Westminster Council adopts retrofit-first policy

Westminster City Council has formally adopted a revised City Plan that introduces a ‘Retrofit First’ policy and sets tougher requirements for affordable housing, as part of its broader strategy to support sustainable growth and meet net zero targets.

Approved at a full council meeting on 21 January, the updated City Plan 2019–2040 (2026) follows an independent inspection and now forms part of Westminster’s statutory development framework.

At the core of the plan is the Retrofit First policy, which compels developers to fully examine refurbishment and extension options before pursuing demolition and new construction. The policy is described as a “retrofit-first, not retrofit-only” approach, aimed at reducing embodied carbon emissions while accelerating the modernisation of Westminster’s commercial property stock.

Alongside sustainability measures, the new plan also adjusts affordable housing expectations. The required proportion of social rent units in new developments will rise from 40% to 70%, with intermediate housing reduced from 60% to 30%. For the first time, schemes with fewer than 10 homes must also contribute to affordable housing provision.

The council has designated four strategic sites for mixed-use development to help meet long-term housing and employment goals. These include St Mary’s Hospital, Westbourne Park Bus Garage, land adjacent to Royal Oak, and Grosvenor Sidings. The aim is to unlock new homes, workplaces, improved public spaces and a modernised St Mary’s Hospital.

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said the plan represents a clear strategy for sustainable growth. “Our Retrofit First policy will reduce carbon emissions from development and keep us on track to become a net zero city by 2040,” he said.

He added that the council’s tougher affordable housing requirements would help ensure development delivers wider community benefits.

The revised plan will now guide development decisions across the borough, which covers much of central London including the West End, Oxford Street, and key national institutions such as the Houses of Parliament.

The council has confirmed it is now launching a full review of the City Plan to ensure policy continues to meet evolving needs and reflects Westminster’s longer-term ambitions.