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Consultation - Public Realm Guidance SPD for Westminster

THIS CONSULTATION HAS NOW CLOSED

Westminster City Council consulted on new draft Public Realm guidance, from Monday 7th October to Monday 18th November 2024. 

This guidance aims to shape and improve the public spaces between and around buildings, including alleyways, streets, squares, parks, and other open spaces.

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About the project

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The Public Realm SPD presents the council’s approach to the design, maintenance, and use of the public realm. 

The guidance is intended for developers, neighbourhood forums, community groups, consultants and anyone who is passionate about or has a responsibility to shape Westminster’s public realm.

To read more about what the Public Realm is and how you can participate in the consultation, see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Public Realm SPD and the Consultation below.

Aims of the Consultation

We asked respondents to:

  • Identify any issues with the guidance
  • Feedback on the documents usability and readability 
  • Highlight if there is anything missing or unclear

Below are a set of surveys asking for feedback on the SPD chapters and the accompanying documents. There is one survey per chapter of guidance or appendix document. You are not required to answer all surveys, so you can comment on what matters most to you! 
 
Consultation closed at 11.59pm, Monday 18th November 2024.

Read the full SPD and the Summary Guide

Westminster’s Streets and Spaces - Public Realm Guidance SPD for Westminster

Public Realm Guidance SPD

Click here to read the adopted SPD (2025) and the 2024 consultation materials

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You Said, We Did

See how engagement (both non-statutory and statutory) have informed the adoption version of the Public Realm Guidance SPD.

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Timeline

Principles and concepts

Late 2022 - Early 2023

Informal engagement

13th March 2023 - 21st March 2023
At this stage of the process, we aimed to gather initial feedback on key issues related to Westminster’s public realm. The input collected was crucial in shaping the development of the draft Public Realm Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). By engaging early with stakeholders, the session helped identify priorities, concerns, and opportunities, which would guide the creation of a more informed and effective draft SPD.

Internal Consultation

23rd July 2024 - 5th August 2024
At this stage, we asked Westminster officers and colleagues to identify any issues with the document or any potential risks. We asked for feedback to ensure the guidance is in line with current regulations/other council strategies, and is legally compliant.

Refine and finalise draft

6th August 2024 - 4th October 2024
At this stage, the emphasis was on reviewing the feedback gathered from the internal consultation. This involved thoroughly evaluating officer input and making appropriate revisions. Consequently, several sections of the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) were reworked to address issues, integrate recommendations, and enhance overall clarity.

Formal Public Consultation

7th October 2024 - 18th November 2024
We launched a public consultation for a period of six weeks. The aims of the consultation were to identify and address concerns and potential issues with the guidance; identify where guidance needed further information or if there were any missing details, and to gain constructive feedback on the readability and usability of the document.

Refine and finalise

19th November 2024 - January/February 2025
At this stage of the process, the focus will be on reflecting on the feedback received from the previous consultation. This will involve carefully considering the input provided by stakeholders and making necessary adjustments. As a result, specific sections of the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) may be redrafted to address concerns, incorporate suggestions, and improve clarity, ensuring the document better aligns with the needs and expectations of its users.

Adoption!

Summer 2025 - Summer 2025
The revised SPD is formally presented to the council’s cabinet members for approval. Once adopted, it becomes a material consideration in planning decisions, providing further detail and guidance on policies contained in the City Plan and other regimes.

News

Image of people celebrating in public seating area with tables and chairs in front of a cafe with a banner saying public realm SPD adoption

Public Realm Guidance SPD Adopted 🎉

We’re delighted to let you know that on 16th August 2025, Westminster City Council formally adopted the Westminster’s Streets and Spaces Public Realm Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (PR SPD).

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The SPD is nearing Adoption!

A Cabinet Member Report for the adoption of 'Westminster’s Streets and Spaces - Public Realm Guidance Supplementary Planning Document' has now been published. A copy of the report and appendices is av

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Carnaby Street

Thank you for taking part - Consultation has now closed

Thank you to everyone who participated in the formal consultation on Westminster’s Streets and Spaces – Public Realm Supplementary Planning Document. The consultation officially closed on Monday, 18th

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Paddington Canal

Only one week left to comment!

Westminster City Council is conducting formal consultation on Westminster’s Streets and Spaces – Public Realm Supplementary Planning Document. The consultation will close on Monday 18th November.The g

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Join our event on Wednesday 13th November 2024

On Wednesday 13th November 2024, 5pm to 8pm, join us for a drop-in session on the Public Realm SPD as part of the final stage of the consultation process. This hybrid event will be held both online an

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Development on Harrow Road, Westminster

Have Your Say: Westminster City Council Seeks Input on Public Realm SPD

Westminster City Council is undertaking formal consultation on the new draft Public Realm Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This consultation aims to gather insights from a wide range of stakehol

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Further Information and Resources

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Consultation FAQs

What is the purpose of this consultation? What kind of feedback are we looking for and how will your responses be used?

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Public Realm Guidance SPD FAQs

What exactly is the Public Realm Guidance SPD, where will it cover and what can it do?

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Language services

Click here for translation services

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Consultation with Commonplace

How easy was it for you to provide feedback using Commonplace?

Project:Westminster’s Streets and Spaces - Public Realm Guidance SPD for Westminster

Planning Policy

For queries concerning the consultation please contact: