirQuality Comprisesschools,daycarecentresandnurseries,hospitals,care
Sensitive homesfortheelderlyandsimilarinstitutionswhereoccupiersare
Receptors particularlyvulnerabletoairpollution.
Affordablehousing Subsidisedhousingatbelowmarketpricesorrentsintendedfor
thosehouseholdswhocannotaffordhousingatmarketrates.The
accommodationisusuallymanagedbyaRegisteredProvider.
Page207
Glossary
Affordable Businessaccommodationatthelowerendorbelowmarketvalue.
business ThiscanincludeaccommodationforB1(a),B1(b)andB1(c)asdefined
floorspace intheTownandCountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order1987andits
subsequentamendmentsorretailunits.
Amenity Thepleasantoradvantageousfeaturesofaplacewhichcontributeto
itsoverallcharacterandtheenjoymentofresidentsorvisitors.
Amenityspaces Privateorpublicspacesthatprovideopportunitiesforinformal
activitiesclosetohomeorworkandwhichcontributetothe
appearanceoflocalitiesordevelopments.Theyarenormallysmall
spaceswhereworkersorvisitorscanrelax,areasusedfordog
walking,playrestorquietenjoyment,ormerelytoprovidevisual
amenityindenselybuiltupdevelopments.
AreasofOpen AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
SpaceDeficiency PoliciesMap.
AreasofPlay AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
Deficiency PoliciesMap.
AreasofSpecial AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
Archaeological PoliciesMap.
Priority
AreasofWildlife AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
Deficiency PoliciesMap.
ArtGalleries Galleriesforthepublicexhibitionofart.Theyfallunderoneoftwo
useclasses,dependingontheirprimarypurposeandhowthey
function.Artgalleriesthatserveonlythepurposeofdisplayingand
exhibitingartistsworktothepublicareconsideredtobeClassD1
NonresidentialInstitutions,whilstgallerieswhoseprimaryfunctionis
thedisplayofartforsaletothegeneralpublicareconsideredtobe
ClassA1ShopinaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning
Artsandcultural IncludesD1Nonresidentialinstitutionsmuseumsandgalleries,D2
uses AssemblyandLeisureusescinemasandconcerthalls,andsuigeneris
usestheatresinaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning(Use
B1UseClass Businessoffices,researchanddevelopment,lightindustry
appropriateinaresidentialareainaccordancewiththeTownand
amendments.
B2UseClass GeneralindustrialinaccordancewiththeTownandCountry
Page208
Planning(UseClasses)Order1987anditssubsequentamendments.
B8UseClass Storageordistributionincludingopenairstorageinaccordance
withtheTownandCountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order1987andits
Basement Basementdevelopmentincludesanyexcavationtoformnewor
Development additionalfloorspaceunderthegroundlevelofanexistingproperty
orwithinitscurtilageandunderitsgarden.Itmayalsoinclude
basementswhicharepartofnewbuilddevelopment.
Biodiversity Thediversity,orvariety,ofplants,animalsandotherlivingthingsina
particularlocality.Itencompasseshabitatdiversityandgenetic
diversity.Arisingfromabeliefthatbiodiversityisofvalueinitsown
rightandhassocialandeconomicvalueforhumansociety,
internationaltreatiesandnationalplanningpolicyexpectlocal
developmentplanstoidentifyandprotectahierarchyofexisting
areasofbiodiversityimportanceandtoprovideforthecreationof
newpriorityhabitats.
BiodiversityAction Planspreparedatalocal,regionalandnationallevelsettingout
Plan priorityhabitatsandspeciesandactionstoimprovebiodiversity
outcomes.TheLocalBiodiversityActionPlanispreparedbythe
WestminsterBiodiversityPartnership.
BlueRibbon ApolicydesignationdefinedintheLondonPlancoveringLondons
Network waterwaysandwaterspacesandlandalongsidethem.TheBlue
RibbonNetworkincludestheRiverThames,thecanalnetwork,the
othertributaries,riversandstreamswithinLondonandLondons
openwaterspacessuchasdocks,reservoirsandlakes.Westminsters
BlueRibbonNetworkissetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandas
designatedonthePoliciesMap.
Brownfieldsite Landthatisorwasoccupiedbyapermanentstructure,whichhas
becomevacant,underusedorderelictandhasthepotentialfor
redevelopment.
Business AreadefinedunderPart4oftheLocalGovernmentAct2003where
Improvement businesses,throughapartnershiparrangement,contributebymeans
District ofanannuallevyoveraperiodofuptofiveyears,toprovidefundsto
secureenvironmentalimprovements,toenhancelocalservicessuch
asstreetcleaningandstreetwardens,andtocarryouteconomic
developmentactivitieswithinthatarea.
C1UseClass Hotelshotels,boardingandguesthouseswherenosignificant
elementofcareisprovidedinaccordancewiththeTownandCountry
C2UseClass Residentialinstitutionscarehomes,hospitals,nursinghomes,
Page209
Glossary
boardingschools,residentialcollegesandtrainingcentresin
C2AUseClass Secureresidentialinstitutionuseforaprovisionofsecure
residentialaccommodation,includinguseasaprison,young
offendersinstitution,detentioncentre,securetrainingcentre,
custodycentre,shorttermholdingcentre,securehospital,secure
localauthorityaccommodationoruseasamilitarybarracksin
C3UseClass Dwellinghouses:
C3(A)usebyasinglepersonorfamilyhouses,
C3(B)housesoccupiedbyuptosixresidentslivingtogetherasa
singlehousehold,andreceivingcare,
C3(C)groupsofpeople(uptosix)livingtogetherasasingle
household,
inaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning(UseClasses)
Order1987anditssubsequentamendments.
C4UseClass HousesinMultipleOccupation:Smallshareddwellinghouses
occupiedbybetween3to6unrelatedindividuals,astheironlyor
mainresidence,whosharebasicamenitiessuchas
kitchen/bathroom.
Carbonfootprint Thetotalsetofgreenhousegasemissionscauseddirectlyand
indirectlybyanindividual,organisation,eventorproduct.
CAZ (SeeCentralActivitiesZone)
CAZFrontages DesignatedshoppingstreetswithintheCentralActivitiesZone,as
designatedonthePoliciesMapandsetoutinAppendix2.
CentralActivities AdiverseareacoveringCentralLondonandextendingacross10
Zone Londonboroughs,asdesignatedbyanindicativeboundaryinthe
LondonPlan.InWestminster,theCAZcompriseseightlocallydistinct
designationsasfollows:PaddingtonOpportunityArea;Victoria
OpportunityArea;TottenhamCourtRoadOpportunityArea;Core
CentralActivitiesZone;MaryleboneandFitzrovia;Knightsbridge;
