A Fairer Westminster must be one that works for all, and one scheme that epitomises how our strategy works in action is our Church Street development. In the surrounding area of Church Street there are 16,000 people living within less than a square mile and unemployment stands at 8.8%.
After a successful planning process, where we completely redesigned the detailed element of the application to encompass the second staircase requirement, even before legislation had come into force, we’re now soon to choose a development partner for a major regeneration project. This will begin with the first site with more than 400 new homes delivered and the prospect of continuing the delivery over the coming 10 years.
The role of the council’s planning department is integral as Westminster handles more than 12,000 planning applications every year – more than anywhere else in the UK.
“Following a period of consistent and open community engagement we were able to build a strong relationship with local residents and they now have an optimistic view of the project”
With all of our schemes, we have taken a committed approach to nurturing meaningful community engagement.
This was important in our project at Ebury Bridge, a 1930s redbrick estate that contained a multitude of issues such as poor energy efficiency, lack of noise insulation and anti-social behaviour. Following a failed scheme (which had received planning permission, won a successful resident ballot and yet couldn’t attract a development partner), we were required to go back to the drawing board.
But following a period of consistent and open community engagement, we were able to build a strong relationship with local residents and they now have an optimistic view of the project. For this scheme, which includes nearly 400 new council homes, residents have the right to return to a new home supported by a dedicated rehousing team and a generous interest-free equity loan for leaseholders.
The scheme includes 212 homes for the open market, with the capital receipts from these being reinvested in new affordable homes.
Beyond Westminster’s internationally renowned landmarks, there is a dire need for affordable housing.
We stand ready to deliver.
James Green, director of regeneration and development, Westminster City Council