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 Harewood Avenue application with conditions, and granted consent for the Cavendish Square works.

61 Harewood Avenue, London NW1 6PA

The committee granted conditional permission for the change of use of a former Meals on Wheels distribution hub at 61 Harewood Avenue to a street cleansing vehicle depot. This decision was made despite significant objections from local residents, ward councillors, and amenity groups concerning noise, traffic, and residential amenity. The new depot will replace an existing facility at Lisson Grove, which is earmarked for redevelopment.

The proposal involves accommodating 39 street cleansing vehicles, including electric cargo bikes and vans, and will operate between 5 am and 10 pm daily. Key concerns raised by objectors included potential noise and disturbance from vehicle movements and staff, loss of privacy, light pollution, and increased traffic. Residents of the adjacent Blandford Estate and Morden House expressed particular concern about the impact on their quality of life.

Westminster City Council's officers, along with representatives from the applicant, argued that the proposed operational management plan, including noise mitigation measures such as switching off reversing alarms and conducting noisy maintenance within the building with doors closed, would adequately address these concerns. Environmental Health and Highways Officers raised no objections, subject to recommended conditions.

The committee voted 3-2 in favour of granting conditional permission. 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. Councillor Robert Rigby, representing the objectors, addressed the committee, highlighting concerns about noise, public health, and the fairness of the process.

Cavendish Square, W1

The committee unanimously granted consent under Section 3 of the London Squares Preservation Act 1931 for alterations to the surface of Cavendish Square. These works are necessary to enable the development of the subsoil for a new healthcare facility and associated commercial uses, as previously granted planning permission.

The approved works include improvements to the public open space, such as reinstating pathways, replacing lawns and planting, and installing new lighting. A significant aspect of the approval is the temporary closure of the square. The entire square will be closed for a maximum of 4.4 years, with the southern half remaining closed for an additional 2.6 years, totalling seven years for the full project completion. This extended closure is to facilitate extensive underground works, including the enlargement of basement levels.

Sam Potter, representing the developer Reef + Partners, explained that the proposed closure period is a necessary contingency to ensure the project's successful delivery. While acknowledging the long duration of the closure, the committee noted that the developer has an interest in completing the works as quickly as possible. Members urged the developer to consider attractive hoarding during the closure period to mitigate the visual impact on this prominent public space. The council will retain ownership of the park area, with the developer managing it under a license during the construction period.

The decision to grant consent was based on the assessment that the proposed surface works are reasonably necessary for the development of the subsoil and will ultimately improve the use of the square for its authorised purposes as an ornamental garden and public space.