Pimlico;andtheRoyalParksasshownonthePoliciesMap.
Changeofuse Atypeofdevelopmentthatrequiresplanningpermissionifitis
judgedtobematerial.However,thisexcludesanychangebetween
useswhicharewithinthesameuseclassasdefinedintheUseClasses
Page210
Order.ItalsoexcludeschangesofusethatarePermitted
DevelopmentasdefinedintheGeneralPermittedDevelopment
Order.
Character Thedistinctiveortypicalqualityofabuildingorarea;asdescribedby
historicfabric;appearance;townscape;andlanduses.
CivicAmenity Includescivicandmarketsquaresandotherhardsurfaced
Spaces communityareasdesignedforpedestrianswiththeprimarypurpose
ofprovidingasettingforcivicbuildings,andurbanspacesforpublic
congregationandpublicevents.
Commercial ComprisesA1Shops,A2Financialandprofessionalservices,A3
development/ Restaurantsandcafs,A4Drinkingestablishments,A5Hotfood
floorspace takeaways,B1BusinessandallotherBuses,C1Hotels,privateC3
hospitals,privateD1Nonresidentialinstitutionssuchasmedicalcare
andschools,privateD2Assemblyandleisuresuchasprivategyms
andclubs,andcommercialsuigenerisusesinaccordancewiththe
Community Seesocialandcommunityfacilities(separatedefinitionsforpublic
facilities andprivate)
Community Part11ofthePlanningAct2008containsprovisionstoallowlocal
InfrastructureLevy authoritiesinEnglandandWalestoestablishaCommunity
InfrastructureLevy(CIL).CILisafinancialchargeonmosttypesof
newdevelopmentbasedonsimpleformulaewhichrelatethesizeof
thechargetothesizeandcharacterofthedevelopmentpaying.The
proceedsofCILaretobeusedtofundlocalandsubregional
infrastructure.
Comparisongoods Predominantlydurablegoodsandserviceswherecustomersmay
wishtocompareprices/quality/typeofproductsold,withother
similarproductssoldinothershops.Comparisongoodsretailusefalls
withinA1RetailinaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning
Conservation Theprocessofmanagingchangetoabuildingorplacethatsustains
itsheritagevalues.
ConservationArea Anareaofspecialarchitecturalorhistoricinterest,thecharacteror
appearanceofwhichitisdesirabletopreserveand/orenhance,
designatedbythelocalplanningauthorityundertheprovisionsofthe
Planning(ListedBuildingsandConservationAreas)Act1990,andas
designatedonthePoliciesMap,andasdesignatedonthePolicies
Map.
ConservationArea Thecouncilsappraisalprogrammeforconservationareas,and
Page211
Glossary
Audit adoptedasSupplementaryPlanningDocuments.Eachauditprovides
thedetailedassessmentofthecharacterandappearanceofanarea,
theanalysisandappraisalofkeyfeaturesandguidancetosupportthe
implementationofpoliciesdesignedtopreserveand/orenhance
thesefeatures.Suchfeaturesincludeunlistedbuildingsofinterest,
spacesandtownscape;materials;uses;andimportantviews.
Negativefeaturesandmanagementproposalsarealsoidentified.
Convenience Basicgoodsorserviceswhichpeoplemayneedonaweekly,ifnot
goods daily,basis.Conveniencegoodsretailusesincludegrocersand
newsagents,andfallwithinA1RetailinaccordancewiththeTown
andCountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order1987anditssubsequent
amendments.
CoreCentral AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
ActivitiesZone PoliciesMap.
CoreShopping ShoppingfrontageinaMajor,DistrictorLocalShoppingCentrewhere
Frontage ahighproportionofpremisesatgroundfloorlevelareinA1Retail
use,asdesignatedonthePoliciesMapandsetoutinAppendix2.
CreativeContent AsubsectorofCreativeIndustriesincludingenterprisesthatproduce
intellectualproperty,usuallycopyrightprotected,distributedto
customersandaudiencesthroughsales,advertisingorsubscriptionto
earnrevenue.Examplesarebroadcasters,recordcompanies,andall
kindsofpublishersincludingsoftware,computergamesand
electronicpublishing.
Creative AsubsectorofCreativeIndustriesinwhichthecorebusinessmodel
Experience isbasedaroundsellingtherightforconsumerstowitnessor
experiencespecificactivities,performancesorlocations.These
includelivetheatre,music,operaanddance.
CreativeIndustries Generictermforthefollowingsubgroupsdefinedwithinthe
Glossary:
CreativeContent
CreativeExperience
CreativeOriginals
CreativeServices
CreativeOriginals AsubsectorofCreativeIndustriesbasedonthemanufacture,
productionorsaleofphysicalartefacts,thevalueofwhichderive
fromtheirperceivedcreativeorculturalvalueandexclusivity.
Examplesaredesignerfashion,bespoketailoring,craftbased
activitiessuchasjewelleryandartsandantiques.
CreativeServices AsubsectorofCreativeIndustriesincludingenterprisesbased
aroundprovidingCreativeServicesforclientsearningrevenuesin
Page212
exchangeforgivinguptheirtimeandintellectualproperty.Examples
arearchitects,advertisingagencies,graphicdesign,newmediadesign
andpostproduction.
Credits Wherefloorspaceisdeliveredandregisteredasacredit,whichis
thenusedtooffsetapolicyrequirementforthatfloorspace
generatedbyanotherschemeatalaterdate.
Crossrail1 AproposedraillinkfromMaidenheadandHeathrowAirportinthe
west,throughLondonincludingCentralLondon,CanaryWharfand
Stratford,intoEssexandKentintheeast,asprovidedforinthe
CrossrailAct2008asdesignatedonthePoliciesMap.
Crossrail2 AproposedraillinkcrossingCentralLondon,potentiallyfrom
HackneytoClaphamJunctionorWimbledon,theexactrouteofwhich
hasnotbeendetermined.Originallyproposedin1989,partofthe
routehasbeensafeguardedbytheSecretaryofStateasdesignated
onthePoliciesMap.
CrossRiver Apartnershiporganisationestablishedin1995tosecurethe
Partnership economicregenerationofareasinWestminster,theCityofLondon,
LambethandSouthwark,onbothsidesoftheRiverThamesbetween
VauxhallBridgeandTowerBridge.
D1UseClass Nonresidentialinstitutionsclinics,healthcentres,crches,day
nurseries,daycentres,schools,artgalleries,museums,libraries,halls,
placesofworship,churchhalls,lawcourts,nonresidentialeducation
andtrainingcentresinaccordancewiththeTownandCountry
D2UseClass Assemblyandleisurecinemas,musicandconcerthalls,bingoand
dancehalls(butnotnightclubs),swimmingbaths,skatingrinks,
gymnasiumsorsportsarenas(exceptformotorsports,orwhere
firearmsareused)inaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning
Decentralised Thegenerationofelectricityneartowhereitisused,thereby
