ԭ

☰ Close
☰ Menu

Westminster rewrites its construction rules

3 hours Westminster City Council has published a revised and updated Code of ԭ Practice planning document.

Westminster City Council’s new Code of ԭ Practice (CoCP) sets out the framework that developers and contractors must follow to manage and reduce their impact on the environment, as well as on the highway and footway network, during construction and demolition activities.

The aim is to promote a cleaner environment while supporting local economic and social growth.

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “Westminster’s updated Code of ԭ Practice raises the bar for how construction work is carried out across our city.

“By strengthening standards on air quality, emissions, noise, and the wider impacts of construction, we are making sure development is managed responsibly and that disruption to residents and businesses is kept to a minimum.

“This is about building a fairer Westminster – ensuring growth supports healthier neighbourhoods, protects our communities, and minimised pollution.”

In 2019, Westminster City Council declared a climate emergency, committing to become a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero city by 2040. In 2025, the council adopted its statutory Air Quality Action Plan (2025–2030) to work towards WHO guideline levels of air pollution by 2040.

To help meet these targets, the council requires retrofit and refurbishment to be prioritised over demolition and rebuild wherever possible. Where demolition or major construction work is unavoidable, the CoCP sets environmental standards, sustainability targets and community protection measures to minimise impacts.

Following a full review and redraft of the document, a full public consultation was held from November 2025 to January 2026.  The update, running to 127 pages, can be found .

Construction News