Local planning policy field guide

City of Westminster planning policy summary

Explore City of Westminster’s planning requirements for common proposals, with the local tests, application evidence and official documents gathered in one place.

AI-generated from the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. How these summaries are prepared.

Browse requirements Open source documents

Buckingham Palace and Big Ben mark City of Westminster.

Local answers: 32
Official documents cited: 3
Planning sections: 12
Sources checked: 5 September 2026

What this guide covers

A first source-verified selection of common development-plan, housing, amenity, design, transport, environment and heritage requirements in the City of Westminster. Site-specific designations, the London Plan and made neighbourhood plans must also be checked for the address.

Popular checks

Start with a common planning question

DesignDesign and characterReview scale, materials, extensions and local character.Open requirement

Section 1

Local requirement

Current development plan and policy hierarchy

What current plan documents and retained policies does the authority say form the development plan, and how should conflicts or transitions be handled?

Applications are determined against the Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (current version adopted 21 January 2026), the London Plan and any made neighbourhood plan applying to the site.

When this answer applies: All planning applications in the City of Westminster.

Details and exceptions

National policy is a material consideration but is not itself part of Westminster's development plan.
Check the policies map and the latest official source page before relying on a policy number.

Sources used

Westminster's planning policies (opens in a new tab)Plan status— Westminster's Development Plan and City Plan current-version sections

Local requirement

Neighbourhood plan applicability

What does the authority say about which made neighbourhood plans apply and where?

A made neighbourhood plan adds development-plan policies where the address falls within its area; Westminster lists nine made plans at the verification date.

When this answer applies: Sites within a made neighbourhood-plan area.

Details and exceptions

Confirm the site's boundary and use the current version linked by the council.

Sources used

Westminster's planning policies (opens in a new tab)Plan status— Neighbourhood Plans section

Local requirement

Site allocations and site-specific policy

What does the authority say about allocations, safeguarded land and site-specific policies?

The City Plan contains adopted site allocations for St Mary's Hospital, Westbourne Park Bus Garage, land adjacent to Royal Oak and Grosvenor Sidings.

When this answer applies: Proposals on or affecting one of the four allocated sites.

Details and exceptions

Each allocation has its own requirements; also check the adoption policies map and any neighbourhood plan.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Site Allocations, Policies 8-11, pp.54-77

Neighbour amenity

Policy guidance

Noise and vibration

What does the authority say about tests, limits, evidence and mitigation for noise and vibration?

Development should prevent adverse noise and vibration effects and improve the noise environment, addressing residential and sensitive uses, plant, internal activity, servicing and deliveries, and tranquillity around open space.

When this answer applies: Noise-generating development and noise-sensitive development exposed to existing sources.

Details and exceptions

The agent-of-change principle applies and the council's current noise thresholds and technical evidence must be used.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 37(C) and paragraphs 37.4-37.6, pp.154-155
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Section 3.4, Noise and Vibration, pp.30-34

Policy guidance

Artificial light and glare

What does the authority say about tests or controls for artificial light, glare and light spill?

Lighting must minimise harmful glare and light spill affecting amenity, biodiversity and highway or waterway users.

When this answer applies: Development incorporating external, architectural or operational lighting.

Details and exceptions

The acceptable design depends on use, timing, surroundings and sensitive receptors.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 37(B) and paragraph 37.3, pp.154-155
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Section 3.3, Light Pollution, pp.27-29

Design, form and character

Policy guidance

Extensions

What does the authority say about design and dimensions for front, side, rear, single-storey and multi-storey extensions?

Extensions should be subordinate to the host building, respect its scale, detail and materials and avoid adverse visual or amenity effects on neighbouring buildings and the townscape.

When this answer applies: Alterations and outward or upward extensions.

Details and exceptions

Heritage significance, established townscape patterns and residential amenity can materially restrict the acceptable form.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 45(D) and paragraphs 45.6-45.7, pp.189-190

Policy guidance

Roof alterations and dormers

What does the authority say about roof extensions, dormers, rooflights and raised or altered roofs?