energygeneration avoidingthewastageoftraditional,centralisedpowerstations.
Development Thecarryingoutofbuilding,engineering,miningorotheroperations
in,on,overorundertheland;orthemakingofanymaterialchange
intheuseofanybuildingsorotherland,asdefinedintheTownand
CountryPlanningAct1990asamended.Unlessitisdefinedunderthe
Actaspermitteddevelopment,planningpermissionisrequiredfor
thecarryingoutofanydevelopmentofland.
Disabledperson Apersonwhohaseitheraphysical,sensoryormentalimpairment
thathasasubstantialandlongtermadverseeffectontheirabilityto
carryoutnormaldaytodayactivities,inaccordancewiththe
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Glossary
DisabilityDiscriminationAct2005.
DistrictParks Largeareasofopenspacethatprovidealandscapesettingwitha
varietyofnaturalfeaturesprovidingforawiderangeofactivities,
includingoutdoorssportsfacilitiesandplayingfields,childrensplay
fordifferentagegroupsandinformalrecreationpursuits,withasize
guideof20hectares.
DistrictShopping Servicecentre,usuallywithuptoonehundredcommercialpremises
Centre ofvariouskinds,withapredominantlyretailfunction,asdesignated
onthePoliciesMapandsetoutinAppendix2.
EdgwareRoad AsshownonthePoliciesMap.
Safeguarding
Entertainment ComprisesA3Restaurantsandcafs,A4Publichousesandbars,A5
Uses Takeaways,andotherentertainmentusesincludingD2livemusicand
dancevenuesandsuigenerisusesnightclubs,casinosand
amusementarcadesinaccordancewiththeTownandCountry
Therearesomeuses(forexamplesuigenerisprivatemembersclubs,
restaurantsandcasinosinhotels,andpremisesthatcontainamixof
retailandentertainment)wherethenatureoftheuseanditsimpact
onthelocalenvironmentissuchthatthesewillbeconsideredunder
theentertainmentpolicies.
Theentertainmentusesthatarenotconsideredwithinthisdefinition
aresportshalls,swimmingbaths,gymnasiums,skatingrinks,other
indoororoutdoorsportsorrecreationareas,concerthalls,cinemas
andtheatres.
Essential ComprisingessentialtransportInfrastructurethatmustcrossareasof
Infrastructure higherfloodrisk,essentialutilityinfrastructureandwindturbinesas
setoutintheTechnicalGuidancetotheNationalPlanningPolicy
Framework.
ExceptionTest AtestsetoutintheNationalPlanningPolicyFrameworktobeusedif
applicationoftheSequentialTestisnotpossible.Thetestprovidesa
methodformanagingfloodriskwhilestillallowingnecessary
developmenttooccur.
Floodrelated Includesinfrastructuretodefendagainstandmanagefloodingfroma
infrastructure numberofsourcesincludingtidalandfluvialfloodingandsurface
waterflooding,suchastheEmbankmentWallandThamesTunnel.
FloodRisk Anassessmentrequiredatplanningapplicationstage,inspecified
Assessment circumstances,assetoutintheNationalPlanningPolicyFramework,
toidentifyandassesstherisksofallformsoffloodingtoandfromthe
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development,andhowtheseriskswillbemanaged.
FloodZone2 AnareadefinedbytheEnvironmentAgencyashavingamedium
probabilityoffloodrisk:Assumingthatnotidaldefencesareinplace,
FloodZone2hasbetweena1in100and1in1,000annualprobability
ofriverfloodingorbetweena1in200and1in1,000annual
probabilityoffloodingfromthesea.
FloodZone3 AnareadefinedbytheEnvironmentAgencyashavingahigh
probabilityoffloodriskasdesignatedonthePoliciesMap:Assuming
thatnotidaldefencesareinplace,FloodZone3hasa1in100or
greaterannualprobabilityofriverfloodingora1in200orgreater
annualprobabilityoffloodingfromthesea.
GardenLand Thesiteareaexcludingthefootprintoftheoriginalbuilding.
GeneralPermitted RegulationsmadebytheSecretaryofState,amendedfromtimeto
Development time,definingawiderangeofminoroperationandchangesofuse
Order whichconstitutedevelopment,butwhichcanbecarriedoutwithout
obtainingspecificplanningpermission.
GreaterLondon RegionalgovernmentorganisationestablishedbytheGreaterLondon
Authority AuthorityAct1999.ItcomprisesadirectlyelectedMayor,a
separatelyelectedAssemblybody,andanumberofofficers,including
thosewithinthewiderGreaterLondonAuthorityfamilyofagencies
includingTransportforLondon,theMetropolitanPoliceAuthority,
theLondonFireandEmergencyPlanningAuthorityandtheLondon
HomesandCommunitiesAgency.
GreaterLondon PartofthedesignatedroadhierarchyasdesignatedonthePolicies
AuthorityRoads Map.
GreenCorridors Almostcontinuousareasofopenspacewhicharelinkedandmaynot
bepubliclyaccessible.Theycanactasconduitsforplantsandanimals
andserveamenity,landscapeandaccessroles.
Green Parks,publicandprivatesquaresandgardens,greenspaceson
infrastructure councilestates,linearopenspaces,graveyards,privateresidential
gardens,trees,greenroofsandgreenlandscapedareas.
Heritage Resourcesinheritedwhichpeoplevalueformorethantheirfunction.
Heritageassets Abuilding,monument,site,place,areaorlandscapeidentifiedas
havingadegreeofsignificancemeritingconsiderationinplanning
decisions,becauseofitsheritageinterest.Designatedheritageassets,
assetoutintheNationalPlanningPolicyFramework,arelisted
buildings,scheduledmonuments,conservationareas,registered
parksandgardens,andtheWorldHeritageSite.Otherheritageassets
maybeidentifiedbythelocalplanningauthority(includinglocal
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Glossary
listing).
HS2 Ahighspeedrailproposal,initiallyfromBirminghamtoEuston.
HighlyVulnerable Comprisingbasementdwellings,policestations,ambulancestations
Uses andfirestationsandcommandcentresandtelecommunications
installationsrequiredtobeoperationalduringflooding,emergency
dispersalpoints,caravans,mobilehomesandparkhomesintended
forpermanentresidentialuse,andinstallationsrequiringhazardous
substancesconsentassetoutintheTechnicalGuidancetothe
NationalPlanningPolicyFramework.
Historicfabric Survivingoriginalandhistoricfabricintheformofbuildings,their
structure,detailsanddecoration.
HostScheme Theschemewhichcreditsaredrawndownagainst.Theseare
developedatalaterdatethanthecreditschemeandusethe
floorspacedeliveredbythecreditschemetomeetfloorspace
requirementsofotherpolicies.
Hostels Residentialaccommodation,usuallynotselfcontained,oftenfora
particulargroupofpeopleandclassifiedassuigenerisuseswhereno
significantelementofcareisprovidedinaccordancewiththeTown
andCountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order1987anditssubsequent
