Westminster Council announces free planning advice service for residents

Westminster Council has announced a free planning advice service to help residents and community groups to respond to planning applications, but it is only available to those seeking help with “major developments”.

Around 3,500 planning applications are submitted in Westminster each year. Of these, approximately 40 are major applications — those proposing over 1,000 square metres of new floorspace, or 10 or more homes.

“The Community Planning Advice Service (CPAS) provides individuals and groups with access to free and professional planning advice on major developments being proposed in Westminster,” says the council.

“Major developments typically leave a lasting impact on the local area, and as part of our commitment to a Fairer Westminster, we believe everyone should be able to have access to information and be equipped to have a say.”

These applications often contain dozens of documents and drawings to look at. A recent application for the redevelopment of part of the University of Westminster in Hanson Street had nearly 200 documents lodged with the application.

However, even small applications can have an impact on people’s lives and the CPAS will not offer help with responding to these. Although an existing voluntary service by the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Association will provide help with responding to these smaller applications (email: fna@fitzrovia.org.uk).

Westminster Council says its new service is a pilot project which will initially run until February 2026 and has to be delivered within the constraints of funding available but this could be reviewed.

The CPAS is being provided by Planning Aid for London, a registered charity which has over 50 years experience of giving professional planning advice for communities across London.

“If you are a resident, community member or business with an interest in a current major planning application in Westminster, you are eligible to submit a request,” says the council.

Westminster City Council, Community Planning Advice Service.

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