Roof extensions are supported in principle only where they avoid adverse heritage effects and adopt a form appropriate to the building, terrace or established roof-addition pattern.

When this answer applies: Roof extensions and additions.

Details and exceptions

An unimpaired terrace roofline calls for a coordinated approach across the terrace; other locations require a design sympathetic to the host building.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 45(E), Roof extensions, pp.189-190

Policy guidance

Character, context and placemaking

What does the authority say about responding to local character, townscape, context, public realm, legibility and inclusive or safe design?

Development must respond positively to local townscape and streetscape, including neighbouring heritage, street pattern, building lines, scale, orientation, height, massing, materials, open space and trees.

When this answer applies: All development.

Details and exceptions

The acceptable response is context-led and may be further shaped by conservation-area, neighbourhood-plan or site-specific guidance.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 42(A-C), Design principles, p.172

Related local appeal evidence

Area character and appearance

43 matched decision families in this local evidence view.

15 allowed
25 dismissed
3 other

Compare area character and appearance appeal decisions

Residential quality and housing form

Local requirement

Internal space standards

What does the authority say about internal space, room size, ceiling height and storage?

All self-contained new homes must meet or exceed the Nationally Described Space Standard.

When this answer applies: Self-contained new homes; conversions and extensions are expected to meet the standard where possible.

Details and exceptions

The policy recognises that meeting the standard can be impracticable within heritage assets.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 16(C) and paragraph 16.6, pp.94-95

Local requirement

Private amenity space

What does the authority say about private outdoor amenity space?

New-build homes must provide at least 5 square metres of private external amenity space for a one- or two-person dwelling, plus 1 square metre for each additional designed occupant. Communal or improved public space, then equivalent extra internal space, form the policy's fallback sequence where external space is not practicable.

When this answer applies: New-build homes.

Details and exceptions

The policy allows alternatives where private external space is demonstrably impracticable or inappropriate, including because of heritage constraints.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 16(D-E) and paragraphs 16.7-16.9, pp.94-95

Local requirement

Accessible and adaptable homes

What does the authority say about wheelchair, accessible and adaptable housing standards or proportions?

For new-build homes, 90% must meet Building Regulations M4(2) and 10% must meet M4(3); the wheelchair-user share also applies to new-build homes created through change of use.

When this answer applies: New-build homes, including the stated change-of-use cases for M4(3).

Details and exceptions

Heritage constraints can make compliance impracticable, but the plan expects the standards wherever possible.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 16(B) and paragraphs 16.5-16.6, pp.94-95

Movement, parking and servicing

Local requirement

Vehicle parking

What does the authority say about vehicle-parking quantities, dimensions, layout and flexibility?

London Plan parking standards apply to all development. Redevelopment should reduce existing parking to those standards unless a site-specific justification supports limited re-provision.

When this answer applies: Development proposing, retaining or removing motor-vehicle parking.

Details and exceptions

Controlled-parking-zone capacity, returning occupiers, car clubs, accessibility and kerbside priorities can alter the acceptable arrangement.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 31(A-H), Parking, pp.138-140

Local requirement

Cycle parking and storage

What does the authority say about cycle parking, storage and end-of-trip facilities?

Major development must meet the London Plan cycle-parking and cycle-facility standards and provide or contribute to safe, connected cycle access.

When this answer applies: Major development; other development remains subject to the wider walking and cycling policy.

Details and exceptions

Use the current London Plan standards and address public-realm conflicts for any on-street short-stay provision.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 29(D), Walking and cycling, p.132

Local requirement

Electric-vehicle charging

What does the authority say about electric-vehicle charging and passive provision through planning policy or conditions?

Every new parking space must have active electric-vehicle charging provision; major developments may also need contributions to on-street low-emission infrastructure.

When this answer applies: New parking spaces, with the contribution clause applying to major development.