amendments.Thisdoesnotincludeyouthhostelsasthesearea
typeofvisitoraccommodation(C1UseClass).
Hotels Includesallhotels,guesthouses,aparthotels,bedandbreakfast
accommodationandothersimilartouristaccommodation,including
touristhostels.
HousesinMultiple Asingleresidentialplanningunitwhichisoccupiedbypersonsas
Occupation theirmainoronlyresidence,whodonotformasinglehousehold.
Thelivingaccommodationwillnormallyberoomsorbedsitswith
somesharedfacilitiese.g.kitchensandbathrooms,butcouldcontain
residentialspaceswithexclusiveusefacilities.HMOsareC4UseClass
andasuigenerisuseinaccordancewiththeTownandCountry
Inclusivedesign Considerationatthedesignstagetoensurethatdevelopmentmakes
provisionforeveryone.Inclusivedesignaddressestheneedsofthose
withmobilitydifficulties,poorvisionandotherphysicaldisabilities.
Inclusivedesignalsoaimstomeettheneedsandconvenienceof
otherssuchaspeoplewithsmallchildren,thosecarryingheavyor
bulkyitemsandtheelderly.
InstitutionalUse Nongovernmentalinstitutionssuchasprofessional,researchand
development,cultural,learnedandeducation,charitableinstitutions
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andtradefederations.Theseareconsideredtobesuigenerisusesin
International ShoppingcentreatthetopofLondonsretailhierarchyof
ShoppingCentre internationalreputationandattractingglobalvisitors,asdesignated
onthePoliciesMapandsetoutinAppendix2.
Invessel Anindustrialformofcompostingbiodegradablewastewithinan
composting enclosedcontainer,whereconditionssuchasairflow,temperature
andemissionsarecontrolled.
Knightsbridge AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
PoliciesMap.
Knightsbridge DesignatedshoppingstreetswithintheCentralActivitiesZoneas
International designatedonthePoliciesMapandsetoutinAppendix2.
ShoppingCentre
Landuseswaps Wheretwo(landuseswap)ormore(landusepackage)sitesare
andpackages consideredasasingleapplicationforthepurposesofdetermininga
planningapplication.Theseareusedtoprovidethefloorspace
requiredbypoliciesovermorethanonesite.
Layout Thewaybuildings,routesandopenspacesareplacedinrelationto
eachother.
Legibility Thedegreetowhichaplacecanbeeasilyunderstoodandmoved
through.
LinearOpen OpenspacesandtowpathsalongsidetheThames,canalsandother
Spaces waterways;paths;disusedrailways;natureconservationareas;and
otherroutesthatprovideopportunitiesforinformalrecreation.Often
characterisedbyfeaturesorattractiveareaswhicharenotfully
accessibletothepublicbutcontributetotheenjoymentofthespace.
ListedBuilding Abuildingofspecialarchitecturalorhistoricinterest,aslistedunder
Section1ofthePlanning(ListedBuildingsandConservationAreas)Act
1990.ListedBuildingsareclassifiedintothreegrades,withGradeI
buildingsbeingofexceptionalinterest,GradeII*beingparticularly
importantbuildingsofmorethanspecialinterest.MostListed
BuildingsareGradeII.Seealsoheritageassets.
Local TheplanmakingsystemsetoutinthePlanningandCompulsory
Development PurchaseAct2004,andcomprisinganumberofdocumentsassetout
Framework inFigure1.
Local AdocumentwhichformspartoftheLocalDevelopmentFramework,
Development andwhichsetsouttheprogrammeforpreparationoftheLocal
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Glossary
Scheme DevelopmentFrameworkdocuments.
LocalDistributor PartofthedesignatedroadhierarchyasdesignatedonthePolicies
Roads Map.
Local Thepositivefeaturesofaplaceanditscommunitieswhichcontribute
distinctiveness toitsspecialcharacterandsenseofplace.
LocalParks Providingforcourtgames,childrensplay,sittingoutareasand
natureconservationareas,withasizeguideoftwohectares.
Localservice Localcommunityfacilitiesprovidingarangeoflocalserviceswhich
provisionfacilities mayincludecouncilservices(OneStopShoptypeprovision),
housingestateoffices,andspacesforotherlocalserviceproviders
and/orthevoluntarysector.
Localservice WestminsterCityCouncil,theNationalHealthServiceorrelated
provider organisationssuchasaPrimaryCareTrust,theMetropolitanPolice,
RegisteredProviderandotherpublicsectorservicessuchasjob
centresandcourts,andvoluntarysectororganisationsoperating
withintheborough.Thesearepublicsocialandcommunityuses.
LocalShopping Smallcentre,usuallycontainingconveniencegoodsshops,local
Centre serviceuses,restaurants,cafsandpubs,mainlyprovidingfacilities
forpeoplelivingorworkingnearby,asdesignatedonthePoliciesMap
andsetoutinAppendix2
LondonDistributor PartofthedesignatedroadhierarchyasdesignatedonthePolicies
Roads Map.
LondonPlan LondonsSpatialDevelopmentStrategypublishedbytheMayorof
LondonundertheprovisionsofthePlanningandCompulsory
PurchaseAct2004.
LondonSquares AgardenorenclosedorunenclosedlandprotectedbytheLondon
SquaresPreservationAct1931,andasdesignatedonthePolicies
Map.
Major Developmentwhere:
development theproposednumberofnewresidentialunitstobeattainedfromthe
(Largescale) proposalis200ormoreorasiteareaofover4hectares;or
theproposedgrossfloorspacetobebuiltcreatedis10,000sqmor
moreorasiteareaof2hectaresormore
Major Developmentwhere:
development theproposednumberofnewresidentialunitstobeattainedfromthe
(Smallscale) proposalisbetween10and199orasiteareaofbetween0.5
hectaresandlessthan4hectares;or
theproposedgrossfloorspacetobebuiltcreatedisbetween1,000
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sqmand9,999sqmorasiteareaofbetween1hectaresandlessthan
2hectares
MajorShopping Predominantlyretailcentreprovidingarangeofservicestoawide
Centre catchmentarea,asdesignatedonthePoliciesMapandsetoutin
Appendix2.
Maryleboneand AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
Fitzrovia PoliciesMap.
MayorofLondon AdirectlyelectedMayorwithawiderangeoffunctionsrelatingto
thegovernanceofGreaterLondonassetoutintheGLAAct2007.
Metropolitan StrategicallyimportantopenspacedefinedintheLondonPlan.In
OpenLand Westminster,thiscomprisestheRoyalParksStJamessPark,Hyde
Park,KensingtonGardens,GreenParkandRegentsPark,as
Metropolitan Largeareasofopenspacethatprovidearangeoffacilitiesand
Parks featuresofferingrecreational,ecological,landscape,culturalorgreen
infrastructurebenefitsatasubregionallevel,arereadilyaccessible
