Policy information sourced from the Westminster City Plan

38. Design principles

A: New development will incorporate exemplary standards of high quality, sustainable and inclusive urban design and architecture befitting Westminster’s world-class status, environment and heritage and its diverse range of locally distinctive neighbourhoods.

RESPONDING TO WESTMINSTER’S CONTEXT

B: All development will positively contribute to Westminster’s townscape and streetscape, having regard to:

  • the character and appearance of the existing area, adjacent buildings and heritage assets, the spaces around and between them and the pattern and grain of existing streets, squares, mews and passageways;
  • materials, building lines, scale, orientation, access, definition, surface treatment, height and massing;
  • the form, character and ecological value of parks, gardens and other open spaces;
  • Westminster’s waterways and waterbodies; and
  • the preservation and enhancement of the surrounding tree population.

PEOPLE-CENTRED DESIGN

C: All development will place people at the heart of design, creating inclusive and accessible spaces and places, introducing measures that reduce the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour, promoting health, well-being and active lifestyles through design and ensuring a good standard of amenity for new and existing occupiers.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

D: Development will enable the extended lifetime of buildings and spaces and respond to the likely risks and consequences of climate change by incorporating principles of sustainable design, including:

  • use of high-quality durable materials and detail;
  • providing flexible, high quality floorspace;
  • optimising resource and water efficiency;
  • enabling the incorporation of, or connection to, future services or facilities; and
  • minimising the need for plant and machinery.

E: Applicants will demonstrate how sustainable design principles and measures have been incorporated into designs, utilising environmental performance standards as follows:

  • Non-domestic developments of 500 sq m of floorspace (GIA) or above will achieve at least BREEAM “Excellent” or equivalent standard.
  • Residential conversions and extensions of 500 sq m (GIA) of residential floorspace or above, or five or more dwellings will aim to achieve “Excellent” in BREEAM domestic refurbishment or equivalent standard.

PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

F: Imaginative approaches to contemporary architecture and use of innovative modern building techniques and materials will be encouraged where they result in exemplary new buildings and public realm which incorporate the highest standards of environmental sustainability, that respect and enhance their surroundings and are integrated with and better reveal Westminster’s heritage and existing townscape.

For more information please see the City Plan