Details and exceptions

The amount and location of any contribution are proposal-specific.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 31(A) and (E), Parking, pp.138-139

Local requirement

Refuse and recycling storage and collection

What does the authority say about bin storage, collection points, vehicle access and waste-separation design?

New development, including extensions and changes of use, must provide safe, convenient and adequately sized facilities for separately stored waste streams and collection.

When this answer applies: New development, extensions and changes of use.

Details and exceptions

Use the council's current waste-storage guidance and address specialist waste generated by the use.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 41(B) and paragraph 41.6, pp.167-168
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Chapter 7, Waste Management, pp.108-118

Policy guidance

Active travel and public transport

What does the authority say about walking, wheeling, cycling and public-transport connections or improvements?

Development must promote sustainable transport by prioritising walking and cycling, improving safe, legible and accessible pedestrian routes and supporting the cycle network.

When this answer applies: Development affecting movement, access or the public realm; extra requirements apply to major development.

Details and exceptions

The scale of works or contributions depends on the proposal and location.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 29, Walking and cycling, pp.132-134

Heritage, archaeology and views

Policy guidance

Listed buildings and their setting

What does the authority say about works affecting a listed building or its setting, including separate consent?

Development must conserve and enhance heritage assets and their settings in a manner appropriate to significance, retaining and sensitively adapting assets while avoiding unjustified harm.

When this answer applies: Development affecting a listed building or its setting.

Details and exceptions

A proportionate heritage assessment is usually required and any harm needs full justification against significance, alternatives and public benefits.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 44(A-B) and paragraphs 44.1-44.3, pp.182-184

Policy guidance

Conservation areas

What does the authority say about development in or affecting a conservation area, including demolition?

Features that contribute positively to a conservation area's significance or setting are to be conserved, with opportunities taken to enhance the area wherever possible.

When this answer applies: Development within or affecting the setting of a conservation area.

Details and exceptions

An unlisted building making a positive contribution is presumed to be conserved unless the relevant national-policy tests are met.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 44, Conservation Areas clauses and clause L, pp.182-183

Policy guidance

Non-designated heritage assets

What does the authority say about locally listed and other non-designated heritage assets?

Non-designated heritage assets are to be conserved; the decision balances the scale of harm or loss and the asset's significance against the development's benefits.

When this answer applies: Development affecting a locally important building, archaeological interest or other non-designated heritage asset.

Details and exceptions

Identification and significance are site-specific and can emerge during development management.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 44(R), Non-designated Heritage Assets, p.183

Local requirement

Archaeology

What does the authority say about when archaeological interest should be assessed, evaluated, recorded or preserved?

Excavation or groundworks in an Archaeological Priority Area, or elsewhere with suspected archaeological potential, must evaluate the site's archaeological potential and significance and plan for the implications.

When this answer applies: Ground-disturbing development in an Archaeological Priority Area or another site with archaeological potential.

Details and exceptions

Preservation in situ is preferred; where that is impossible or remains are of lesser significance, investigation, recording, publication and archiving may be required.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 44(N-P), Archaeology, p.183

Nature, landscape and open space

Policy guidance

Trees and tree preservation

What does the authority say about trees, root protection, replacement and protected-tree constraints?

Trees with amenity, ecological, historic or townscape value are protected, and new development is encouraged to optimise canopy cover through planting.

When this answer applies: Development affecting existing trees or offering new planting opportunities.

Details and exceptions

A landscaping, tree or biodiversity strategy should accompany relevant planting proposals; separate tree-protection controls may also apply.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 38(H-I) and paragraphs 38.13-38.14, pp.156 and 160

Policy guidance

Biodiversity net gain

What does the authority say about biodiversity-net-gain metrics, percentages, exemptions, delivery and monitoring?

The City Plan expects biodiversity net gain wherever feasible and appropriate, with habitat impacts following the avoid-minimise-compensate hierarchy.

When this answer applies: Development affecting biodiversity or able to create or improve habitat; statutory biodiversity-net-gain rules have their own exemptions and process.