bypublictransportandaremanagedtomeetbestpracticequality
standards,withasizeguideof60hectares.
MoreVulnerable Comprisinghospitals,residentialinstitutionssuchasresidentialcare
Uses homes,childrenshomes,socialserviceshomes,prisonsandhostels,
buildingsusedfordwellinghouses,studenthallsofresidence,
drinkingestablishments,nightclubsandhotels,nonresidentialuses
forhealthservices,nurseriesandeducationalestablishments,and
landfillandsitesusedforwastemanagementfacilitiesforhazardous
wasteassetoutintheTechnicalGuidancetotheNationalPlanning
PolicyFramework.
NamedStreets SpecificstreetsinMaryleboneandFitzroviawhicharetreatedaspart
oftheCoreCentralActivitiesZoneandasdesignatedonthePolicies
Map.TheseareEdgwareRoad,BakerStreet,MaryleboneRoad,
PortlandPlace,ParkCrescentandGreatPortlandStreet.
NationalPlanning AdocumentsettingouttheGovernmentsplanningpoliciesfor
PolicyFramework Englandandhowtheseareexpectedtobeapplied,providinga
(NPPF) frameworkwithinwhichlocalandneighbourhoodplanscanbe
produced.Thisdocumentmustbetakenintoaccountinthe
preparationoflocalandneighbourhoodplansandisamaterial
considerationinplanningdecisions.
NoiseSensitive Comprisesresidentialuse,educationalestablishments,hospitals,
Receptors hotels,hostels,concerthalls,theatres,lawcourts,andbroadcasting
andrecordingstudios.
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Glossary
NonA1retailuses ComprisesA2Financialorprofessionalservices,A3Restaurantsand
cafs,A4Drinkingestablishments(notnightclubs),A5Hotfood
takeawaysinaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning(Use
North AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
Westminster PoliciesMap.
Economic
DevelopmentArea
OasisAreas AsprovidedforinPolicyS7andlocationsasindicatedontheWest
EndSpecialRetailPolicyAreaMapasfollows:1.JunctionofOxford
StreetwithBaldertonStreet(leadingtoBrownHartGardens);2.St
ChristophersPlace;3.JunctionofOxfordStreetwithWoodstock
Street;4.VereStreet;5.OldCavendishStreet;6.CavendishSquare;
7.ArgyllStreetandLittleArgyllStreet;8.RamilliesPlace;9.Hanway
StreetandHanwayPlace;10.GoldenSquare;11.WarwickStreet;12.
GlasshouseStreetandAirStreet;13.SwallowStreet.
Openspace Includesallparksandgardens,regardlessofsize(whetherpublicor
private);theRiverThamesandthecanalsandtheirtowpaths;civic
spaces;childrensplaygrounds,includingschoolplaygrounds;
ballcourtsandotheroutdoorsportsfacilities;amenitygreenspaces,
suchasopenspacesonhousingestates;churchyards;andcommunity
gardens.
Openspace Includesallopenspaces,plusotherspacesthatprovideabreakfrom
network thedenselybuiltupurbanform,suchaspedestrianisedareasand
stationconcourses;hardlandscapedareaswithprivateaccess;
pedestrian/cycleandwildliferoutes;andallthegreeninfrastructure
thatlinksopenspacestogether,includinggreencorridors,private
residentialgardens,trees,greenroofs,andgreenlandscapedareas.
OpportunityAreas AreasdefinedintheLondonPlanthatprovideLondonsprinciple
opportunitiesforaccommodatinglargescaledevelopmenttoprovide
substantialnumbersofnewemploymentandhousingopportunities
withgoodpublictransportaccessibility.WestminstersOpportunity
Areas,Paddington,VictoriaandTottenhamCourtRoad,are
Originalbuilding Inrelationtoabuildingexistingon1stJuly1948,asexistingonthat
dateand,inrelationtoabuildingbuiltonorafter1stJuly1948,asso
built.
Paddington AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandtheLondonPlan,andas
OpportunityArea designatedonthePoliciesMap.
Permitted Developmentwhichisgrantedplanningpermissionundertheterms
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development oftheTownandCountryPlanning(GeneralPermittedDevelopment)
Order1995(asamended)(GPDO).Thisincludes,forexample,many
changesofusesuchasachangefromarestaurant(A3UseClass)toa
shop(A1UseClass)assetoutintheGPDO.
Pimlico AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
PoliciesMap.
Planning Anenforceablecompactassociatedwiththeuseanddevelopmentof
obligation land.Thismaybeeitheranagreementbetweenalocalplanning
authorityandanorganisationorindividualhavinganinterestinland;
oraunilateralundertakinggivenbyanapplicantforplanning
permission.Anobligationusuallyinvolvesarestrictionontheuseor
developmentofland;oraspecificrequirementaboutanoperationor
activitytobecarriedoutonland;orarequirementthatlandshould
onlybeusedinaspecifiedway;orthepaymentofasumorsumsof
money.
Planning AwrittenconsenttothecarryingoutofDevelopmentissuedbya
permission localplanningauthorityor,onappeal,byaPlanningInspectororthe
SecretaryofState.Thepermissionisnormallysubjecttoconditions
andwilllapseifthedevelopmentisnotstartedwithinastatedperiod
oftime.Planningpermissionforbuildingsmaybeinoutlinewhere
theprincipleisapproved,subjecttothelatersubmissionoffurther
applicationsfortheapprovalofreservedmatters.
PocketParks Smallareasofopenspacethatprovidenaturalsurfacesandshaded
areasforinformalplayandpassiverecreationthatsometimeshave
seatingandplayequipment,withasizeguideofunder0.4hectares.
PoliciesMap TheadoptedPoliciesMapillustratesthepolicyandproposalsite
boundariesreferredtoinWestminstersCityPlan.Itwillberevisedas
eachnewDevelopmentPlanisadopted,anditshouldalwaysreflect
theuptodateplanningstrategyforthearea.
PrimaryShopping ThemainshoppingfrontageintheInternationalShoppingCentre,
Frontages withthehighestproportionofpremisesatstreetlevelinA1retail
use,asdesignatedonthePoliciesMapandsetoutinAppendix2.
Priorityspecies Speciesandhabitatareidentifiedatnational,regionalandlocallevel.
andhabitat TheUKBiodiversityPartnershipproducealistofspeciesandhabitats
thatareapriorityfornatureconservationactiontopreventtheir
decline.ThereissimilarlyaBiodiversityPartnershipatregionaland
locallevel(seealsoBiodiversityActionPlan).
Privatemembers Clubswhichareonlyopentomemberswhopayasubscriptionand
clubs mayalsohavetomeetothercriteria.Theseareconsideredtobea
privateleisureuse,andaresuigenerisusesinaccordancewiththe
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Glossary
ProposalsSites AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlan,particularlyAppendix1,
andasdesignatedonthePoliciesMap.
