Planning Permission in Westminster

Westminster is one of the most complex and tightly regulated planning environments in the UK. As the historic heart of London, the borough contains an extraordinary concentration of listed buildings, conservation areas, heritage streetscapes, and world renowned architectural landmarks. For homeowners, this means that even modest proposals—such as extensions, façade changes, or internal alterations—often require a carefully considered planning strategy. Navigating Westminster’s planning system successfully demands precision, policy awareness, and a design approach that respects the borough’s unique character.

Understanding Westminster’s Planning Landscape

Westminster City Council oversees some of the most sensitive built environments in the country. Areas such as Mayfair, Soho, St James’s, Marylebone, Pimlico, and Belgravia are heavily protected, with strict controls on external appearance, materials, and any changes visible from the public realm. Many streets fall under Article 4 Directions, removing permitted development rights and requiring full planning permission for works that would be allowed elsewhere in London.
Basement development is another major consideration. Westminster has some of the strictest basement policies in the UK, requiring detailed structural reports, flood risk assessments, construction management plans, and neighbour impact analysis. Even internal works may require listed building consent if the property is historically significant.
In short: Westminster expects high quality design, robust justification, and a clear demonstration that proposals preserve or enhance the character of the area.

What SMARTePLANS Provides

SMARTePLANS specialises in delivering planning applications that meet the highest standards demanded by central London boroughs. For Westminster homeowners, we provide:
• Full Planning Drawings
Accurate, policy aligned drawings for extensions, loft conversions, internal reconfigurations, façade changes, and basement proposals.
• 3D Laser Surveys
We capture precise measurements and produce detailed 3D models, essential for heritage sensitive or complex properties.
• Heritage Sensitive Design
Our team understands Westminster’s conservation priorities and creates designs that respect architectural character while achieving your goals.
• Planning Agent Representation
We act as your agent from start to finish—liaising with the council, responding to queries, and managing the application until a decision is issued.
• Supporting Documents
Where required, we prepare:
• Design & Access Statements
• Heritage Statements
• Basement Impact Assessments (in partnership with specialists)
• Construction Method Statements
• Daylight/Sunlight analysis
Our approach ensures your application is complete, compliant, and professionally presented.

Key Local Planning Considerations in Westminster

1. Conservation Areas
Westminster contains over 50 conservation areas. Any proposal must demonstrate how it preserves or enhances the character of the area. This often affects:
• Rooflines
• Windows and doors
• Materials
• Extensions
• Boundary treatments
2. Listed Buildings
Many properties in Westminster are Grade II or Grade II* listed. Internal alterations often require consent, and external changes must be justified with heritage evidence.
3. Basement Development
Westminster’s basement policy is among the strictest in the UK. Proposals must consider:
• Structural integrity
• Flood risk
• Construction impact
• Neighbour amenity
• Noise and vibration
4. Façade Preservation
Street facing elevations are highly protected. Even small changes—such as replacing windows—may require permission.
5. Neighbour Amenity
Daylight, sunlight, privacy, and sense of enclosure are major considerations in dense urban areas.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for Westminster Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Westminster’s demanding planning framework. Our 99% approval rate reflects our commitment to policy led design, meticulous preparation, and proactive communication with planning officers.

Homeowners choose us because:

• We understand Westminster’s unique constraints
• We produce high quality drawings and documentation
• We manage the entire process, reducing stress and delays
• We specialise in heritage and conservation sensitive design
• We deliver fast turnaround times without compromising quality
Whether you’re planning an extension, internal reconfiguration, loft conversion, or basement, we ensure your proposal is robust, compliant, and positioned for approval.

Start Your Westminster Planning Application Today

If you’re ready to begin, SMARTePLANS can provide a free, no obligation quote and outline the best strategy for your project. Our team handles everything—from surveys to submission—so you can move forward with confidence.