Details and exceptions

The plan wording is not a substitute for checking the separate statutory biodiversity-net-gain regime and current metric requirements.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 38(F-G) and paragraphs 38.9-38.12, pp.156 and 160
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Sections 4.2-4.3, pp.53-69

Policy guidance

Green infrastructure, open space and recreation

What does the authority say about retaining or providing green infrastructure, open space, recreation and play space?

Development should incorporate suitable greening such as trees, green roofs, green walls, rain gardens and other green features. Major development must provide new or improved public open space and children's play space, particularly where there is a deficiency.

When this answer applies: All development has greening opportunities; the open-space and play requirement is directed to major development.

Details and exceptions

The appropriate measures depend on scale, context, management and mapped open-space or play-space deficiency.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 38(B-D) and paragraphs 38.3-38.8, pp.156-159
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Chapter 4, Greening and Biodiversity, pp.51-70

Flooding, environment and climate

Local requirement

Flood risk and the sequential approach

What does the authority say about flood zones, sequential and exception tests, vulnerability, levels and resilience?

A site-specific Flood Risk Assessment is required for development of at least 1 hectare, every development in Flood Zones 2 or 3, and every development in a Surface Water Flood Management Zone. Vulnerability and exception-test restrictions apply in higher-risk areas.

When this answer applies: The stated site-size and mapped flood-risk triggers.

Details and exceptions

Use the current flood maps and evidence; basement dwellings and extensions are not acceptable in the Rapid Inundation Zone.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 39(A-F), Flood risk, pp.160-161
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Chapter 5, Flood Risk, pp.71-87

Local requirement

Drainage and sustainable drainage

What does the authority say about surface-water hierarchy, runoff, attenuation, SuDS, adoption and maintenance?

New development must use sustainable drainage to manage surface-water risk, aim for greenfield run-off rates and demonstrate that opportunities to minimise site run-off have been taken.

When this answer applies: New development.

Details and exceptions

The drainage strategy and discharge hierarchy remain site-specific and must align with current flood evidence.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 39(J), Sustainable Drainage, p.161
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Sections 5.2-5.3, pp.73-86

Local requirement

Contaminated land

What does the authority say about when contamination should be investigated, risk-assessed, remediated and verified?

Development on or near potentially contaminated land requires a contaminated-land assessment and appropriate remediation.

When this answer applies: Sites that are or may be contaminated, including proposals near a potentially contaminated site.

Details and exceptions

Investigation and remediation must be proportionate to the site's history, pathways and receptors.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 37(E), Local environmental impacts, p.155
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Section 3.6, Land Contamination, pp.38-39

Local requirement

Air quality

What does the authority say about air-quality assessment, exposure, emissions and mitigation?

Major development and schemes using combined heat and power must be at least Air Quality Neutral. Specified major, EIA and sensitive-use proposals require an Air Quality Assessment, with an Air Quality Positive approach in Opportunity Areas and Housing Renewal Areas.

When this answer applies: Policy 36 sets separate triggers for neutrality, positivity and assessment; residential development in Air Quality Focus Areas is also an assessment trigger.

Details and exceptions

Read the detailed trigger list and current London-wide air-quality guidance; mitigation should be on site before equivalent off-site measures are considered.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 36(B-D) and paragraphs 36.3-36.11, pp.152-154
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Chapter 2, Air Quality, pp.11-23

Local requirement

Energy, carbon and sustainable construction

What does the authority say about energy hierarchy, operational or embodied carbon, renewable energy and sustainable construction for ordinary development?

All development should follow the London energy hierarchy. Major development must be net-zero carbon and provide an energy strategy; an unachievable on-site shortfall is addressed through justified off-site measures or a carbon-offset payment secured by legal agreement.

When this answer applies: All development, with the net-zero and energy-strategy requirements applying to major development.

Details and exceptions

Use the current London Plan method and Westminster offset guidance; feasibility and any shortfall need evidence.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 40(A-D) and paragraphs 40.1-40.10, pp.163-165
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Chapter 6, Energy, pp.88-107

Local requirement

Overheating and climate resilience

What does the authority say about overheating, urban heat, extreme weather and climate adaptation?