ProtectedVistas AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandtheLondonPlanandas
Publicbuildings ArangeofuseswithintheTownandCountryPlanning(UseClasses)
Order1987anditssubsequentamendments.Comprisedofcinemas,
concerthalls,theatres,clubs(excludingsportsandprivatemembers
clubs,casinosandliveentertainment),embassiesandconsulates,
armedforces,museums,artgalleries,broadcastingnonactive
entertainment,courts,emergencyservices,palaces,placesof
worship,placesofactivepublicentertainment,sportscentresand
gyms.
Publicrealm Thepartsofthecitywhichareavailablefreeforeveryonetouseor
see,includingstreets,squaresandparks.
RapidInundation LowlyingareasclosetotheRiverThameswhichwouldrapidly
Zone inundatetosignificantlevelsiftheEmbankmentWallwasbreached
asdesignatedonthePoliciesMap.
RegisteredHistoric Designedornamentallandscapes,gardensorotherlandwhichare
ParksandGardens includedintheRegisterofParksandGardensofSpecialHistoric
ofSpecialHistoric InterestinEngland,compiledbyEnglishHeritage.Parksandgardens
Interest ontheregisteraregradedinthesamemanneraslistedbuildingsin
ordertoreflecttheimportanceofthegardenorpark(GradesI,II*
andII).Seealsoheritageassets.
Registered OrganisationregisteredwiththeHomesandCommunitiesAgency.
Providers Theorganisationsconcernedmaybehousingassociationswhichare
registeredcharities,ornonprofitmakingprovidentsocietiesor
companies.
Residential ComprisesC3DwellinghousesinaccordancewiththeTownand
development CountryPlanning(UseClasses)Order1987anditssubsequent
amendments.
Retail IncludesallAClassusesinaccordancewiththeTownandCountry
SeeA1UseClass(A1retailuse),andNonA1retailuses.
Retrofitting Addingnewfeaturestoanexistingbuilding(toimproveits
performance).
RoyalParks AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
PoliciesMap.
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Secondary ShoppingfrontageinaMajor,DistrictorLocalShoppingCentrewhere
ShoppingFrontage thereisamixofA1andnonA1retailuses,asdesignatedonthe
PoliciesMapandsetoutinAppendix2
Section106 AnagreementmadeunderSection106oftheTownandCountry
agreement PlanningAct1990tosecureaplanningobligation.
Senseofplace Theuniqueperceptionofaplacecreatedbyitslocalbuildings,
streets,openspacesandactivities.Themoredistinctivetheplacethe
greaterthesenseofitbeingspecial.Acharacterwhichisgreaterthan
thesumoftheconstituentparts.
SequentialTest AtestsetoutintheNationalPlanningPolicyFrameworktodirectthe
mostvulnerabledevelopmenttoareasoflowestfloodrisk,tobeused
whendraftingsiteorlandallocationDevelopmentPlanDocuments
andwhendeterminingindividualplanningapplicationsforany
developmentotherthanminordevelopmentandchangesofuse.
ShoppingCentres DesignatedareascontainingahighproportionsofA1retailuse,
classifiedasInternationalShoppingCentres,CAZFrontages,Major,
DistrictandLocalShoppingCentres,basedontheirsize,location,
catchment,characterandfunction,asdesignatedonthePoliciesMap
andsetoutinAppendix2.
ShoppingFrontage Astreetlevelfrontagecharacterisedbyapredominanceofshoptype
premises.
Sitesof TheGreaterLondonAuthoritydesignatedSINCstohighlightareasof
Importancefor ecologicalvaluethatarerichinwildlifewithinthecity.Thesitesare
Nature gradedasbeingofMetropolitan,BoroughorLocalImportance.Sites
Conservation ofMetropolitanImportancearethosewhichcontainthebest
(SINCs) examplesofLondonshabitatsandrarespeciesthatareof
significancetoLondon.SitesofBoroughImportancearethose
identifiedtohaveanimportancetoWestminster,andasdesignated
onthePoliciesMap,andanydamagewouldmeanasignificantlossto
thecity.AsiteofLocalImportanceisidentifiedbecauseofitsvalueto
thenearbycommunity,especiallyinareasthataredeficientin
wildlifesites.
SmallOpenSpaces Gardens,sittingoutareas,childrensplayspacesorotherareasofa
specialistnature,includingnatureconservationareas,withasize
guideofundertwohectares.
Socialand Includeshospitals,clinics,primaryandsecondaryschools,colleges,
community crches,nurseries,gymsandfitnessclubs,andotherleisureclubs,
facilities(private) wheretheservicesareprovidedonacommercialbasis,forresidents,
workers,nonresidentsandvisitors.Theseprivatesocialand
communityfacilitiesarecomprisedofbuildingsandexternalspaces,
Page223
Glossary
withuseswithinclassesC2,D1,D2andpossiblysomesuigenerisuses
inaccordancewiththeTownandCountryPlanning(UseClasses)
Order1987anditssubsequentamendments.
Socialand Thesefacilitiesareavailableto,andservetheneedsoflocal
community communitiesandothersprovidedbyalocalserviceproviderorare
facilities(public) oftenfundedinsomewaybyagrantorinvestmentfroma
governmentdepartmentorpublicbodyorthevoluntarysector.
Socialandcommunityfacilitiesarecomprisedofbuildingsand
externalspaces.Theyincludesocialservicesusessuchasdaycare
centres,luncheonclubs,anddropincentres,facilitiesforchildren
andfamilies,elderlypeople,peoplewithmobilityand/orsensory
impairments,peoplewithHIV/AIDsorotherdiseasescoveredunder
theDisabilityDiscriminationAct,peoplewithmentalhealthor
substancemisuseproblems.Otherfacilitiesincludeeducation
facilitiessuchasschools,collegesanduniversities,healthfacilities,
recreationfacilitiessuchasplaygrounds,leisurecentres,sports
pitchesandassociatedbuildings,youthcentresandlocalarts
facilities.Libraries,placesofworship,courts,generalandsocialuses
suchascommunitymeetingfacilities,communityhalls,publictoilets,
facilitiesforemergencyservices,fire,ambulanceandpolice.The
publicsocialandcommunityfacilitiesareinclassesC2,D1,D2and
possiblysomesuigenerisusesinaccordancewiththeTownand
amendments.
SpecialPolicy AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
Areas PoliciesMap.
Specialisthousing Affordablehousing,hostels,HousesinMultipleOccupation,housing
forthosewithspecialneedsincludingelderlypeople,students,
peoplewithlearningorphysicaldisabilities,ormentalhealth
problems,orothersupportedaccommodation.Thesefallwithinthe
C2andC3UseClasses,orareclassifiedassuigenerisuses.
StrategicCultural Mixeduseareaswithstrongarts,orculturalorentertainment
Areas character,asdesignatedonthePoliciesMap.
StrategicFlood Adocumentpreparedbythelocalplanningauthoritytoprovide
RiskAssessment informationonareasthatmayfloodandonallsourcesoffloodingas
