Join us at our first WPA seminar of 2025 - an exclusive member briefing on the planning policies set to shape the year ahead. 

Taking place at Landsec’s Victoria headquarters, attendees will hear about the latest phase of Westminster City Council’s Partial Review, which you can read more about below. Our panel of industry leaders in development, planning and engineering (which you can view here) will also reflect on incoming changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, the London Plan and the full review of Westminster Council’s City Plan expected later this year. 

Due to limited space and in order to support an open discussion, this seminar is only available to paying WPA member companies. 

Date: Wednesday 29 January 

Time: 8:00am – 10:00am 

Venue: Landsec, Project Space, 80 Victoria Street, SW1E 5JL 

Events

Tickets are now on sale for our 2025 WPA Annual Dinner, taking place on Thursday 1 May at The Londoner Hotel, Leicester Square.  

The dinner is the perfect opportunity for WPA members to enjoy an exclusive evening of entertainment with industry peers and celebrate Westminster’s built environment. You can view photos of last year’s sell-out dinner here. 

Members can purchase a table of 10 or individual tickets with prices frozen for 2025, alongside annual membership fees. Prices include a champagne reception and half bottle of wine per person, or alternative low and non-alcoholic options on request. A selection of soft drinks will be available free of charge, and guests are able to purchase additional drinks on the night.  

Early booking is recommended.

Date: Thursday 1 May 2025

Time: 7:00pm – late

Venue:  The Londoner, 50 Whitcomb Street, WC2H 7DY

Ticket Price: £350.00 per person

Dress code: Black tie 

Westminster policy updates

Partial Review of the City Plan 

WPA is continuing to work with members and Westminster City Council to finalise a Statement of Common Ground ahead of the Partial Review's Examination in Public, anticipated to take place from March 2025. You can review all of the documents linking to the Partial Review on our website here, where we will also post future updates.  

Last chance to respond to Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) consultation

Serving as an evidence document supporting the City Plan, the IDP will become the City Council's strategy for infrastructure whilst also providing detail of individual planned projects and how much funding is required. The IDP helps to ensure development happens in the right place and is supported by the correct types of infrastructure, largely funded by CIL and S106 developer contributions. Respond to the survey here before 17 January.  

Private rented property licensing consultation still open

You have until 19 January to share your views on the proposed selective licensing scheme for private landlords in 15 of Westminster’s wards. Respond to the consultation here. WPA is also preparing a response so feel free to contact andrea.williams@cwpa.org.uk for further details.

New draft Neighbourhood Plans launched

The City Council is consulting on the future of both the St James’s and Hyde Park Paddington areas. Respond to the St James’s Plan ahead of the 28 January deadline here, and the Hyde Park Paddington Plan before 26 February here. 

National policy updates

Consultation on energy performance reform underway

The Government is consulting on proposed reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) framework, including proposed changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). You can submit your views by 26 February here.

National planning committee reform 

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is inviting views on a series of questions that will help inform a future Planning and Infrastructure Bill and potential changes to planning committees. Find out more here. The WPA will also be contributing to this important debate. For further details contact andrea.williams@cwpa.org.uk.  

News

Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus public realm design contract awarded

Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate have jointly appointed Allies and Morrison to lead an ambitious design that will deliver more sustainable, inclusive and accessible streets whilst preserving the area’s world-class heritage. Read more here. 

West End office take-up by a fifth 

The latest data from Savills has found that occupiers struck deals for a combined 830,000 sq ft across the capital during November, with take-up in the West End up by a fifth compared to 2023. Read more here (£). 

Oxford Street retail parade overhaul approved  

On Tuesday, Westminster’s Planning Sub Committee (1) approved plans to revamp nine commercial units for new retail and leisure spaces. The current occupants of Park House, a mixed-use development on Oxford Street, are not expected to renew their leases. Read more here. 

Westminster voice

In his New Year message, Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug reflects on the successes of 2024 including the work of the Sustainable City Charter and progress overhauling public spaces. 

Watch the video here.  

Partner events and updates

Insight on social change

Renowned speaker, barrister, and author of ‘People Like Us’, Hashi Mohamed, will share his insights on social change, planning and the role we all play in building a more inclusive society in this event organised by WPA partner, PREACH inclusion. 

Please select one of the 'PREACH Inclusion’ ticket options when booking. 

Date: Thursday 16 January 2025

Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Venue:  Montagu Evans, 70 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8BE

Preservation, Planning & Progress: The Circular Economy in Action 

WPA members are invited to a Westminster Business Council event supported by Stanhope, Montagu Evans and Gerald Eve discussing the circular economy principles and preservation in action at the groundbreaking development at 1 Victoria.  

WPA members can access tickets at a discounted rate using the code: WPAVIP 

Date: Tuesday 28 January 

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm  

Venue: 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5ND 

LandAid SleepOut

LandAid’s seventh Sleepout offers a unique opportunity to support young people experiencing homelessness, connect with colleagues outside the office and grow your professional network.

Date: Thursday 27 - Friday 28 February 2025 

Time: 7:00pm – 7:00am

Venue: Eight venues across the UK or SleepOut at Home 

Member resources

Access our latest research here.

Access our Diversity Guidebooks here.

The resources on offer will continue to evolve and currently include:

📹 Recordings and presentations from past webinars on a range of topics

🏢 Insightful case studies

📃 Resources on how to best achieve the seven Charter commitment

For any questions or suggestions on potential additions to the toolkit or for further information on the Charter, please email the Climate Emergency team here.