Every development should minimise internal overheating; major development must include a cooling strategy following the London cooling hierarchy.

When this answer applies: All development, with a formal cooling strategy required for major development.

Details and exceptions

Internal-temperature modelling and passive measures such as orientation, shading and green infrastructure are expected for relevant schemes.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 40(E) and paragraph 40.11, pp.164-165
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Section 3.8, Heat Risk, pp.45-49

Housing delivery and contributions

Local requirement

Affordable housing

What does the authority say about affordable-housing thresholds, percentages, tenure or mix, delivery and exceptions?

Major residential development must maximise affordable housing. The fast-track minimum is 35% on private land and normally 50% on public-sector land; on-site delivery is expected, with off-site provision or a payment accepted only in justified exceptional circumstances.

When this answer applies: Major residential development; different clauses govern small-scale schemes and existing affordable housing.

Details and exceptions

Tenure, viability, public-land portfolio agreements and the London Plan route affect the final requirement.
Use the full policy and current Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD for calculations.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 13, Affordable housing, pp.83-87

Application evidence and validation

Local requirement

Energy, sustainability and climate evidence

What does the authority say about when energy, carbon, sustainability, overheating and water-efficiency evidence is required?

Non-domestic development of at least 500 square metres must achieve BREEAM Excellent or equivalent. Residential conversions and extensions reaching 500 square metres or five dwellings must aim for BREEAM domestic-refurbishment Excellent or equivalent.

When this answer applies: Development meeting either Policy 42(E) threshold.

Details and exceptions

The policy also requires applicants to show how sustainable-design measures have been incorporated.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 42(D-E), Sustainable Design, pp.172-173

Local requirement

Construction, demolition and waste evidence

What does the authority say about when construction, demolition, waste, logistics and environmental-management plans are required?

Relevant development must demonstrate construction, demolition and excavation waste management through a Circular Economy Statement and, as applicable, a pre-redevelopment audit, Site Environment Management Plan or Site Waste Management Plan.

When this answer applies: The document required depends on scale and work type; referable schemes, projects above the stated construction-cost trigger and basement schemes have specific routes.

Details and exceptions

Confirm the current validation checklist and Code of Construction Practice before submission.

Sources used

Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan— Policy 41(C) and paragraph 41.3, pp.167-168
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance— Sections 7.2-7.3, pp.110-117

Economic, community and specialist uses

Separate consents and private matters

Official documents used

Every requirement above links to its supporting document and source location. Browse all of the cited City of Westminster sources together here.

Browse 3 cited documents

Westminster's planning policies (opens in a new tab)Plan status
Westminster City Council
Westminster City Plan 2019-2040 (2026) (opens in a new tab)Development plan
Westminster City Council · Adopted 21 January 2026
View official document page (opens in a new tab)
Environment Supplementary Planning Document (opens in a new tab)SPD guidance
Westminster City Council · Adopted 13 February 2026
View official document page (opens in a new tab)

Start with a common planning question

Consent, policy and location

Current development plan and policy hierarchy

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Neighbourhood plan applicability

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Site allocations and site-specific policy

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Neighbour amenity

Noise and vibration

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Artificial light and glare

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Design, form and character

Extensions

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Roof alterations and dormers

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Character, context and placemaking

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Area character and appearance

Residential quality and housing form

Internal space standards

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Private amenity space

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Accessible and adaptable homes

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Movement, parking and servicing

Vehicle parking

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Cycle parking and storage

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Electric-vehicle charging

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Refuse and recycling storage and collection

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Active travel and public transport

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Heritage, archaeology and views

Listed buildings and their setting

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Conservation areas

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Non-designated heritage assets

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Archaeology

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Nature, landscape and open space

Trees and tree preservation

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Biodiversity net gain

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Green infrastructure, open space and recreation

Details and exceptions

Sources used

Flooding, environment and climate

Flood risk and the sequential approach