requiredbytheNationalPlanningPolicyFramework.
StrategicSports AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
andEducation PoliciesMap.
Facility
StressAreas AreasidentifiedbythecouncilanddesignatedonthePoliciesMap
whereitbelievesthatrestaurants,cafs,takeaways,publichouses,
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barsandotherentertainmentuseshavebecomeconcentratedtoan
extentthatharmisbeingcausedtoresidentialamenity,theinterests
ofothercommercialuses,thelocalenvironment,andtothe
characterandfunctionofthelocality.
SuiGenerisUses ThoseusesoutsideofanyofthedefinedUseClassesintheTownand
amendments,includingthosespecificallylistedinthatOrderassui
generis,includingamusementcentres,hostelsprovidingno
significantelementofcare,housesinmultiplepayingoccupation,
launderettes,nightclubs,petrolfillingstations,shopssellingand/or
displayingmotorvehicles,taxiandminicabbusinesses,theatres.This
listisnotacomprehensivesummaryofallsuigenerisuses.
Sustainable Someofthekeyelementsare:aflourishinglocaleconomy;strong
communities leadershiptorespondpositivelytochange;effectiveengagementand
participationbylocalpeople,groupsandbusinesses,especiallyinthe
planning,design,andlongtermstewardshipoftheircommunityand
anactivevoluntaryandcommunitysector;asafeandhealthylocal
environmentwithwelldesignedpublicandgreenspace;sufficient
size,scaleanddensity,andtherightlayouttosupportbasicamenities
intheneighbourhoodandminimisetheuseofresources;goodpublic
transportandothertransportinfrastructurebothwithinthe
communityandlinkingittourban,ruralandregionalcentres;
buildingsbothindividuallyandcollectivelythatcanmeetdifferent
needsovertimeandthatminimisetheuseofresources;awell
integratedmixofdecenthomesofdifferenttypesandtenuresto
supportarangeofhouseholdsizes,ages,andincomes;goodquality
localservices,includingeducationandtrainingopportunities,health
careandcommunityfacilitiesespeciallyforleisure;adiverse,vibrant
andcreativelocalculture,encouragingprideinthecommunityand
cohesionwithinit;asenseofplace;andtherightlinkswiththe
widerregional,nationalandinternationalcommunityi.
Sustainable Developmentwhichmeetstheneedsofthepresentwithout
development compromisingtheabilityoffuturegenerationstomeettheirown
needs.Therearefiveprinciplesofsustainabledevelopmentshared
acrosstheUK:livingwithintheplanetsenvironmentallimits;
ensuringastrong,healthyandjustsociety;achievingasustainable
economy;usingsoundscienceresponsibly;andpromotinggood
governance.Sustainabledevelopmentisthegoldenthread
underpinningplanning,includingthislocalplan.Inordertoachieve
sustainabledevelopment,economic,socialandenvironmentalgains
shouldbesoughtjointlyandsimultaneously.
Sustainable Walking,cyclingandothernonvehicularmeansofmovement;public
transportmodes transportincludingrail,Underground,buses,coaches,passenger
ferry,lightrail/tramandlicensedcabs;andhighoccupancyand
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Glossary
electricvehicles.
Tallbuilding Abuildingsignificantlytallerthanitssurroundings.
ThamesPath Partofthenationalwalkingnetworkandasdesignatedonthe
PoliciesMap.
ThamesPolicy ApolicydesignationidentifiedintheLondonPlananddefinedonthe
Area PoliciesMap.
Tidalbreachflood Predicteddepthtowhichfloodingwilloccurforabreachinthetidal
level flooddefencewalk.ThesehavebeenmodelledinWestminsters
StrategicFloodRiskAssessment.
TottenhamCourt AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandtheLondonPlan,andas
RoadOpportunity designatedonthePoliciesMap.
Area
Touristattractions Includesmuseumsandgalleries(D1NonresidentialInstitutions),
theatres(suigeneris),concerthalls(D2AssemblyandLeisure),unique
attractionssuchasLondonZoo,LordsCricketGroundandMadame
Tussards,internationallyimportantculturalinstitutions,andbuildings
ofstateandRoyalPalaces(HousesofParliament,Westminster
Abbey,BuckinghamPalace,HorseGuards).
TownCentreUse Auseservingvisitingmembersofthepublicwhichmaybe
appropriateatgroundfloorlevelinadesignatedShoppingCentre.
TowncentreusesincludeA1retailuses,nonA1retailuses,health
uses,libraries,entertainmentfacilities,hotelsandoffices.
UseClassOrder AstatutoryinstrumentmadebytheSecretaryofStateundersection
22oftheTownandCountryPlanningAct1990,subsequently
amendedseveraltimes,settingoutbroadclassesofuseforlandand
buildings.UnderprovisionsintheTownandCountryPlanning(Use
Classes)Order1987(asamended),achangefromoneusetoanother
withinthesameuseclassdoesnotneedplanningpermission.For
example,changefromabookshop(A1UseClass)toashoeshop(also
A1UseClass)doesnotrequireplanningpermissionastheyareinthe
sameuseclasscategory.
Victoria AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandtheLondonPlan,andas
OpportunityArea designatedonthePoliciesMap.
Waste AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
Management PoliciesMap.
Facilities
WestEnd DesignationwhichcollectivelydescribesWestminstersthreemain
International shoppingstreets:Oxford,RegentandBond(OldandNew).Seealso
Page226
ShoppingCentre PrimaryShoppingFrontages.
WestEndSpecial AssetoutwithinWestminstersCityPlanandasdesignatedonthe
RetailPolicyArea PoliciesMap.
WestminsterCity WestminstersSustainableCommunityStrategyasrequiredbythe
PlanSustainable LocalGovernmentAct2000.
Community
Strategy
Windfall Developmentthathasnotplannedforandisnotincludedinthe
development identifiedProposalsSitesortherollinghousinglandsupplyassetout
inPolicy54.
Workshopsand FlexiblespacesforB1usethatincludesfeatureslikefloorloadings
studios capableofsupportingmachinery,ceilingheightssuitablefortheuse
ofmachineryandhoists,provisionofagoodslift,widedoorsand
corridorstoallowmovementoflargeequipment/materials,
servicingforgoodsvehicles.
WorldHeritage AnareainscribedontheWorldHeritageListforitsoutstanding
Site universalvalueundertheUNESCOConventionconcerningthe
ProtectionoftheWorldsCulturalandNaturalHeritage,andas
i
AssetoutinWestminsterCityCouncilSustainableCommunitiesbuildingforthefuture,
2003
Page227
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2
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Westminster City Plan

