The Strategic Planning Committee of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 10 February 2026 to discuss two key items: the proposed change of use for a building on Harewood Avenue to a street cleansing vehicle depot, and alterations to Cavendish Square under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931. The committee approved the change of use for the Harewood Avenue site with added conditions, and also granted consent for the works in Cavendish Square, with a note urging the developer to consider attractive hoarding during the extensive closure period.

Street Cleansing Vehicle Depot at 61 Harewood Avenue

The committee considered an application to change the use of a vacant building at 61 Harewood Avenue from a Meals on Wheels distribution hub to a street cleansing vehicle depot. The proposal, put forward by Westminster City Council, aims to relocate an existing depot from Lisson Grove due to potential redevelopment.

Key discussions and decisions:

• Concerns raised by residents and local representatives: A significant number of objections were received, primarily focusing on potential noise and disturbance from vehicle movements and operational hours (5 am to 10 pm daily), loss of privacy, light pollution, and increased traffic. Concerns were also raised about public health risks, including vermin and odour, and the safety implications of electric vehicle charging. Councillor Robert Rigby, representing the Blandford Estate Residents Association, and Emma Rosenberg, a resident of Morden House, spoke against the application, highlighting the proximity of the depot to residential properties and the potential negative impact on residents' quality of life.
• Council's response and proposed mitigation: Council officers and representatives from Westminster City Council emphasised that the site would be a vehicle storage and charging facility only, with no waste being brought to the site. They highlighted the use of electric vehicles, which would improve air quality, and detailed an Operational Management Plan designed to mitigate noise and disturbance. This plan included measures such as switching off reversing alarms when not in use, conducting noisy maintenance within the building with doors closed, and ensuring staff conduct themselves appropriately.
• Decision: The committee voted 3-2 to grant conditional permission for the change of use. Councillors Patrick Lilley, Sara Hassan, and Jason Williams voted in favour, while Councillors Rachael Robathan and Jim Glen voted against. Additional conditions were added requiring the submission of details for both gates to demonstrate noise minimisation and an amendment to the Operational Management Plan to include contact details for residents' complaints.

Cavendish Square Alterations under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931

The committee considered an application made by Westminster City Council under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931 for alterations to the surface of Cavendish Square necessary to enable the development of the subsoil and for improvements to the public open space. This application was linked to an existing planning permission for the conversion of the underground car park into a mixed-use facility, including a healthcare facility.

Key discussions and decisions:

• Purpose of the application: The 1931 Act restricts built development in London Squares to protect their use as open spaces. However, it allows for works necessary for the development of the subsoil, provided they do not unduly interfere with the use of the square. This application sought approval that the proposed surface works were reasonably necessary for the underground development and would improve the public open space.
• Concerns about the duration of closure: A significant point of discussion was the proposed closure of the square. The entire square would be closed for approximately 4.4 years, with the southern half remaining closed for an additional 2.6 years, totalling up to seven years. Councillor Patrick Lilley expressed concern about this lengthy closure, questioning if it was truly necessary and suggesting that half the square could remain open at any given time.
• Developer's justification: Sam Potter, representing the developer, explained that the extended closure period was a necessary contingency to ensure the project could be completed without further applications, given the complexity of the underground works and the potential for unforeseen delays.
• Improvements to the public realm: It was noted that the proposed works would significantly enhance the public open space, including new planting, improved pathways, and the reinstatement of heritage features.
• Decision: The committee unanimously granted consent under Section 3 of the London Squares Preservation Act 1931. A note was made urging the developer to consider attractive hoarding during the closure period to mitigate the visual impact.

The meeting concluded at 8:07 pm.