Policy will require developers to fully explore ‘all reasonable options’ for retrofitting a building
Westminster City Council has formally adopted a ‘retrofit-first’ policy as part of its City Plan which was agreed at a meeting last night.
The initiative will require developers to fully explore “all reasonable options” for retrofitting or adapting existing buildings before seeking permission to demolish them.
The council said it will put Westminster at “the forefront of local government action on climate change”.
The policy has been under consideration since 2022 and forms an important part of the council’s plan to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Councillor Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “The new City Plan sets a clear strategy for sustainable growth in Westminster – we will be a leading local authority in tackling the climate crisis and building the genuinely affordable homes our residents need.
“Our Retrofit First policy will reduce carbon emissions from development and keep us on track to become a net zero city by 2040.”
The council also said it had designated four sites “with significant potential for mixed-use development”. These are St Mary’s Hospital, Westbourne Park Bus Garage, land adjacent to Royal Oak, and Grosvenor Sidings.
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