Consolidated with all changes since November 2013eNovember

Revision to Westminster's City Plan

SUPPORTING INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 182

Westminsters Topicbased Statementof

Any Planning Authoritys

WESTMINSTERS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

W ESTMINSTER S C ITY P LAN

PARTI: WhatWestminstersCityPlan isandhowtouseit.

PART II: A UNIQUE CITY

F IGURE 3 W ESTMINSTERINTHE H EARTOF G REATER L ONDON

F IGURE 4 P ROPORTIONOF L ONDON S J OBSWITHINEACH B OROUGH (B OROUGHSWITHOVER 130,000

F IGURE 5 C OMPARISONOFECONOMICSECTORSFOR W ESTMINSTERAND C ITYOF L ONDON , 2010 vii

F IGURE 6 P ERCENTAGEOF W ESTMINSTER S H OUSEHOLDSIN D IFFERENT E THNIC G ROUPS , 2009 ix

F IGURE 8 H OUSEHOLD T ENURE (2011) AND I NCOME (2006) xv

W ESTMINSTER S S TRATEGIC O BJECTIVES

W ESTMINSTER S S PATIAL S TRATEGY

ShoppingCentre Type Growth Capacity Designation

F IGURE 11 S HOPPING C ENTRE G ROWTH P ROJECTIONAND C APACITY

PART III: LOCAL

P ADDINGTON O PPORTUNITY A REA

V ICTORIA O PPORTUNITY A REA

T OTTENHAM C OURT R OAD O PPORTUNITY A REA

C ORE C ENTRAL A CTIVITIES Z ONE

F IGURE 30 N ORTH W ESTMINSTER EDA L AND U SE B REAKDOWN ( EXCLUDING

PART IV: CITY-WIDE

O PTIMISING H OUSING D ELIVERY

M EETING H OUSING N EEDS

O FFICESAND B USINESS F LOORSPACE

T OURISM , A RTSAND C ULTURE

O PEN S PACEAND G REEN I NFRASTRUCTURE

T RANSPORTAND P UBLIC R EALM I NFRASTRUCTURE

F IGURE 52 P UBLIC T RANSPORT A CCESSIBILITY L EVELS 2008

2016 2021 2026

F LOOD R ELATED I NFRASTRUCTURE

Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably

F IGURE 55 R ISK A SSESSMENT

Area Risk Reason Actions KeyPartners

F IGURE 56 M ONITORING F RAMEWORK

HeadlineObjectives KeyIndicatorsTopics PolicyRef

CentralActivitiesZone;tosupportthe shoppingcentres,andoutsideshoppingcentres 47.2

A5 DudleyHouse, Residential, 0.34 Cityof SubjecttoPlanningBrief

A7 6Merchant Residential, 0.28 European Permissiongranted.

E6 Siteboundedby Extend 0.58 Westminster Potentiallycapableofanetgainin86

REF. SITE PREFERREDUSES AREA MAJORITY NOTES

MARYLEBONEANDFITZROVIA CoreShoppingFrontages SecondaryShoppingFrontages

PIMLICO CoreShoppingFrontages SecondaryShoppingFrontages

StJohnsWood,NW8 179and62142StJohns 210StAnnsTerrace

FormosaStreet,W9 218FormosaStreet 17FormosaStreet

TheBiodiversity Citywide Apartnershipoforganisationsandindividuals,WestminsterCity

Year Total Cumulative

1 2016/1 948 200 100 1248 183 35 1,466

10 2025/2 640 150 300 1,090 183 35 12,231

F IGURE 57 P ROJECTED H OUSING S UPPLYFROMALLSOURCES 2016/17 2036/37

Period Noof< Netunitsfrom< Totalnetunitsfrom Percentageofconventional

2002 27 109 703 16%

2003 89 192 1,318 15%

2004 103 234 596 39%

2005/06 169 360 1,809 20%

2006/07 124 252 665 38%

2007/08 92 206 671 31%

2008/09 118 274 850 32%

2009/10 110 243 653 37%

2010/11 134 309 831 37%