The Strategic Planning Committee of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 16 September 2025, where they unanimously approved a significant redevelopment project at 114-150 Queensway and 97-113 Inverness Terrace, W2. This decision involved the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of two new interlinked buildings, comprising residential units and ground-floor commercial spaces.

Redevelopment of 114-150 Queensway and 97-113 Inverness Terrace, W2

The committee unanimously granted conditional planning permission for the demolition of the existing buildings at 114-150 Queensway and 97-113 Inverness Terrace, W2 and their redevelopment. The approved plans include the construction of two interlinked buildings, up to seven storeys high, featuring ground-floor commercial units (Class E) and residential units (Class C3) on the upper levels, including affordable homes.

The decision was made subject to the completion of a legal agreement to secure several obligations. These include the provision of 35% affordable housing (70% social, 30% intermediate), an early-stage viability review, financial contributions towards play space improvements (£5,546), carbon offset payments (£485,529), and employment and skills initiatives (£110,643.90). The agreement also mandates car-free development, contributions to highway works, improvements to Lady Samuels Garden, additional tree planting (£20,000), and covers the costs of monitoring the S106 agreement.

The committee also agreed that if the legal agreement was not completed within three months, the Director of Town Planning & Building Control would assess whether the permission could be issued with additional conditions. If not, the application would be reported back to the committee.

The redevelopment was supported by Vabel (the applicant), represented by Jeremy Spencer and Nick Evans, and by John Zamit from the South East Bayswater Residents Association. The planning officer provided verbal clarifications regarding minor errors in the report, including the completion of a land use table, the hours of operation for the supermarket, and the resolution of objections from the lead local flood authority regarding drainage proposals.

The decision to approve the development was based on a comprehensive assessment of its planning merits, including its contribution to housing targets, the provision of affordable housing, and its design quality. While acknowledging concerns raised by some residents regarding daylight and sunlight impacts, particularly on neighbouring properties such as Aird House and Cervantes Court, the committee concluded that these impacts were acceptable within the urban context and were outweighed by the significant public benefits of the scheme. The development is expected to provide a substantial contribution to the City Council's housing provision and deliver a policy-compliant level of affordable housing. The project also aims to enhance the local economy through job creation and support sustainable travel initiatives.

The committee also noted the applicant's commitment to community consultation regarding improvements to Lady Samuels Garden, as suggested in an additional informative.