London
West London. Prime streets, big regeneration, airport limits.
West London ranges from the prime streets of Westminster and Kensington to large regeneration schemes at Old Oak, White City and Wembley, and the outer suburbs around Heathrow. The questions differ sharply across it: heritage and basements in the centre, infrastructure and phasing in the regeneration areas, and airport limits on height and noise further out. Philip’s career includes large-scale regeneration in West London.
Boroughs
Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames and Westminster.
What to consider
- Heritage and prime areasWestminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Richmond have extensive conservation areas and listed buildings, and policies on basements, roof extensions and loss of homes.
- Old Oak and Park RoyalThe Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation is the planning authority for its area, not the boroughs, with its own local plan.
- Regeneration areasWhite City, Wembley, Southall and the Great West Corridor are planned for large-scale change, with infrastructure and phasing that shape what can be built when.
- HeathrowAround the airport, height limits, noise and safeguarding affect what can be built and where homes are acceptable.
- Change of use limitsWestminster and other central boroughs have removed the Class MA right in large areas, so converting offices or shops to homes usually needs a planning application.
London-wide rules
How we help
- Feasibility studies: what the site or building could become, and what each option costs and returns
- Site identification: finding and securing the right site
- Development management: managing the scheme, including the planning process and the right planning consultant
- Delivery strategy for complex sites
- Project management
Common questions
Can I convert an office in Westminster to flats without planning permission?
Usually not. Westminster and other central boroughs have Article 4 directions removing the Class MA right in much of their area, so a planning application is normally needed.
Who decides planning applications at Old Oak?
The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, rather than the borough.